Mission 8: Rock Falls
Welcome to Rock Falls, a mission that will test your squad's ability to navigate tight spaces and engage in close-quarters combat. The primary objective here is to eliminate the Raider presence and secure the area. Expect heavy resistance and use cover effectively.
Squad Composition & Preparation
For this mission, a balanced squad is crucial. Consider bringing:
- One or two heavy weapons specialists: Equipped with a Minigun or a Browning M2 for suppressing groups of Raiders.
- One or two skilled small guns users: With Assault Rifles or Combat Shotguns for accurate burst fire and close-range damage.
- A medic: Essential for keeping your team healthy, especially with the concentrated fire you'll face.
- A scout/sniper: Someone with high Perception and a scoped rifle (e.g., Sniper Rifle) can pick off targets from a distance before they become a threat.
Ensure everyone has ample ammunition, stimpaks, and a few grenades. Molotov Cocktails can be surprisingly effective against clustered enemies in the narrow corridors of Rock Falls.
Walkthrough
Initial Approach & Perimeter Clearing
- Deployment: Your squad will deploy at the southern edge of the map. Immediately move your team into a defensive formation, using the available rocks and debris for cover.
- First Contact: Expect to encounter a small group of Raiders almost immediately to your north. Engage them cautiously, using burst fire and focusing fire on one target at a time.
- Eastern Flank: After clearing the initial group, send a scout or a small, agile team to the east. There's often a lone Raider patrol or a small ambush point here. Clear it to prevent being flanked later. Look for a First Aid Kit near a derelict vehicle in this area.
Entering the Main Complex
- Western Entrance: The primary entrance to the Raider complex is to the west. Before entering, position your heavy weapons specialist to cover the doorway.
- Breaching the Door: Have a character with a high Lockpick skill attempt to open the door. If unsuccessful, you can use explosives (Plastic Explosives or Grenades) to breach it, but be prepared for immediate resistance.
- Corridor Combat: The first corridor inside is usually heavily guarded. Use grenades to soften up groups of enemies before advancing. Keep your medic ready to heal any injured squad members.
- Side Rooms: As you move through the complex, check all side rooms. They often contain additional Raiders, but also valuable loot.
- Storage Room (Northwest): Contains a locker with a Hunting Rifle, some .308 Caliber Ammo, and occasionally a Stimpak.
- Barracks (Central): Expect several Raiders here. After clearing, you might find a Combat Shotgun and some Shotgun Shells on a bed or table.
The Main Cavern & Raider Leader
- Navigating the Cavern: The main part of the complex opens into a larger cavernous area. This is where most of the remaining Raiders, including their leader, will be concentrated.
- Strategic Positioning: Do NOT rush into the cavern. Use the entrance as a choke point. Position your heavy weapons user to lay down suppressing fire, while your small guns users pick off targets.
- Eliminating the Leader: The Raider Leader is typically more heavily armored and carries a superior weapon (often an FN FAL or a Pancor Jackhammer). Focus fire on them to quickly neutralize the biggest threat. They are usually found near the center or far end of the cavern.
- Looting the Leader: After defeating the Raider Leader, loot their body. They often carry valuable weapons, armor (like Leather Armor Mark II), and a significant amount of Caps.
Securing the Area & Exit
- Final Sweep: Once the Raider Leader is down, systematically clear any remaining pockets of resistance in the cavern and any unexplored side passages.
- Hidden Stash (South Cavern): In the southern part of the main cavern, look for a hidden alcove or a pile of crates. A successful Perception check might reveal a hidden stash containing a Plasma Pistol and several Small Energy Cells.
- Mission Completion: Once all Raiders are eliminated, the mission will conclude. Gather any remaining loot and prepare for extraction.
Key Items to Look For
- First Aid Kit: Near a derelict vehicle on the eastern flank.
- Hunting Rifle & .308 Caliber Ammo: In a locker in the northwest storage room.
- Combat Shotgun & Shotgun Shells: In the central barracks.
- FN FAL/Pancor Jackhammer & Leather Armor Mark II: Dropped by the Raider Leader.
- Plasma Pistol & Small Energy Cells: Hidden in an alcove in the southern part of the main cavern.
Remember to save frequently, especially before engaging large groups of enemies. Good luck, soldier!