How to Join the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout: New Vegas

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

The Brotherhood of Steel are in small numbers in the Mojave Wasteland. They can be found in the Hidden Valley along with their spectacular power armor! There are two paths you can take to join the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout: New Vegas. However, you must complete the quest “Still in the Dark” in order to start either quest.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Helping Elder McNamara Set Up His Transmitter

1
Speak with Elder McNamara in the Hidden Valley Bunker. The Hidden Valley Bunker can be found southeast of Sloan in the Mojave Wasteland. There are four different bunkers at this location. The bunker with the Brotherhood of Steel is directly west of the fast travel icon on your map once you have located the Hidden Valley. Elder McNamara will tell you that the Brotherhood doesn’t usually accept outsiders into this organization but can make an exception if you complete a heroic act in the name of the Brotherhood. He orders you to install a remote signal transmitter on top of Black Mountain. Black Mountain is controlled by dangerous super mutants under the rule of Tabitha.
2
Head to Black Mountain and reach its top. During the day, Black Mountain is patrolled by super mutants, but during the night, cloaked Nightkin patrol the roads. Nightkin are a tougher opponent, as they are invisible and can quickly sneak up behind you. Heading up the mountain during the day can be easier since you can see what you are up against.
- Along the road leading up to the mountaintop you will come across Neil’s Shack and Neil himself. If you have a speech skill of 50, you can persuade Neil to help you in killing Tabitha and reaching the top of the mountain.
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3
Enter the broadcast building. The broadcast building can be easily identified by its large radio antenna (like a large dish) on the rooftop. Once you have entered the broadcast building, head to the opposite door from inside and exit to the fenced-off area outdoors. Under a false rock, which can be found under the staircase, is a key to enter the second floor of the broadcast building.
4
Take care of Tabitha by killing her. Be prepared to face Tabitha when entering the second floor. She is a level 20 super mutant and can be a tricky foe if you are under this level. Bring along at least 5 Stimpacks to heal yourself from this fight. Once you have killed Tabitha, you will need to plant the transmitter.
5
Activate the broadcast control board and plant the signal transmitter. The control board can be found on the second floor of the broadcast building. Simply click the control board and the signal transmitter from your inventory will be attached to the board. After you have planted the transmitter, you will need to return to the Hidden Valley Bunker and speak with Elder McNamara.
6
Return to Elder McNamara for your reward. Speak with Elder McNamara and inform him of the completed quest. You will be immediately recruited as part of the Brotherhood of Steel and be given a T-45d Power Armor. A matching helmet will come along with the armor and the proper training to be able to wear it. The training is a special Power Armor Training perk, which is added to your character. Without this perk, you will be unable to wear any power armor.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Helping Edgar Hardin by Killing the Van Graffs

1
Speak with Edgar Hardin in the Hidden Valley Bunker. Located southeast of Sloan, the Hidden Valley has four bunkers, one being the Brotherhood of Steel. If you decided to oust Elder McNamara in the quest “Still in the Dark,” Edgar Hardin will become the new Elder. When you ask Hardin if you can join the Brotherhood of Steel, he will mention that you need to do a heroic act in order to join. He will order you to kill the Van Graffs located in Silver Rush.
2
Head to the Silver Rush. Silver Rush is a store found within Freeside, which is beside the New Vegas Strip. You will pass by the Atomic Wrangler Casino on your way to the Silver Rush.
3
Kill the Van Graffs. Destroying the Van Graffs can be a difficult task for newer players. There are a few ways to take this challenge on.
- If you kill Simon outside of the Silver Rush at the front door, you won’t have to give up your weapons when you enter the building. If you choose not to kill Simon, you can buy or steal energy weapons from inside the store.
- During the quest “Birds of a Feather,” the fourth customer will attempt to blow up the Silver Rush. Allowing him into the store will result in killing all the Van Graffs inside except for Simon.
- If you decide to barge your way into the store, expect a heavy firefight as there are over a dozen Van Graff troops inside. It is recommended that you are over the level of 20 and are wearing a full suit of armor, whether that is raider armor or just leather.
4
Return to Edgar Hardin and receive your reward. Once you return to Hardin in the Hidden Valley Bunker and speak with him, he will reward you with a full suit of T-45d Power Armor, including the training as well as membership to the Brotherhood of Steel.

Image titled Join the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout_ New Vegas Step 10

Community Q&A

Question

I tried but I backed off because the collar kept beeping. What do I do?

Garrett

Top Answerer

Don't worry about the collar. It'll be removed soon enough, as long as you don't stray too far from your objective when first confronted by the Brotherhood.