Unlocking Potential: Fallout New Vegas ED-E Both Upgrades

28 Apr 2024

The Mojave Wasteland is a harsh mistress, fraught with dangers at every turn. Whether facing down marauding raiders, mutated creatures, or navigating the complex politics of New Vegas itself, having an edge can mean the difference between survival and becoming another forgotten skeleton. For players who choose to ally with the enigmatic eyebot, ED-E, a unique opportunity presents itself: the chance to unlock not one, but two powerful upgrades, forever altering their journey.

But the choice is rarely simple. Should you prioritize the Brotherhood of Steel's advanced targeting system or the enigmatic Enclave's weaponry modifications? Each path offers tantalizing benefits, but the decision to pursue one often means missing out on the other. This choice, however, doesn't have to be a source of frustration. Through a combination of in-game actions and a dash of savvy exploration, players can circumvent this seemingly restrictive choice and acquire both upgrades, transforming ED-E into a veritable force of destruction and utility.

ED-E, a relic of pre-war technology, is far more than just a floating inventory chest. He is a loyal companion, a skilled hacker, and with the right upgrades, a potent weapon against the wasteland's many threats. The first upgrade path, offered by the Brotherhood of Steel, enhances ED-E's targeting systems. This results in increased weapon accuracy and range, making him a deadly sniper companion capable of picking off enemies from afar. For players who prefer a more direct approach, the Enclave upgrade path provides an arsenal boost. This modification grants ED-E access to a powerful laser weapon, turning him into a formidable close-to-medium range fighter.

The ability to obtain both upgrades, while not immediately obvious, is a game-changer. It eliminates the need to choose between two playstyles, allowing players to mold ED-E into a multi-faceted companion capable of handling any situation. This opens up a world of tactical possibilities, letting players leverage ED-E's strengths to their advantage in any encounter. Imagine, for instance, engaging a group of raiders. ED-E, with his Brotherhood upgrades, could provide long-range support, picking off enemies while you flank from cover. Suddenly, a Deathclaw bursts from hiding, ready to strike. No problem! Switch to ED-E's Enclave weapon system, and unleash a barrage of laser fire, keeping the beast at bay while you reposition for a critical attack.

The ability to switch between these upgrades on the fly grants players unparalleled flexibility in combat, making ED-E less of a companion and more of a secret weapon. This duality is further amplified by the fact that ED-E's upgrades affect not just his combat prowess, but also his utility. The Brotherhood's enhancements improve his sensor range, allowing him to detect enemies and points of interest from further away, effectively acting as an early warning system. The Enclave modifications, on the other hand, bolster his processing power, granting him the ability to hack more complex terminals and potentially unlock secret areas or valuable loot.

So, how does one go about breaking the mold and acquiring both upgrades? The key lies in understanding the questlines associated with each faction. Normally, siding with one faction locks you out of the other's upgrade path. However, by carefully maneuvering through the questlines, completing certain objectives for both the Brotherhood and the Enclave up to a specific point, you can trigger a unique dialogue option. This hidden dialogue path allows you to convince a key character to provide you with both upgrades, essentially circumventing the faction restrictions.

The quest for a fully upgraded ED-E is not without its challenges. It requires a deep understanding of the game's mechanics, a willingness to experiment, and perhaps a bit of save-scumming along the way. But for those who persevere, the rewards are well worth the effort. A fully upgraded ED-E is a testament to your ingenuity and your dedication to maximizing your Fallout New Vegas experience. He becomes a symbol of your mastery over the Mojave Wasteland, a loyal companion who has quite literally seen it all and emerged stronger, smarter, and infinitely more capable.