Mission 15: Great Bend

Mission 15: Great Bend

Welcome to Great Bend, Initiate. This mission marks a significant escalation in the Brotherhood's campaign against the Calculator. You'll be facing heavily entrenched robot forces, including some new, more advanced models. Preparation is key, as is a tactical approach to clearing out the enemy positions.

Mission Objectives

• Clear the area of all hostiles.
• Locate and secure the power generator.
• Disable the robot production line.

Recommended Squad Composition

For Great Bend, a balanced squad with strong ranged combatants and at least one character proficient in explosives or heavy weapons is highly recommended. Consider bringing:

• Two Snipers: Equipped with high-damage, long-range rifles (e.g., M1 Garand, Sniper Rifle) for picking off targets from a distance.
• One Heavy Weapons Specialist: Armed with a Minigun, Rocket Launcher, or Plasma Rifle to deal with armored robots and groups.
• One Medic/Support: With high First Aid and Doctor skills, and potentially a good energy weapon for backup.
• One Scout/Scavenger: A character with high Outdoorsman and Lockpick can be useful for finding hidden caches and opening locked containers.

Equipment Considerations

• Energy Weapons: Many robots have high damage resistance to conventional ballistic weapons. Plasma Rifles and Laser Rifles are excellent choices.
• Explosives: Grenades (Plasma Grenades are ideal) and Rocket Launchers are invaluable for dealing with clustered robots or heavily armored units.
• Healing Items: Stock up on Super Stimpaks and First Aid Kits.
• Tool Kits: Useful for repairing damaged robots if you have a skilled mechanic, or for disarming traps.

Walkthrough

Phase 1: Initial Engagement and Perimeter Clearing

1. Deployment: Your squad will deploy at the southern edge of the map. Immediately move your snipers to elevated positions if available, or behind cover.
2. First Contact: Expect to encounter several Robobrains and Sentry Bots patrolling the immediate area. Use your snipers to target their optical sensors for critical hits.
3. Advance East: Carefully advance eastward, hugging the southern wall. There's usually a small building here that can provide cover. Be wary of hidden Turrets that may activate as you approach.
4. Scavenge Point: Inside the small building to the east, you might find some useful items in lockers or crates, such as Micro Fusion Cells or Stimpaks.

Phase 2: Navigating the Robot Production Facilities

1. Central Courtyard: As you move north into the main production area, you'll enter a large courtyard. This area is heavily patrolled by various robot types, including more Robobrains, Sentry Bots, and potentially the new Assaultrons.
2. Flanking Maneuver: Instead of a direct assault, consider splitting your squad. Send your heavy weapons specialist and one combatant to flank around the western side, while your snipers provide cover fire from the south or east.
3. Robot Spawns: Be aware that some areas may trigger new robot spawns. Always be prepared for reinforcements.
4. Looting the Facilities: Check the various workbenches and storage containers within the production buildings. You can often find valuable components, ammunition (especially energy cells), and occasionally advanced weapons like a Plasma Rifle or Pulse Grenades.

Phase 3: Securing the Power Generator

1. Generator Location: The power generator is typically located in a fortified building towards the northern-central part of the map. It will be heavily guarded.
2. Breaching the Defenses: Expect multiple Sentry Bots, Assaultrons, and possibly a Robobrain Mark II. Use explosives to soften up groups of enemies before engaging with direct fire.
3. Disabling the Generator: Once inside the generator room, interact with the main console. A character with a high Science or Repair skill can disable it more efficiently, but any character can attempt it, though it may take more action points or attempts. Disabling the generator will shut down some of the active robots and turrets in the facility, making the next objective easier.

Phase 4: Disabling the Robot Production Line

1. Production Line Location: The robot production line is usually found in a large factory building to the northeast of the generator.
2. Final Resistance: This area will likely contain the last significant pockets of resistance. Prioritize taking out any Assaultrons or Robobrain Mark IIs that are present.
3. Destroying the Machinery: To disable the production line, you'll need to destroy specific pieces of machinery. Look for large, glowing consoles or conveyor belts with robot parts. Using heavy weapons or explosives on these targets will destroy them. You may need to destroy several components to complete the objective.
4. Mission Complete: Once all specified components of the production line are destroyed, the mission will conclude.

Tactical Tips

• Use Cover: Robots are relentless. Always position your squad behind cover to minimize incoming damage.
• Target Weak Points: Many robots have vulnerable points. Aim for optical sensors on Robobrains and Sentry Bots for critical hits.
• Explosives are Your Friend: Don't be stingy with grenades and rockets. They can turn the tide against groups of robots.
• Save Regularly: This mission can be challenging. Save your game frequently, especially after clearing a difficult section.
• Scavenge Everything: Robot parts and components can be sold for a good price back at the bunker, and you'll need all the ammunition you can find.