Fallout 4’s “Old Guns”: A Comprehensive Guide to the Castle’s Armory and Its Secrets

Introduction

The Commonwealth wasteland in *Fallout 4* is a dangerous place, teeming with raiders, mutated creatures, and other unsavory characters. Survival often hinges on having the best weapons and a fortified base. The “Old Guns” quest is a pivotal experience that grants both. This quest line not only unlocks the historic Castle as a powerful settlement but also grants access to its long-forgotten armory, filled with valuable resources and the potential for devastating artillery support. Understanding the “Fallout 4 Old Guns” quest is essential for any player looking to bolster their defenses and exert control over the region. This article provides a complete walkthrough, detailing every step, secret, and reward associated with restoring the Castle and unearthing the treasures within.

From meeting the enigmatic Ronnie Shaw to clearing out the Mirelurk infestation and ultimately unleashing the Castle’s artillery on unsuspecting foes, this guide covers everything you need to conquer “Old Guns” and claim your stake in the Commonwealth.

Embarking on the Old Guns Adventure

Before you can even think about reclaiming the Castle and delving into its armory, certain conditions must be met. The “Old Guns” quest isn’t simply handed out; it requires dedication to the Minutemen and progress within their ranks. First and foremost, you need to align yourself with the Minutemen. This is achieved by completing the initial quest “When Freedom Calls” in Concord, rescuing Preston Garvey and his small band of survivors.

Once you’ve joined the Minutemen, you’ll need to start rebuilding their influence across the Commonwealth. This primarily involves assisting settlements in need. Preston will assign you a series of quests to help defend and secure these fledgling communities. Completing these quests is crucial for building your relationship with the Minutemen and ultimately unlocking the “Old Guns” quest. You will likely need to have at least a few settlements aligned with the Minutemen before Preston Garvey tasks you with finding Ronnie Shaw.

Speaking of Ronnie Shaw, she is the key to unlocking the Castle’s secrets. This grizzled, no-nonsense merchant and former Minuteman member has knowledge of the Castle’s armory and the schematics for its artillery. Finding her is your next crucial step. She can typically be found at the Castle once you have reached a certain level of progress with the Minutemen. You’ll recognize her by her distinctive attitude and her inventory of unique weapons and armor. Ronnie Shaw plays a critical role in the “Fallout 4 Old Guns” quest.

Reclaiming the Castle: A Step-by-Step Guide

With Ronnie Shaw by your side, the real work begins. The first and arguably most challenging task is reclaiming the Castle from the Mirelurk infestation. These mutated crustaceans have overrun the historic fortress, turning it into a deadly labyrinth. Preparing for this fight is essential. Bring your best weapons, plenty of ammunition, and consider recruiting companions who specialize in close-quarters combat.

Clearing the Castle requires a strategic approach. The Mirelurks are numerous and can overwhelm you if you’re not careful. Utilize cover, use explosives strategically, and focus your fire on the Mirelurks’ weak points – their faces. The Castle’s layout offers multiple entry points and flanking routes, so explore carefully and clear each section systematically.

The biggest threat within the Castle is the Mirelurk Queen. This massive creature is a formidable opponent with high health and powerful attacks. Utilize long-range weapons to whittle down her health from a safe distance. When she gets close, use your strongest melee weapons or explosives to deal significant damage. Keep moving to avoid her attacks and take advantage of any available cover. Remember, patience and strategic positioning are key to defeating the Mirelurk Queen. Once you have reclaimed the Castle, it is time to bring it back to its former glory.

One of the initial tasks is to set up Radio Freedom. This radio transmitter will allow you to communicate with Preston Garvey and receive updates on settlement needs. Find a suitable location within the Castle to place the radio. Once placed, you’ll need to power it with a generator. Make sure you have enough power to operate the radio efficiently. Setting up Radio Freedom is not only essential for the “Old Guns” quest but also for maintaining communication with the Minutemen and expanding your network of settlements.

Next, you need to locate the artillery schematics. These blueprints contain the instructions for building the Castle’s artillery pieces. The schematics are usually found within the Castle itself, often in a hidden or less accessible area. Search carefully for a container or a room that holds the schematics. Be prepared for potential traps or enemies guarding the location. Once you have the artillery schematics, you’re one step closer to unleashing the Castle’s firepower.

