Navigating the post-apocalyptic Mojave Wasteland in Fallout: New Vegas leads players to many complex morality choices, but few are as impactful as the side mission located at the HELIOS One solar power plant. The quest, titled That Lucky Old Sun, forces players to make a strategic decision regarding how to distribute the facility's power across the region. Understanding the steps involved and the long-term consequences of each outcome ensures you get the best rewards for your specific character build.
Starting the HELIOS One Mission
To begin the quest, travel to the HELIOS One solar plant located along the main road north of Novac. Upon arrival, speak with Lieutenant Haggerty outside or proceed directly inside to meet Fantastic, an incompetent technician hired by the NCR. You will also meet Ignacio Rivas, a undercover member of the Followers of the Apocalypse who has a much different vision for the plant.
After speaking with both characters, you will receive terminal passwords to access the plant's control systems. You must head through the solar field to reach the western and eastern reflector control terminals. Expect to encounter several armed security robots and automated turrets protecting the exterior grounds and internal maintenance tunnels.
Navigating the Mainframe and Power Grid
Once you bypass the exterior defenses, navigate into the solar tower facility to locate the central mainframe. You will need to restore power using an auxiliary generator, which may require repair skills or finding a replacement part within the facility. After the generator is operational, access the central terminal to choose where the diverted energy should go.
This terminal is where the core decision of the quest takes place. Players can send power strictly to NCR territory, route power to impoverished settlements, distribute it evenly across the region, or trigger an orbital weapon system. Each choice carries distinct reputation changes and unique rewards.
Comparing the Power Distribution Options
Directing power exclusively to McCarran and the Las Vegas Strip earns reputation with the NCR, but leaves surrounding communities without electricity. Choosing to route power to Freeside and Westside earns favor with the Followers of the Apocalypse and helps impoverished residents. Distributing power to the full region at emergency levels overloads the plant slightly, but rewards you with the Big Book of Science skill book and medical supplies from Ignacio Rivas.
Alternatively, players can arm the ARCHIMEDES II defense system. Diverting power to ARCHIMEDES II allows you to utilize the powerful Euclid's C-Finder orbital weapon once every 24 hours, though activating the facility's localized defense countermeasure will wipe out the nearby NCR garrison. Make your selection carefully depending on which factions you wish to ally with during your playthrough.
Finalizing the Retargeting Sequence
After selecting your choice on the terminal, head up to the exterior observation deck at the top of the tower. Locate the reflector retargeting console on the outer platform to complete the sequence. Note that the switch can only be flipped during daytime hours, specifically between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when solar radiation is active.
Once the mirrors realign, return to the plant interior to speak with Fantastic or Ignacio Rivas to claim your final rewards. Successfully completing this quest provides significant experience points and alters how key factions view your actions in the Mojave.
