The Big Dig is one of the most memorable side quests in Fallout 4, offering players an intriguing combination of heist mechanics and impactful narrative choices. Set beneath the bustling streets of Goodneighbor, this mission takes players on a subterranean journey full of unexpected twists and hidden dangers. Understanding the optimal path and potential payouts will help you make the best decisions for your character.
Starting the Quest in Goodneighbor
To begin the mission, head into the alleyways of Goodneighbor and locate a ghoul named Bobbi No-Nose behind a metal door. She offers you a shady job digging tunnels underneath the settlement in exchange for bottle caps. After clearing out an initial wave of hostile Mirelurks in her basement, Bobbi instructs you to recruit a specialist in Diamond City.
In Diamond City Security, you must free a key team member named Mel from his holding cell. Players can accomplish this by hacking a terminal, bribing the guards, pickpocketing a key, or persuading the guard to release him. Once Mel is free, he brings along a modified Eyebot named Sonya to assist with blasting through subterranean walls.
Navigating the Tunnels and Vault Strongroom
Returning to the underground tunnels, you will guide Sonya as she weakens fragile rock walls to clear a path forward. Along the way, you will battle subterranean threats including Mirelurks and Feral Ghouls throughout dusty subway corridors. Exploration during this phase can also reveal hidden loot, including power armor parts concealed behind secret walls.
As you near the end of the excavation, Sonya sacrifices her robot casing to break into the final chamber. The team quickly discovers that Bobbi has misled them about their target from the beginning. Instead of robbing Diamond City, the tunnel leads directly into Mayor Hancock's personal vault inside Goodneighbor.
Confronting Fahrenheit and Making Your Choice
Inside the strongroom, you are confronted by Fahrenheit, Hancock's loyal bodyguard, alongside several armed guards. At this critical climax, you must decide whether to stay loyal to Bobbi or side with Fahrenheit and Hancock. Siding with Bobbi requires defeating Fahrenheit, which yields a modest payout of caps from the vault.
Alternatively, you can choose to side with Fahrenheit by either killing Bobbi or using high Charisma to convince her to leave peacefully. Choosing to protect Hancock's vault earns you Fahrenheit's gratitude and secures your alliance with Goodneighbor. This path is widely considered the superior outcome for most playthroughs.
Quest Rewards and Companion Potential
Completing the quest by siding with Fahrenheit grants you the unique Ashmaker minigun, which deals additional fire damage to enemies. Siding against Bobbi also keeps you in Goodneighbor's favor and opens the opportunity to recruit Mayor Hancock as a companion. Additionally, players gain over 300 experience points regardless of which ending path they select during the final confrontation.
Ultimately, navigating The Big Dig requires careful planning and a solid understanding of its final rewards. By siding with Hancock's forces, you gain both a powerful weapon and a valuable companion for your Commonwealth adventures. Knowing how each decision impacts your standing ensures you get the absolute most out of this classic Fallout 4 quest.
