How to Get to Rivet City in Fallout 3

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

Making your way to the Rivet City settlement can be a dangerous event for new players. Being the largest city in the Wasteland, it’s hard to resist the trip. You don’t need to immediately make your way to the city, as the main quest-line will take you there eventually. However, if you are up for the adventure, the easiest way to locate Rivet City is to start by finding Megaton.

Steps

1
Make your way to Megaton. Once you leave Vault 101 for the first time, head southeast from the vault towards Megaton. You can see Megaton in the distance after you leave the vault at the beginning of the game. It is a large structure with nothing around it, so it sticks out very well.
- You will not come across any enemies when you make this small trip.
2
Locate Super-Duper Mart east of Megaton. Once you have located Megaton, head east towards the D.C. area. You will come across the Super-Duper Mart. You will see the backside of the store when walking towards it. Just beyond the Super-Duper Mart is a major river flowing through the D.C area.

Advertisement
3
Cross the river at the closest bridge or by swimming. Continue heading east until you reach the river. You will need to find a way to cross this river, either by bridge or by simply swimming across. If you cross by bridge, keep an eye out for landmines, as they can deal a ton of damage.
- Swimming across the river will inflict radiation. Be as quick as you can to reduce the risk of radiation poisoning.
4
Head south along the river. Once you have crossed the river, follow it south until you reach the southern part of the D.C. area. Eventually you’ll see the Jefferson Memorial in the distance.
- You may encounter strong enemies such as Super Mutants or raiders along the river during this trip. It is recommended that you are well-equipped before venturing to this part of the ruins in D.C. Being equipped with leather armor and some sort of ranged weapon such as a plasma pistol will protect you in the Wasteland.
5
Head east before reaching the Jefferson Memorial. Follow the water until you begin to see a large ship. Avoid approaching the Memorial itself, as it is crawling with Super Mutants.
6
Locate a beached aircraft carrier and a metal structure to its left. This is the only massive ship which is beached. The ship is split in two and the back end is where Rivet City is located.
7
Find the drawbridge. As you come closer to Rivet City, you will need to locate the bridge on the right side that allows you to cross onto the beached ship. The only way to board the ship is by a small structure with stairs leading up to the bridge platform.
8
Ask for permission to enter. Once you are at the top of this metal structure, click on the Intercom at the top of the platform. A bridge located on the aircraft carrier will swing over to the platform you are on. Cross this bridge to enter Rivet City.
9
Explore the city. You can either go through the door directly facing you which leads to the market, or enter the door on your left which will lead to the inner city. The inner city features the bar, the science lab, houses, and the ship church.
- From time to time, you will see a trading caravan with a trader and a guard at the base of the metal structure leading up to the bridge.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

Why is the drawbridge not down on my game?

Garrett

Top Answerer

The bridge is always like this the first time you visit Rivet City. Just talk to the guard over the intercom and he will lower it.
Question

How do I engage in dialogue with guard?

Garrett

Top Answerer

Use the intercom system. Go to the top of the short tower alongside the water. At the very top, the intercom is located on the left of the walkway where the bridge will appear. Activate the intercom. After the bridge is extended, walk across it to the entrance of Rivet City. The captain of the guard should immediately engage in dialogue with you.
Question

How do I find the aunt of Bryan Wilks?

Garrett

Top Answerer

Bryan's aunt Vera Weatherly runs the Weatherly Hotel in Rivet City. When you enter the first door to Rivet City, you will be facing a stairwell going up and down. There will be signs on the wall indicating where you are and where to locate shops and establishments. Follow the sign directing you up to the Weatherly Hotel.