Now comes the fun part: building the artillery. This requires a significant amount of resources, including steel, wood, and gears. Scavenge these materials from the surrounding wasteland or purchase them from vendors. Once you have the necessary materials, head to a workshop within the Castle and select the artillery piece from the building menu. Consider where you place the artillery. They require a clear line of sight to effectively target enemies. Once built, the artillery will provide valuable support during settlement defense and can even be used to bombard enemy locations across the Commonwealth. The “Fallout 4 Old Guns” quest is not just about reclaiming the Castle; it’s about turning it into a powerful asset.

Finally, it’s time to test the artillery. To do this, you need to assign a settler to the artillery piece. Once assigned, they will operate the artillery during attacks or when you call in artillery support. To test the artillery, you’ll need to use a smoke grenade. Throw the smoke grenade at a target location, and the artillery will bombard the area. This allows you to see the artillery’s range and effectiveness. Practice using the artillery to become familiar with its targeting and firing mechanics. This is key to strategically utilizing artillery during combat scenarios.

Unveiling the Castle Armory

One of the most exciting rewards for completing “Old Guns” is unlocking the Castle armory. This hidden vault contains a treasure trove of weapons, ammunition, and supplies. The armory is typically located in a secluded area within the Castle. You may need to find a key or solve a puzzle to gain access. Once inside, take your time to explore and loot everything you can find.

Within the armory, you can discover a variety of notable weapons. These might include powerful rifles, pistols, or even unique melee weapons. The armory also contains a generous supply of ammunition, which is invaluable for sustaining your arsenal. Besides weapons and ammunition, the armory often contains medical supplies, crafting materials, and other useful items. Unlocking the armory is a significant reward for completing “Old Guns,” providing you with a substantial boost in firepower and resources.

The Spoils of War: Rewards and Benefits

Completing “Old Guns” offers several tangible rewards and long-term benefits. The most obvious reward is the artillery support. This allows you to call in devastating artillery strikes on enemies, providing a significant tactical advantage.

You’ll also gain experience points for completing the quest, contributing to your character’s level progression. Additionally, you unlock Ronnie Shaw as a vendor at the Castle. She offers a unique selection of weapons, armor, and other items, making her a valuable asset for any player. The Castle itself transforms into a powerful stronghold. With its defenses fortified and artillery support at your disposal, the Castle becomes a safe haven and a strategic base of operations. Completing the “Fallout 4 Old Guns” quest is an investment in your long-term survival and success in the Commonwealth.

Tactics for Success: Maximizing Your Impact

Successfully completing “Old Guns” requires careful resource management. Gather as many materials as possible before starting the quest. Focus on collecting steel, wood, and gears, as these are essential for building the artillery. Plan your attacks carefully and utilize cover to minimize damage. Take advantage of the Castle’s layout to flank enemies and gain a tactical advantage. When building and fortifying the Castle, consider building additional defenses to protect against future attacks. Prioritize resource production to ensure a steady supply of materials for repairs and upgrades.

Choose character builds that complement the Minutemen’s focus on settlement defense. Characters with high Charisma and Intelligence are well-suited for leading settlements and managing resources. Investing in combat skills such as Rifleman, Heavy Gunner, or Demolition Expert will enhance your effectiveness in defending the Castle. Remember, the “Fallout 4 Old Guns” quest is a team effort. Work with your companions and settlers to build a strong and resilient community.

In Conclusion: A Foundation for Dominance

The “Fallout 4 Old Guns” quest is a cornerstone of the Minutemen questline and a valuable asset for any player seeking to establish a strong presence in the Commonwealth. By reclaiming the Castle, unlocking its armory, and harnessing the power of its artillery, you gain a significant advantage over your enemies. The “Fallout 4 Old Guns” quest provides a solid foundation for settlement management, resource acquisition, and overall dominance in the wasteland. Take on the challenges, explore the secrets, and reap the rewards of “Old Guns.” Your journey to rebuild the Commonwealth begins here. Go forth and claim the treasures that await.