Exploring Kendall Hospital in Fallout 4: A Guide to Loot, Enemies, and Lore
The Commonwealth wasteland of Fallout 4 is a sprawling and dangerous place, filled with forgotten settlements, mutated creatures, and the ghosts of a pre-war society. Among the many locations begging to be explored, Kendall Hospital stands as a chilling testament to the horrors of the Great War and the medical experiments that might have occurred before the bombs fell. This abandoned medical facility offers a potent mix of challenging combat, valuable loot, and unsettling lore fragments for those brave enough to venture inside. But be warned, the halls of Kendall Hospital are far from empty, and the remnants of its past are still very much alive…or undead. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive look at Kendall Hospital, covering its location, the dangers that lurk within, the treasures it holds, and the stories it whispers of a bygone era. Prepare yourself, wanderer, for a journey into the heart of medical madness.
Finding Kendall Hospital
Kendall Hospital isn’t exactly hidden, but finding it amidst the chaotic landscape of the Commonwealth requires a bit of direction. It’s situated roughly southeast of Diamond City and a fair bit northeast of the bustling settlement of Goodneighbor. If you’re coming from Diamond City, head east, staying roughly parallel to the Charles River. You’ll eventually see the dilapidated remains of the hospital towering above the surrounding ruins. If traveling from Goodneighbor, follow the path northeast, being cautious of potential raider encampments along the way. Look for the distinctive, crumbling architecture that distinguishes it from the more generic ruined buildings.
There are no specific prerequisites to enter Kendall Hospital. However, given the dangers within, it’s highly recommended that you be at least level fifteen or higher. Coming unprepared can quickly lead to a quick and unpleasant demise at the hands of the ghoulish residents. Having a decent weapon, some stimpaks, and a reliable suit of armor will significantly increase your chances of survival.
A Look Inside: Layout and Environment
Kendall Hospital is a multi-story structure, consisting of several distinct areas. The ground floor is typically the most damaged, with collapsed ceilings and debris scattered everywhere. This area often serves as a staging ground for roaming ghouls, so be ready for a fight as soon as you enter. The upper floors, while structurally more intact, are no less dangerous. You’ll find patient rooms, operating theaters, laboratories, and administrative offices, each potentially harboring enemies and hidden loot. The layout is somewhat labyrinthine, with corridors twisting and turning, making it easy to get disoriented. Take your time, explore methodically, and pay close attention to your surroundings. The exterior of Kendall Hospital is just as ravaged as the interior. Overgrown vegetation clings to the crumbling walls, and the surrounding grounds are littered with debris and the occasional hostile creature.
Facing the Threats: Enemies of Kendall Hospital
Kendall Hospital is not a safe haven. It’s teeming with hostile creatures, primarily feral ghouls. These mutated remnants of humanity are the most common threat, and they come in various forms, from the basic feral ghoul to the more powerful glowing one and charred feral ghoul. The Glowing Ones, in particular, are a serious threat due to their high radiation output and increased damage resistance.
Occasionally, raiders may also have taken up residence within the hospital, looking for loot or a safe place to lay low. Be prepared for ambushes, as they often set traps and utilize cover effectively. In addition, watch out for the occasional hostile protectron robot, likely a security system that remained active long after the hospital was abandoned. These robots are particularly vulnerable to energy weapons and can be disabled with well-placed shots.
The best approach to clearing Kendall Hospital is to take it slow and methodically. Use cover, utilize grenades and mines to control chokepoints, and focus fire on the most dangerous enemies first. Remember that ghouls are weak to limb damage, so targeting their legs can slow them down and make them easier to hit. Carrying some Rad-X and RadAway is a good idea, given the possibility of radiation exposure.
Hidden Treasures: Loot and Collectibles
Despite its dangers, Kendall Hospital is a rich source of loot for resourceful scavengers. You can find a variety of useful items throughout the hospital, including weapons, armor, ammunition, aid items, and junk. Weapons are often found in patient rooms, security offices, or on the bodies of raiders. Expect to find everything from pistols and rifles to melee weapons and explosives. Armor pieces can also be found in similar locations, providing valuable protection against enemy attacks. Ammunition is always a valuable resource, and you can find it scattered throughout the hospital, often in containers or on corpses.
Aid items, such as stimpaks, RadAway, and food, are essential for survival in the wasteland, and Kendall Hospital is a good place to stock up. Junk items are plentiful, and they can be used for crafting and settlement building. Be sure to scavenge everything you can, as even seemingly useless items can be broken down into valuable components. Look for locked containers and safes, which often contain valuable loot. The level of difficulty will depend on your lockpicking skill, but the rewards are often worth the effort. Specific areas known to have better loot include the operating theater, the chief administrator’s office and the labs, so be sure to check them thoroughly.
Unveiling the Past: Quests and Story
While not directly tied to any major questlines, Kendall Hospital does offer fragments of lore that can shed light on the pre-war history of the Commonwealth. Numerous terminals are scattered throughout the hospital, containing medical records, research notes, and personal logs. These terminals provide insight into the hospital’s operations, the doctors and patients who worked and resided there, and the potential experiments that may have been conducted.
Pay close attention to the details, as they can reveal unsettling truths about the pre-war medical practices and the ethical compromises that may have been made in the name of progress. You might uncover evidence of illicit drug testing, unethical patient treatment, or even experiments with radiation and mutation. While there aren’t major non-player characters (NPCs) present, listening carefully to the ghoul sounds can make you ponder what they may have experienced.
Mastering the Madness: Tips for Exploration
Successfully exploring Kendall Hospital requires a combination of skill, strategy, and preparation. Before venturing inside, make sure you have adequate weapons, armor, and aid items. A ranged weapon is essential for taking out enemies from a distance, while a melee weapon can be useful for close-quarters combat. Investing in the Sneak perk is also a good idea, as it will allow you to avoid some encounters altogether and gain a tactical advantage in others.
When navigating the hospital, pay close attention to your surroundings. Use cover to your advantage, and be aware of potential ambushes. Check corners and doorways carefully before proceeding, and listen for the sounds of approaching enemies. Be patient and methodical, and don’t rush into any situations unprepared.
Utilize grenades and mines to control chokepoints and deal with groups of enemies. Molotov cocktails are particularly effective against ghouls, as they are vulnerable to fire damage. And don’t be afraid to retreat if you find yourself overwhelmed. Sometimes, the best strategy is to regroup, re-equip, and try again. Taking a companion like Dogmeat or Strong can also significantly help, as they can draw enemy fire and provide valuable support in combat. They also serve as extra storage space for loot.
Concluding the Exploration
Kendall Hospital is a challenging but rewarding location in Fallout 4. It offers a compelling mix of intense combat, valuable loot, and intriguing lore fragments that can enrich your understanding of the game’s world. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the dangers of the hospital, uncover its hidden treasures, and unravel the mysteries of its past.
So, brave wanderer, steel yourself, gather your supplies, and prepare to venture into the heart of medical madness. The secrets of Kendall Hospital await, and the rewards are well worth the risk. Remember to always be prepared, scavenge everything you can, and never underestimate the dangers that lurk around every corner. The Commonwealth is a dangerous place, but with perseverance and skill, you can overcome any challenge and emerge victorious. Happy exploring. And if you do find something interesting inside Kendall Hospital, share it with the community!
