New Vegas That Lucky Old Sun And How To Complete The Quest
In Fallout: New Vegas, the quest "That Lucky Old Sun" stands as one of the most intriguing early-to-midgame missions in the Mojave Wasteland. Taking place at the iconic HELIOS One solar power plant, this quest tasks players with restoring the facility while choosing the ultimate distribution of its immense electrical output. Your decisions here not only influence regional faction reputations, but also unlock unique tactical opportunities for your character.
Navigating HELIOS One and Meeting Key Characters
Upon arriving at HELIOS One, players encounter Fantastic, an incompetent technician hired by the New California Republic, alongside Ignacio Rivas, a undercover Followers of the Apocalypse scholar. Speaking with both individuals gives you immediate insight into the competing interests surrounding the plant. Fantastic simply wants the power running to secure his paycheck, whereas Ignacio hopes the energy will benefit the poor residents of the wasteland.
To progress the mission, you must bypass or repair the facility's defenses and repair two broken solar transformers located outside. Navigating through the complex requires dealing with automated security turrets and hostile protectrons scattered across the grounds. Once the auxiliary generators are repaired or reconnected, you gain access to the main solar tower control deck.
Choosing the Power Distribution Destination
At the top control terminal, you are presented with several distinct choices regarding where to direct the energy collected by HELIOS One. You can route power exclusively to the NCR facilities, direct it toward Freeside and Westside, or distribute it evenly across the entire Mojave grid. Alternatively, you can overload the plant or route power directly into the ARCHIMEDES II defense system.
Selecting an option depends heavily on your desired faction alignment and roleplay goals. Rerouting power to the full region provides balanced reputation gains and pleases the Followers of the Apocalypse. Choosing the ARCHIMEDES option allows players to arm a powerful orbital strike weapon that can be triggered daily using a special handheld device called Euclid's C-Finder.
Activating the Reflectors and Completing the Quest
After locking in your chosen routing option on the mainframe terminal, you must step outside onto the observation deck to finalize the realignment. The control panel must be activated during daytime hours, specifically between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, for the solar mirrors to align correctly. Once triggered, the massive reflective panels will pivot toward the central tower in a striking visual display.
Depending on your choice, returning to Fantastic or Ignacio Rivas will officially wrap up the quest. If you diverted power to the local communities or distributed it evenly, Ignacio rewards you with medical supplies, experience, and positive reputation. Completing this quest successfully establishes a strong foundation for your journey through the Mojave while demonstrating how player choice directly shapes the game world.