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Pop CultureJanuary 27, 2016

24 hours in Fallout 4’s post-apocalyptic wasteland – a couch travel guide

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Once a thriving center of commerce and industry, tourists have largely avoided Fallout 4‘s Commonwealth since it was decimated by a devastating nuclear holocaust 210 years ago. But with the rebuild effort well underway, there has never been a better time for adventurous travelers to visit this diverse and vibrant region.

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Eat: Street food aficionados will love Diamond City Market. One of the most popular stalls is Power Noodles, operated by a friendly Japanese-speaking robot called Takahashi. A bowl of his famous noodles will set you back around 50 bottle caps, but they’re so good you’ll want to go back for more.

Robot chef Takahashi serves up another steaming bowl of goodness at Power Noodles, Diamond City Market.
Robot chef Takahashi serves up another steaming bowl of goodness at Power Noodles, Diamond City Market.

Barbecue is also very popular in the Commonwealth. If you want to try a real local specialty there are plenty of spots around town where you can fire up the grill and cook your own brahmin, radstag or mole rat.

Drink: By far the most popular drink with the locals is Nuka-Cola, bottles of which can be found in vending machines around the city. But if your thirst calls for something a little harder, the centrally-located Shamrock Taphouse is the place to go. It can be a little rough around the edges – we were set upon by a sword-wielding ghoul when we went – but that’s all part of the charm.

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Wet your whistle and try to avoid getting stabbed to death at The Commonwealth’s most popular Irish pub.

Stay: One of the nicest places to stay in The Commonwealth is the disused Oberland Railway Station, which has been converted into a charming studio with plenty of light and gorgeous river views.

Oberland Station has been converted into charming studio accommodation.
Oberland Station has been converted into charming studio accommodation.

Alternatively, if you’re in the market for a real country living experience, consider a farmstay with the Abernathy family. Hosts Blake and Connie harvest bountiful crops of tatos and melons, and can always use an extra helping hand. They have a cosy caravan at the edge of their property in which you are more than welcome to stay.

The Abernathy family hard at work harvesting their melon crop.
The Abernathy family hard at work harvesting their melon crop.

See: If you have more than 24 hours, the north-eastern township of Salem is well worth a day trip. Visit the spooky Museum of Witchcraft, take a stroll along the beachfront, or climb to the top of the Kingsport lighthouse. Most of the locals are harmless, but be watchful for the occasional gunner or feral ghoul.

The picturesque beach at Salem is a must-see.
The picturesque beach at Salem is a must-see.

Buy: Shopping in the Commonwealth is still fairly limited, but there are bargains to be had if you know where to look. One of the best places to pick up that special souvenir is the Drumlin Diner, where a roaming vendor by the name of Trashcan Carla calls by every day. Carla carries everything from asbestos to firearms on the back of her trusty brahmin, and is always ready to haggle for a competitive price.

Trashcan Carla is always happy to stop and chat.
Trashcan Carla is always happy to stop and chat.

Walk: If you’re lucky enough to arrive during a patch of fine weather, there are few better things to do than take a stroll along the river which runs past the Ranger Station just south of Vault 111. The Station also offers accommodation – unfortunately during our visit the bed was occupied by a decomposing corpse.

No thanks.
No thanks

Swim: Swimming for any extended period of time is not recommended in The Commonwealth due to the high radiation levels in the water, but there are a few pleasant spots if you ask around. A quick dip in the river which runs gently through the settlements just south of Vault 111 is extremely refreshing on a hot day.

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The perfect spot for a refreshing dip.

Alternatively, you could check out The Slog – a former swimming pool which is now used as a sanctuary for friendly ghouls. Owner Arlen Glass uses the pool to harvest tarberries, but he is always happy for visitors to have a paddle in the shallow waters and try some of his healthy produce.

Hideous ghoul Arlen Glass welcomes visitors to wade in his shallow pool.
Hideous ghoul Arlen Glass welcomes visitors to wade in his shallow pool.

Do: Pack a picnic and watch the sunset from the top of Lynn Woods tower, just down the road from the Parsons State Insane Asylum.

Gorgeous sunset from the top of Lynn Woods Tower.
Gorgeous sunset from the top of Lynn Woods Tower.

Avoid: Feral ghouls. The last thing you want to bring home from a holiday is a crippled limb from a feral ghoul attack, and most insurers will be reluctant to cover the cost of an emergency Stimpak.

Holiday ruined.
Holiday ruined.

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