Exploring the underground vaults in Fallout 4 is one of the most rewarding parts of navigating the Commonwealth wasteland. These subterranean shelters hide fascinating lore, rare loot, unique companions, and special Bobbleheads that permanently boost your character's stats. Finding every vault requires navigating dangerous ruins and completing specific quests across the post-apocalyptic map.
Vault 111 and Vault 114 Exploration
Vault 111 serves as the starting point of your journey, located in the northwestern region near Sanctuary Hills. Returning here later with advanced lockpicking skills allows you to unlock the Cryolator weapon from the overseer's office. It remains one of the safest vaults to visit since no hostile enemies spawn inside after the prologue.
Vault 114 is hidden beneath Park Street Station in downtown Boston, requiring players to battle past Triggermen mobsters. Exploring this underground metro facility allows you to rescue Nick Valentine during the main storyline. Inside, you can collect the Speech Bobblehead resting on a desk near the Overseer's office door.
Discovering Vault 81 and Vault 75
Vault 81 sits just west of Chestnut Hill Reservoir and is notable for being a fully functioning community. Entering requires trading three Fusion Cores to the residents or passing a difficult speech check. Completing the local quest line grants access to the secret section of the vault, where Curie can be recruited.
Vault 75 lies beneath the Malden Middle School in the northeastern quadrant of the map. Gunners currently occupy the complex, making it a high-combat zone for mid-level survivors. Defeating the Gunner commander inside gives you the lab access card needed to secure the Strength Bobblehead.
Navigating Vault 95 and Vault 88
Vault 95 is located far in the southwestern region near the edge of the Glowing Sea. Heavily defended by Gunner mercenaries and assaultrons, this facility tests your combat capabilities before entry. Beyond the danger, it contains the Big Guns Bobblehead and offers a crucial location for companion quest resolution.
Vault 88 is accessible through Quincy Quarries as part of the Vault-Tec Workshop expansion content. Players must clear out radioactive feral ghouls and rock blockages to expand the subterranean territory. Unlocking this site grants the ability to build and manage a custom underground settlement from scratch.
Essential Tips for Vault Hunting
Before embarking on vault expeditions, ensure your character is prepared with adequate RadAway and high-tier weaponry. Many vaults feature complex layouts, locked terminal doors, and environmental hazards that require specific keys or quest triggers. Bringing a strong companion helps absorb damage during intense interior firefights against Gunners or mutated creatures.
Mapping out your route across the Commonwealth saves time and prevents unnecessary backtracking through hostile territory. Keep a close eye out for collectible magazines and Bobbleheads placed on desks or near overseer terminals. Each vault tells a unique social experiment story through terminal logs left behind by Vault-Tec scientists.
