Vault 22 stands as one of the most memorable subterranean locations in Fallout: New Vegas, instantly recognizable by the thick green vegetation overflowing from its entrance. Unlike typical Vault-Tec shelters designed primarily for social experiments, this facility was constructed to study agricultural technology and plant growth. However, genetic research quickly spiraled out of control, transforming the vault into a overgrown hazard teeming with mutated flora and lethal Spore Carriers.
Finding Vault 22 on the Mojave Map
Locating Vault 22 requires travelers to head northwest from the central Strip area toward the Red Rock Canyon region. The entrance is nestled into the hills north of the Horror Rocks and west of the Thorn. Players should prepare for encounters with wild mantises and giant ants along the surface approach before stepping inside the vault door.
Crucial Quests Connected to the Facility
Several major faction questlines send the Courier deep into the overgrown levels of Vault 22. The most prominent mission is There Stands the Grass, given by Dr. Thomas Hildern at Camp McCarran, which tasks players with retrieving vital agricultural research data. Additionally, players visiting for brotherhood or companion objectives will find themselves navigating its winding corridors to recover missing air filtration components. Following updates in daily gaming news often reminds RPG enthusiasts how rich these interconnected side quests remain years after release.
Navigating the Overgrown Levels and Repairing the Elevator
Exploring Vault 22 can be confusing due to blocked stairwells and dense foliage obscuring doorways across its five distinct levels. Fixing the main elevator early in your visit makes navigation significantly easier and requires a Repair skill of 50. Taking time to repair this transport system grants quick access between the pest control, oxygen recycling, and common area levels without tedious backtracking.
Hidden Collectibles and Rare Discoveries
Scattered throughout the hazardous chambers are several high-value items and unique collectibles that reward thorough exploration. Players can locate the AER14 prototype laser rifle tucked away in a locked room on the pest control level. Terminal entries across the facility also detail the tragic lore of the original inhabitants as they slowly lost control to the spore infection.
