Alright, buckle up—this isn’t your run-of-the-mill settlement guide. In Fallout 4, Vault 88 is the holy grail of vaults. No, seriously, if you’re looking to build a post-apocalyptic empire like you’ve never seen, Vault 88 is the place to do it. From its massive space to its quirky Vault-Tec experiments, it’s got everything you need to create the world’s most thriving, (reasonably) well-adjusted wasteland society. (More on that in a bit…)
The vault’s hidden under Quincy Quarries, which, let’s be honest, is a bit off the beaten path. So, sure, you won’t be in the thick of the action like you might be if you build in Diamond City, but that’s kind of the charm. Vault 88 is quiet, secluded—just waiting for you to breathe some life into it. And once you’ve set foot in it, you’ll quickly realize: this is where your empire dreams can finally come true.
The Vault 88 Backstory: A Vault Full of Potential (and Weirdness)
Vault 88 wasn’t just another run-of-the-mill experiment for Vault-Tec—oh no, it was designed to be a bit… unusual. While most vaults were built for crazy experiments like controlling social behavior or hiding from nuclear fallout (again, Vault-Tec, what were they even thinking?), Vault 88’s purpose was to force inhabitants to, uh, work together. Sounds charming, right? Imagine being locked in a giant building and told to “socialize.” Anyway, Vault-Tec abandoned this plan (because of course they did), and the vault was left to gather dust. That’s where you come in, as the mysterious figure who will step in and really make things happen. Talk about underdog potential.
Oh, and the location? Yeah, Quincy Quarries isn’t exactly a hub of activity, but it’s got a lot going for it. For one, it’s tucked away enough that you won’t have to constantly worry about getting ambushed by raiders every five seconds. You can kind of get some peace and quiet while still being close enough to the Commonwealth’s major hubs. Plus, it’s wicked close to all those resources you’ll need for the big empire you’re about to build.
Why Vault 88 is the Best Vault for Your Empire
Here’s the kicker: Vault 88 is, hands-down, the best vault to start building your empire in Fallout 4. I mean, you’ve got space—like, a lot of it. You’ve got tools to customize to your heart’s content. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s chock-full of potential. But let me break this down for you, because trust me, you’ll want to hear this.
1. Tons of Space for Expansion (So Much Space!)
One of the biggest reasons Vault 88 tops the list is because of its size. We’re talking multiple levels, each just begging to be filled with whatever your imagination can come up with. Seriously, I could’ve built an entire city in there (probably in a very chaotic, slightly dysfunctional way, but still—big potential). You won’t be crammed into tiny spaces like in Vault 81, and let’s be real, who wants to live in a shoebox when you could have a mansion in the middle of a wasteland?
Sure, the layout’s a little all over the place in the beginning, but hey, I kinda liked that about it. It felt like a blank slate—no annoying, pre-existing structures telling me how to run things. Want to build a giant power plant in one corner and a serene water garden in the other? You got it. The world is your oyster. Or, well, your vault.
2. Vault-Tec’s Customization Kit: A Dream Come True (Well, Kind Of)
Ah, Vault-Tec’s construction kit. If I’m being honest, it took me a minute to get the hang of it. I remember my first attempt at building a storage room? It ended up looking like the inside of a hoarder’s garage. Shelves everywhere. I even threw some random fire extinguishers in there for fun. But after a couple of hours (and some very bad decisions), I finally figured it out. The kit gives you complete control to design your vault however you want. You can literally build rooms from scratch, use Vault-Tec-branded furniture (because, of course), and decorate with iconic post-apocalyptic flair. Think: bright neon lights, sleek futuristic walls, and maybe some weird, questionable sculptures. (I may or may not have gone a little overboard.)
At first, I was a bit… uh, clueless, but after my 25th blueprint attempt, I finally nailed it. All I’m saying is, the more you play around with it, the more you realize Vault-Tec gave you all the tools to create something that actually feels like a home—or, if you’re like me, an ever-growing city.
3. A Self-Sustaining Economy (A.k.a. You’re Not Living on Ramen)
Now, if you’re going to build a real empire, you need to feed and clothe your people, right? Vault 88 lets you make that dream a reality. It’s not just about crafting a comfy living room (although I will never say no to a good couch), it’s about creating industries, farms, and workshops that let your vault thrive. You’ve got the space to build farms, power generators, and industrial production lines. Imagine a world where your people are all too busy building your tech empire (or crafting weaponry) to worry about anything. You’re basically running a full-on operation here.
Don’t get me started on the hydroponics setup—one word: lifesaver. My first attempt at creating a food supply was so bad, I thought I was about to starve my entire vault. But with Vault 88’s setup, there’s no reason your empire will go hungry. After all, what’s a kingdom without food and water?
4. Security That Actually Works (Well, Mostly)
Let’s face it: the wasteland is a violent place. So if you want to build an empire, you’re going to need a lot of security. Vault 88 gives you all the tools to do just that. Turrets? Check. Sentries? You bet. Automated defense systems? Oh, yeah. This vault has everything you need to make sure your settlers are as safe as possible while you’re busy expanding your influence.
I may or may not have blown up my own turrets once or twice by accident, but hey, nobody’s perfect. And you’ll get to unlock some seriously fun security systems as you progress. Even if you don’t want to get too crazy with the turrets, the sheer scale of the vault makes it easy to plan defensive structures.
5. Endless Possibilities for Growth and Development
My first time playing through Vault 88 felt like starting fresh. It’s not just about the initial building—there’s so much room for growth. As your empire expands, you’ll have even more options to develop and perfect your vault. Want to implement a more efficient water system? Go for it. Need to upgrade your power grid? You can do that, too.
What I’m saying is, Vault 88 isn’t some one-and-done project. It’s a living, breathing entity that evolves as your vault grows. Kind of like how my mom’s sourdough starter slowly became its own entity after the third attempt. (Still waiting on it to rise, though. RIP, Gary).
The Vault 88 Questline: Not Just for Bragging Rights
Okay, okay—so you want to build the vault of your dreams. But what’s cooler than just building a vault? Getting to unlock its story and its secrets. The Vault 88 questline introduces you to the vault’s eerie history, and let me tell you, it’s not your standard “get the keys, do the thing” story. As you go through the questline, you’ll be working to restore Vault-Tec’s original plans. You’ll be completing tasks like upgrading the vault’s systems and cleaning up some of Vault-Tec’s—well, let’s call them—“quirky” ideas.
The quest is a nice mix of story and hands-on building. It’s like getting to explore a forgotten world and then claim it as your own. The vault’s overseer will also give you pointers on how to develop your empire and get the most out of your new home. And hey, there’s a serious reward for sticking with it—the ability to unlock even more upgrades that will make your vault really shine.
Vault 88: The Ultimate Choice for Your Empire
All in all, Vault 88 is hands-down the best vault to build your ultimate Fallout 4 empire. From its massive, customizable space to its potential for self-sustenance and security, it’s everything you need to create a thriving post-apocalyptic kingdom. Sure, there are other vaults and settlements in Fallout 4, but none offer the sheer flexibility and opportunities that Vault 88 does.
