When to install the DLCs? : Fallout: New Vegas

» Wed May 02, 2012 5:01 pm

So I'm starting a new game, and I plan to do everything including all the DLCs. I was just wondering when would it be best to install them? Does it matter? Are the DLCs aimed at a character who's finished the main game? Do they make any changes to the vanilla game?

Many thanks.

» Wed May 02, 2012 1:12 pm

You could install all of them right away...
There are minimal changes to the gaming world... (except for two)
Changes in the vanilla world: (from the top of my head..)

Spoiler

Dead Money: Abandoned BOS bunker is now open, extra perks
HH: Extra recipes, extra perks and one can now no longer use campfires during battles..
OWB: Extra perks
LR: Ed-E now has the same perk as Veronica (Ie it can function like a workbench as well as an ammo bench), extra perks and some new ammo types available.. (only usable in LR specific weapons)

Gun Runners: More added weapons to almost every vendor.. Including unique ones.... and GRA specific weapons are added.. Some are top tier and can be bought early..
Couriers Stash: Possibly the biggest change.. You're given all the extra stuff which were previously limited to pre-order packs.
If you install this early.. you'll have decent gear and weapons when starting, if you install it let's say past lvl 15... most of it will be useless...
Not sure if they patched it out, but installing it while you are in a DLC... would/will also add the items.. Which can be either a blessing or a curse..

Adding the story DLC will raise the lvl cap.. (apart from the changes mentioned above)

» Wed May 02, 2012 9:28 pm

Thank you. I can't remember but can you keep playing after you complete the main quest in Vegas? And are the DLCs designed to be played before or after that point, or does it not matter at all? And is there a recommended level?

» Thu May 03, 2012 1:55 am

No, all of the DLC take place before the Battle for Hoover Dam. You can play them at the beginning of the game, but unless you think you have the gravitas, it's strongly encouraged to go in at the recommended level. (Dead Money, the first DLC, is a minimum of twenty)