Fallout 76
Fallout 76

Hunter/Hunted

Master the Hunter/Hunted quest in Fallout 76. Learn to track targets and survive encounters with the Blood Eagles as you aid Duchess and Mort.

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Hunter/Hunted

The "Hunter/Hunted" quest is a crucial early-game sub-quest within the overarching Wastelanders Main Questline in Fallout 76. It directly follows your initial interactions with Duchess and Mort at The Wayward and serves as your first major investigative mission for the duo. This quest introduces you to the dangers of the savage Blood Eagles and sets the stage for your deeper involvement with the region's new inhabitants.

Hunter/Hunted - Fallout 76 screenshot
Hunter/Hunted

Quest Giver: Duchess

After completing the initial Wayward quests and speaking with Duchess, she will express concern over the disappearance of one of her regular patrons, a man named Polly. She suspects foul play, likely involving the aggressive Blood Eagle gang, and asks for your assistance in tracking him down. This conversation initiates "Hunter/Hunted."

Walkthrough: Finding Polly

Step 1: Investigate the Last Known Location
  • Objective: Head to the last known location of Polly.
  • Location: Duchess will mark a general area on your map, typically a small, dilapidated shack or campsite not far from The Wayward.
  • Action: Travel to the marked location. Be prepared for potential low-level Scorched or Feral Ghouls in the surrounding wilderness.
Step 2: Follow the Trail of Clues
  • Objective: Locate evidence of Polly's disappearance.
  • Action: Upon arriving at the marked location, search the area thoroughly. You're looking for specific interactive clues.
    • Clue 1: A "Bloody Rag" or similar item, often found near a makeshift bed or campfire. Interacting with it will update your objective.
    • Clue 2: A "Note from Polly" or a similar personal item, usually tucked away in a container or on a table. This note will provide more context and point you towards a new location.
  • Tip: Use your Pip-Boy's local map to highlight interactive objects if you're having trouble finding them.
Step 3: Confront the Blood Eagles at the Lumber Mill
  • Objective: Track Polly to the Blood Eagle hideout.
  • Location: The clues will lead you to the Gauley Mine, a small, exterior lumber mill area just outside the actual mine entrance.
  • Enemies: This area is heavily guarded by Blood Eagles. Expect 3-5 Blood Eagles patrolling the exterior. They are human enemies, often equipped with Pipe weapons, Machetes, and occasional low-tier firearms like Hunting Rifles or 10mm Pistols. Some may carry Molotovs.
  • Strategy:
    • Stealth Approach: If you have decent Sneak perks, you can attempt to pick off enemies one by one from a distance using a silenced weapon.
    • Direct Combat: For a more direct approach, use cover wisely. Blood Eagles are aggressive but can be staggered. Aim for headshots to maximize damage. Keep an eye on your health and use Stimpaks as needed.
    • Recommended Loadout: Any reliable firearm (e.g., Hunting Rifle, Combat Rifle, 10mm Pistol), a melee weapon for close encounters, and a few Stimpaks.
  • Action: Clear out the Blood Eagles in the immediate lumber mill area.
Step 4: Enter Gauley Mine and Rescue Polly
  • Objective: Enter Gauley Mine and find Polly.
  • Location: The entrance to Gauley Mine is located within the lumber mill area you just cleared.
  • Enemies: Inside the mine, you'll encounter more Blood Eagles, often in tight corridors. Be wary of ambushes. There might also be a few low-level Scorched deeper within.
  • Strategy:
    • Close Quarters: The mine is a confined space. Shotguns, automatic pistols, or powerful melee weapons are highly effective here.
    • Lighting: The mine can be dark. Consider equipping a headlamp or using your Pip-Boy light.
    • Environmental Hazards: Watch out for tripwires or pressure plates that might trigger traps (though less common in this specific quest).
  • Action: Navigate through the mine, eliminating any Blood Eagles you encounter. Polly will be found trapped in a small chamber or tied up in a larger cavern.
Step 5: Talk to Polly and Make a Choice
  • Objective: Speak with Polly.
  • Action: Interact with Polly. You'll discover that Polly isn't a person, but rather a robot head, specifically a Protectron head, that the Blood Eagles have been tormenting.
  • The Choice: Polly will ask you to retrieve their body parts from the Blood Eagles. You have two main options here, which can subtly influence your standing with the factions later:
    • Option A: Agree to help Polly. This is the more straightforward path and generally leads to a positive outcome with Duchess.
    • Option B: Refuse or be dismissive. While not a hard failure, this can lead to a less favorable dialogue with Duchess and potentially minor reputation loss with the Settlers later on. It's generally recommended to help Polly.
Step 6: Retrieve Polly's Body
  • Objective: Find Polly's body parts.
  • Location: The Blood Eagles have scattered Polly's body parts throughout the deeper sections of Gauley Mine.
  • Action: Continue exploring the mine. You'll need to find and interact with several specific items:
    • Polly's Torso: Often found in a larger cavern or storage area.
    • Polly's Legs: Can be in a side tunnel or near a workbench.
    • Polly's Arms: Usually located in another distinct section of the mine.
  • Tip: Each part will be marked by a quest objective marker once you get close. Be prepared for more Blood Eagle encounters as you search.
Step 7: Return to Polly and Reassemble
  • Objective: Bring Polly's body parts back to them.
  • Action: Once you have all the parts, return to Polly's head. Interact with Polly to reassemble them.
  • Dialogue: Polly will express gratitude and provide more context about their situation.
Step 8: Return to Duchess
  • Objective: Report back to Duchess at The Wayward.
  • Action: Fast travel or walk back to The Wayward. Speak with Duchess to inform her of your success.

Rewards

Completing "Hunter/Hunted" provides a solid foundation of experience and useful early-game items:

  • Experience Points (XP): A significant amount of XP, crucial for early leveling.
  • Caps: A decent sum of Caps for your efforts.
  • Aid Items: Typically includes Stimpaks, RadAway, and purified water.
  • Ammunition: Various types of ammo, often matching the weapons you've been using.
  • Junk Items: Common crafting components.
  • Reputation: A slight increase in your reputation with the Settlers (if you chose to help Polly).
  • Next Quest: Initiates the next quest in the Wastelanders Main Questline, "Strength in Numbers."

Common Pitfalls & Tips

  • Underestimation: Don't underestimate the Blood Eagles, especially if you're a new player. They can quickly overwhelm you in groups.
  • Ammo Management: Keep an eye on your ammunition count. The mine is long, and you'll encounter many enemies.
  • Loot Everything: Blood Eagles often drop Pipe weapons, Machetes, and their unique "Blood Eagle Skull Helmet" and "Blood Eagle Leather Armor" pieces. These can be useful for scrapping for mods or selling for Caps.
  • Explore Thoroughly: While searching for clues and Polly's body parts, take the opportunity to explore the mine. There are often extra containers with useful loot, and sometimes even a bobblehead or magazine.
  • Healing: Always have Stimpaks and RadAway on your quick-select wheel. The mine can have areas with radiation.

By following this guide, you'll successfully navigate "Hunter/Hunted," rescue Polly, and progress smoothly through the Wastelanders storyline, earning valuable rewards and experience along the way.