Hi all,

I'm looking for just a simple yes or no answer to a specific question. I normally don't like spoilers at all, but am very worried, and would like to phrase my question such that a yes or no answer would calm my worries without being a spoiler.

I've just escorted Dr. Li to the Citadel, whereupon a new quest was automatically added (something along the lines of "Picking up the Trail or the Path" or something like that.

Here's my worry. This is the first time ever in this game that I felt "trapped" meaning things were moving in a direction where I had no choice but to follow the quest at hand. In other words it wasn't like the normaly free roaming thing. This has me worried that this is "THE Quest" or the main quest of the main game, and I don't want to finish it if so because I've barely scratched the surface (I think) of things to do in this world. It would feel like I'm missing something if I completed the main quest without first discovring all of the places I haven't yet discovered. Make sense???

So, here's my yes or no question.

Is this the main quest, the one that "beats" the game?

Thanks for any help, and sorry if I'm being a butthead myself for being particular about my question and answer. It's just, like I said, I really don't like spoilers. I like to figure stuff out on my own. Like that simulation in Vault 112. It took me awhile to figure it out, but I finally did with no help or hints. Just made it feel better that way, ya know???

Thanks again.

Part of, yes, but you still have a bit to go before there is no going back.

Yes, 'Picking up the Trail' is part of the main quest, the one that 'beats' the game. But, fear not, all of its is optional, at least you can do it at any time. You can start any side quest, or just explore, whenever you like.

Even when you complete the main quest, as long as you have the Broken Steel DLC you can continue. Otherwise, the main quest ends the game.

Ah, thank you BOTH very much for answering without giving away too much. I soooo appreciate that.

My problem was there for several hours I had no choice. I was stuck in that simulation for awhile since, you've gotta admit, the way out is kinda tough to figure out. And then from that point on, following dear old Dad all the way to where I'm at now, it never felt like I had a choice to leave and come back. Maybe that was just me, but it just "felt" like I had to follow through on each of those next little mini-quests.

Anyway, now I'll go ahead and leave and explore some more and not worry that something will "break" by doing it.

Thank you both very, very much. It is very appreciated.

You can leave almost anything, in the middle of it happening, and come back even months later, and everyone will still be waiting for you.

You could always get broken steel add on DLC which allows you to play on after the main quest.

Also make lots of saves can always reload one if you go too far.

You're very welcome, and remember, you are playing the main quest of Fallout 3, which is one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences going. I'm biased, of course, but I'm sure that plenty would agree with me.

You can drop out of the main quest and explore as you wish; also there's plenty of cool side quests to do. Of course, if you have Broken Steel then you can carry on after the main quest anyway.

If you have the Broken Steel DLC then I wouldn't worry about it. You can always continue exploring.

If you dont have the DLC, then Stop Now! It is better to nail down all the side quests and exploring before you go too far.