Unveiling the Snow Globes of New Vegas: A Collector’s Guide
In the vast and unforgiving Mojave Wasteland of Fallout: New Vegas, amidst the dangers of Deathclaws and the political machinations of warring factions, lies a peculiar side quest: the hunt for snow globes. These seemingly insignificant trinkets are highly sought after by Mr. House, the enigmatic ruler of New Vegas, who offers a substantial reward for each one recovered. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for locating all the snow globes scattered throughout the game, detailing their locations, the challenges you might face in acquiring them, and the ultimate payoff for your efforts.
The Allure of Snow Globes in a Post-Apocalyptic World
The presence of snow globes in New Vegas adds a touch of whimsicality to the otherwise grim setting. They represent a connection to a pre-war world, a time of relative peace and prosperity. For Mr. House, these items likely hold sentimental value, perhaps reminding him of a bygone era or serving as a symbol of his ambition to rebuild society. For the player, the snow globe quest offers a welcome distraction from the main storyline and a chance to explore the diverse locations within the game.
Locating the Elusive Snow Globes
Finding all the snow globes requires a keen eye, a willingness to explore, and sometimes, a bit of combat prowess. Here’s a breakdown of each snow globe location:
Goodsprings Cemetery Snow Globe
The first snow globe you might encounter is located in the Goodsprings Cemetery. Head to the northern part of the cemetery and look for a small grave marked with a shovel. The snow globe will be sitting on top of the grave.
Hoover Dam Snow Globe
This snow globe is found inside the Hoover Dam Visitor Center. After entering, head to the right, through the gift shop area. The snow globe is sitting on a desk in the back corner of the room.
Jacobstown Snow Globe
To find the Jacobstown snow globe, travel to Jacobstown and enter the lodge. The snow globe is located on a nightstand in the room that belongs to Dr. Henry.
Lucky 38 Cocktail Lounge Snow Globe
This snow globe is perhaps the easiest to acquire. After gaining access to the Lucky 38 casino, head to the cocktail lounge. The snow globe is sitting on the bar.
Mount Charleston Snow Globe
Reaching this snow globe requires a bit of a trek. Head up Mount Charleston until you reach the Charleston Peak Trailhead. Continue up the trail until you reach a small, dilapidated cabin. The snow globe is inside the cabin, on a shelf.
Nellis Air Force Base Snow Globe
Acquiring this snow globe involves navigating the dangerous territory of the Nellis Air Force Base, home to the Boomers. You’ll need to gain their trust or sneak past them. Once inside the museum, the snow globe is located on a table near the entrance.
New Vegas Medical Clinic Snow Globe
This snow globe is found inside the New Vegas Medical Clinic. It’s located on a shelf behind Dr. Usanagi’s desk. You may need to pick the lock to her office if she’s not present.
Old Mormon Fort Snow Globe
Head to the Old Mormon Fort in Freeside. Enter the building and find Julie Farkas. The snow globe is located on a shelf in her office.
Repconn Headquarters Snow Globe
This snow globe is located on the second floor of the Repconn Headquarters, inside the gift shop. Be prepared to deal with Feral Ghouls that inhabit the building.
Test Site Snow Globe
Finding this snow globe requires venturing into the Nevada Test Site. The snow globe is located inside the observation tower, on a desk.
Vault 21 Snow Globe
Enter Vault 21, located in the center of the New Vegas Strip. The snow globe is located in Sarah Weintraub’s room, on a small table near the bed.
Tips for Snow Globe Hunting
- Plan Your Route: Consider the order in which you collect the snow globes. Some locations are more dangerous than others, so it’s best to start with the easier ones.
- Increase Your Lockpicking Skill: Many snow globes are located behind locked doors, so investing in your Lockpicking skill is highly recommended.
- Bring a Companion: Having a companion can provide extra firepower and carry additional loot.
- Be Prepared for Combat: Some locations are heavily guarded, so make sure you have adequate weapons, armor, and ammunition.
- Save Frequently: The Mojave Wasteland is unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to save your progress regularly.
The Reward for Your Efforts
Once you’ve collected all the snow globes, head back to Mr. House in the Lucky 38 casino. He will reward you handsomely for each snow globe, providing a significant boost to your caps stash. The total reward for collecting all the snow globes is substantial, making it a worthwhile endeavor for any aspiring wasteland entrepreneur.
The Lore Behind the Snow Globes
While the in-game explanation for Mr. House’s obsession with snow globes is never explicitly stated, there are several theories. Some believe they represent a connection to his past, a reminder of the world before the Great War. Others suggest they are a symbol of his ambition to rebuild society, representing the fragile beauty he hopes to restore to the Mojave Wasteland. Regardless of the true reason, the snow globes add a layer of depth and intrigue to the character of Mr. House and the overall narrative of New Vegas. The act of collecting these snow globes becomes more than just a fetch quest; it’s a journey through the history and the fractured dreams of the Mojave.
Snow Globes as a Metaphor
Beyond their monetary value and potential lore implications, the snow globes can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the state of the world in Fallout: New Vegas. Each snow globe encapsulates a miniature version of a significant location, preserving a moment in time. Similarly, the characters and factions in the game are all trying to preserve their own versions of the past or create their own futures, often clashing in the process. The snow globes, in their fragile beauty, serve as a reminder of what was lost and what could potentially be rebuilt. [See also: Fallout New Vegas Factions Guide]
The Enduring Appeal of Snow Globes
Even years after its release, the snow globe quest in Fallout: New Vegas remains a popular and engaging side activity. The combination of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, coupled with the intriguing lore surrounding the snow globes themselves, makes it a memorable experience for players. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the Mojave Wasteland, the hunt for the snow globes is a rewarding and worthwhile adventure. So, grab your gear, prepare for the dangers ahead, and set out to uncover the secrets hidden within these miniature worlds. Happy hunting!
Alternative Uses for Snow Globes
While the primary purpose of the snow globes is to sell them to Mr. House, resourceful players have found alternative uses. Some players choose to display the snow globes in their player homes, creating a unique and visually appealing collection. Others use them as markers to indicate locations they have already explored. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination. The snow globes offer a sense of accomplishment and ownership within the game world, allowing players to personalize their experience in meaningful ways. [See also: Fallout New Vegas Best Weapons]
Conclusion: The Snow Globe Legacy in New Vegas
The snow globes of Fallout: New Vegas are more than just collectibles; they are symbols of the past, metaphors for the present, and a source of both monetary reward and personal satisfaction. The quest to find them encourages exploration, rewards resourcefulness, and adds a layer of depth to the already rich and complex world of the Mojave Wasteland. So, the next time you find yourself wandering through the ruins of a pre-war building or braving the dangers of a bandit camp, keep an eye out for these elusive treasures. You never know when you might stumble upon a piece of history, encapsulated in a shimmering snow globe.
