The quest That Lucky Old Sun in Fallout: New Vegas presents players with a crucial decision regarding the Mojave's power supply. Set in the HELIOS One solar power plant, this mission requires navigating complex faction interests, automated defenses, and delicate technological repairs. Completing it offers significant rewards and shapes your reputation across key factions in the region.
Gaining Entry and Meeting key Figures
To begin the quest, players must approach the HELIOS One facility located north of Novac. You can gain entry by passing speech or science checks with Lieutenant Haggerty, or by maintaining a positive reputation with the New California Republic. Once inside, you will meet Fantastic, a comically incompetent technician, and Ignacio Rivas, a representative of the Followers of the Apocalypse.
Speaking with both characters reveals their conflicting goals for the facility. Fantastic wants you to direct power strictly to NCR territory to satisfy his employers. Ignacio, on the other hand, encourages you to distribute energy to the broader community or Freeside. Each NPC will provide a terminal password necessary for advancing through the facility.
Navigating the Control Terminals
After securing the passwords, head into the mirror field surrounding the central tower. Watch out for tripwires, mines, and aggressive guard dogs patrolling the grounds. Access both the Western and Eastern reflector terminals to sync the system with the main computer mainframe.
Once the terminals are activated, enter the solar collection tower itself. The interior is defended by security turrets and protectrons that must be neutralized. You will eventually reach the primary generator, which requires repair using scrap metal or through activating a nearby maintenance robot.
Distributing Power and Completing the Quest
With the mainframe restored, you must select how to distribute the plant's output. Options include routing power to the NCR, supplying Freeside and Westside, balancing power across the entire region, or activating the ARCHIMEDES II defense system. Directing power to the full region pleases the Followers of the Apocalypse and earns valuable aid items.
After making your choice, proceed to the top deck of the tower during daytime hours to realign the solar panels. Fulfilling this step completes the calibration process and triggers the chosen power distribution. Finally, return to Fantastic or Ignacio to conclude the mission and claim your experience points and faction rewards.
