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How to Start Dead Money: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Hoarders

Want to dive into the perilous, post-apocalyptic casino heist of Dead Money? The path to Sierra Madre isn’t paved with gold (or chips, for that matter), but understanding the prerequisites and navigating the initial steps will drastically improve your chances of survival. To start Dead Money, you must first receive a radio broadcast from the Sierra Madre Casino. This broadcast is automatically added to your Pip-Boy radio list upon reaching level 20 or after playing for a certain amount of time, regardless of your current location. Tuning in to the signal will trigger the quest “Sierra Madre Grand Opening!” which will guide you to the Abandoned Brotherhood of Steel Bunker where your adventure truly begins.

Getting Started: The Radio Signal and the Bunker

Let’s break down the initial steps to ensure you’re prepared for the dangers of Dead Money. This isn’t a walk in the park; it’s a meticulously crafted survival horror experience.

Receiving the Sierra Madre Broadcast

The key to starting Dead Money is receiving the Sierra Madre Broadcast. Here’s what you need to know:

Level Requirement: You must be level 20 or higher to reliably trigger the broadcast. While there are reports of some players encountering it earlier, level 20 provides the most consistent experience.
No Specific Location Required: Unlike some DLCs, you don’t need to be in a specific area of the Mojave Wasteland to receive the signal. However, being outdoors generally improves the chance of the signal coming through.
Time Sensitive: The broadcast can also begin after playing for a certain period. This is not precisely known but it is advisable to spend some time playing Fallout: New Vegas.
Check Your Radio: Once you’re level 20, regularly check your Pip-Boy radio for new signals. The Sierra Madre Broadcast will be listed alongside other radio stations.

Journey to the Abandoned Brotherhood of Steel Bunker

Once you’ve received the broadcast, the quest “Sierra Madre Grand Opening!” will be added to your quest log. This will point you to the Abandoned Brotherhood of Steel Bunker.

Location: The bunker is located slightly northeast of the Mojave Drive-in, nestled near some rocky terrain. Look for a metal door partially obscured by the environment.
Entering the Bunker: Be prepared for a short fight. There are usually a few feral ghouls lurking around the entrance. Dispose of them and proceed inside.
The Trap: Entering the bunker initiates the events of Dead Money. Be prepared, as once you’re inside, there’s no turning back (at least, not initially!). The bunker is more than what it seems and will trigger the story elements to properly begin the DLC.

Preparing for Dead Money: A Survival Checklist

Dead Money is notorious for its difficulty, so proper preparation is key. Here’s a checklist of things to consider before embarking on this perilous journey:

Mindset: Embrace the Challenge

Dead Money is a survival horror experience. It’s designed to be challenging, unforgiving, and stressful. Expect to die, to be frustrated, and to constantly be on edge. Embrace this challenge and appreciate the unique experience it offers. This is about testing your resourcefulness, your stealth, and your decision-making.

Gear: What to Leave Behind and What to Keep

You will be stripped of nearly all your gear upon entering Dead Money. However, these steps can help.

Dump Excess Inventory: Before heading to the bunker, dump any unnecessary items into a secure storage container. You won’t have access to your usual gear for a long time.
Essential Skills: Prioritize skills like Sneak, Lockpick, Science, Medicine, and Speech. These skills will be invaluable for navigating the DLC’s challenges.
Light Armor: Equip lightweight armor, as you’ll be doing a lot of running and hiding. Heavier armor will only hinder your movements.

Skills and Perks: Building the Right Character

Certain skills and perks are incredibly useful in Dead Money. Consider these options when leveling up:

Sneak: Essential for avoiding enemies and navigating the treacherous environment.
Lockpick: Allows you to access valuable resources and bypass dangerous traps.
Science: Used for hacking terminals and disabling security systems.
Medicine: Crucial for healing injuries and surviving the harsh conditions.
Speech: Can be used to resolve conflicts and gain information.
Perks: Look for perks that enhance your stealth, survival, and combat capabilities. Silent Running, Light Step, and Toughness are all excellent choices.

Understanding the Challenges

Dead Money is unique, emphasizing stealth, resource management, and a claustrophobic atmosphere. Key elements to be aware of include:

Ghost People: These resilient, mutated enemies are difficult to kill and can only be permanently defeated by dismembering their limbs.
Holograms: Security holograms are deadly and can only be deactivated by finding their emitters.
Toxic Cloud: The Sierra Madre is filled with a toxic cloud that damages you over time. Finding safe zones and using healing items are essential.
The Collar: Your character is fitted with an explosive collar that can be triggered by the Ghost People’s radios or by venturing into certain areas. Learning to manage the collar is critical for survival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Starting Dead Money

Here are some frequently asked questions about Dead Money to further clarify the process and address common concerns.

1. Can I start Dead Money at a lower level than 20?

While possible, it’s highly discouraged. Dead Money is designed for higher-level characters. Starting at a lower level will make the experience significantly more difficult and frustrating. You’ll be underpowered against the enemies and have limited access to essential skills and perks.

2. Is there any way to keep my gear when starting Dead Money?

No, you will lose almost all of your gear. This is a core mechanic of the DLC, forcing you to rely on resourcefulness and scavenged items. Plan accordingly by storing your valuable items before entering the bunker. You will regain your gear at the end of the DLC.

3. What happens if I die in Dead Money?

You will respawn at the last location where you saved. This is usually not too far away. Dead Money has frequent autosaves to help mitigate any setbacks and provide the player with multiple chances to succeed.

4. How do I remove the explosive collar?

You cannot permanently remove the collar until the end of the DLC. However, you can learn to manage it. Stay away from the Ghost People’s radios, avoid designated “dead zones,” and be mindful of your surroundings.

5. What are the best weapons to use in Dead Money?

Since you start with nothing, you’ll rely on the weapons you find. The Automatic Rifle is a solid choice once you acquire it. Melee weapons, like the Knife Spear, are also effective against the Ghost People. Prioritize weapons that are effective at close range and conserve ammunition.

6. How do I deal with the Ghost People?

The Ghost People are tough enemies. Aim for their limbs to dismember them, permanently killing them. Use stealth to avoid them whenever possible, and utilize environmental hazards to your advantage.

7. How do I deal with the holograms?

Find and disable the emitters that power the holograms. These emitters are usually hidden or protected, requiring you to use your skills and wits to reach them. Consider that some can be destroyed by using an EMP Grenade.

8. Is Dead Money replayable?

Yes, Dead Money is replayable. Once you complete the DLC, you can return to the Mojave Wasteland and start it again. Your choices and actions can have different consequences on each playthrough.

9. Can I bring companions with me to Dead Money?

No, you cannot bring your existing companions from the Mojave Wasteland. You will acquire new companions during the Dead Money storyline, each with their own unique abilities and challenges.

10. What are the rewards for completing Dead Money?

Completing Dead Money rewards you with a substantial amount of caps (in pre-war money), valuable weapons and armor, and access to the Sierra Madre Casino’s Vault. The Vault contains a significant amount of gold bars, but carrying them out is a challenge in itself!

11. Is Dead Money connected to the other Fallout: New Vegas DLCs?

While Dead Money is a standalone story, it does have connections to the other DLCs, particularly Old World Blues. Understanding the themes and events of Dead Money can enhance your appreciation for the overall narrative of the DLC storyline.

12. What are the most important skills to focus on?

As mentioned earlier, prioritize skills like Sneak, Lockpick, Science, Medicine, and Speech. These skills will be invaluable for navigating the DLC’s challenges, bypassing obstacles, and surviving the harsh environment. Good luck, Courier, you’ll need it.