Exploring the post-apocalyptic Commonwealth in Fallout 4 reveals a world rich in hidden underground shelters known as Vaults. Built by Vault-Tec before the Great War, these massive subterranean complexes serve as environmental hazard zones, quest hubs, and repositories of fascinating lore. Understanding where each Vault is situated on the map helps players locate unique collectibles, recruit specialized companions, and complete critical side quests.
Vault 111 and Vault 75 Locations
Vault 111 serves as the starting point of the game, situated in the northwestern corner of the map near Sanctuary Hills. This cryogenic facility is essential for early-game progression and contains the iconic Cryolator weapon locked in the overseer's office. Returning later with master lockpicking skills allows players to claim this powerful heavy armament.
Located underneath Malden Middle School in the northeastern region, Vault 75 presents a dangerous encounter filled with hostile Gunners. Players can discover this subterranean facility while exploring the school ruins or by picking up local radio signals. Navigating through its hallways unlocks valuable combat gear and a skill bobblehead.
Vault 81 and Vault 95 Breakdown
Vault 81 sits directly west of Diamond City and represents one of the few functional Vault communities in the wasteland. Unlike most subterranean shelters, its inhabitants live in peace and maintain trade relations with passing wastelanders. Players can gain entry by providing fusion cores or passing persuasive dialogue checks to explore its interior.
Deep within Vault 81 lies a secret hidden section where dangerous mole rats carry a deadly disease. Completing the associated questline rewards players with a permanent health upgrade and allows them to recruit Curie as a companion. It remains one of the most rewarding non-faction locations on the map.
Positioned in the far southwestern area near the Glowing Sea, Vault 95 acts as a heavily fortified stronghold for Gunners. Originally constructed as a rehabilitation facility for individuals struggling with addiction, it now holds valuable loot and high-tier crafting materials. Clearing out its defensive turrets requires heavy firepower and tactical planning.
Vault 114 and Vault 88 Features
Vault 114 is hidden beneath the Park Street Station subway in central Boston and plays a major role during the main storyline. Designed as a luxury shelter for wealthy politicians, the facility was left unfinished when the bombs fell. Players venture into its tiled halls during the quest to rescue Nick Valentine from local Triggermen gangsters.
For players who own the Vault-Tec Workshop expansion, Vault 88 offers a massive underground cavern system located near Quincy Quarries. This unique location allows players to act as Overseer and build their custom underground settlement from scratch. Investigating its sprawling tunnels reveals hidden resources and radio beacons.
Tips for Vault Exploration and Preparation
Before diving into any Vault in Fallout 4, players should prepare for intense close-quarters combat against varied enemies. Bringing radiation protection items, terminal hacking tools, and lockpicks ensures full access to hidden security rooms and storage lockers. Each facility contains unique lore logs that flesh out Vault-Tec's sinister pre-war social experiments.
Mapping out these subterranean sites systematically ensures you will not miss permanent stat boosts, rare weapons, or bobbleheads. Keeping track of Vault numbers and their respective geographic landmarks makes traversal through the Commonwealth far more efficient. Whether searching for settlement space or rich story content, these underground facilities remain central to the wasteland experience.
