Hey guys! Ever wondered about joining the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 4? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this iconic faction, from their beliefs and motivations to how you can become one of their own. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of the Brotherhood in the Commonwealth!

Who are the Brotherhood of Steel?

The Brotherhood of Steel is a faction steeped in history and driven by a clear, if somewhat controversial, mission. Understanding their origins and core beliefs is crucial before you decide to align yourself with them in Fallout 4. These guys aren't just another group of survivors; they have a detailed backstory and a strong sense of purpose that shapes their every action.

Origins: The Brotherhood of Steel was founded by Captain Roger Maxson, a U.S. Army officer stationed at Mariposa Military Base before the Great War. When the bombs dropped, Maxson and his followers, who consisted of military personnel, holed up in the base. Discovering the horrific experiments being conducted there before the war deeply disturbed them. Maxson, disgusted by what he learned, declared martial law and renamed the group the Brotherhood of Steel. Their initial goal was to preserve technology and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, fearing a repeat of the pre-war abuses.

Beliefs and Motivations: The Brotherhood operates on a few core principles. First and foremost is their belief in the sanctity of technology. They believe that technology should be preserved and controlled to prevent another global catastrophe. This belief often puts them at odds with other factions who either misuse technology or are deemed unworthy of wielding it. They see themselves as the guardians of advanced technology, tasked with preventing it from falling into the wrong hands. This leads to their second major motivation: the acquisition and control of advanced technology. They actively seek out pre-war technology, often confiscating it from others, which can lead to conflicts. The Brotherhood also has a strong hierarchical structure, with a clear chain of command and a rigid code of conduct. Loyalty, duty, and discipline are highly valued, and members are expected to adhere strictly to the Brotherhood's rules and regulations. This structured environment appeals to some players, while others may find it restrictive.

Why Join Them?: Joining the Brotherhood of Steel offers several unique advantages. You gain access to advanced weaponry and armor, including the iconic Power Armor, which provides significant protection and combat capabilities. You also get to participate in exciting missions and quests that often involve exploring dangerous locations and battling formidable foes. Furthermore, aligning with the Brotherhood provides a sense of belonging and purpose. You become part of a larger organization with a clear mission and a strong sense of identity. However, it's important to consider the Brotherhood's ideology and whether it aligns with your own values. Their approach to technology and their interactions with other factions can be morally ambiguous, and you may find yourself questioning their methods at times. Ultimately, the decision to join the Brotherhood of Steel is a significant one that can greatly impact your experience in Fallout 4. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and consider whether their goals and values align with your own before making your choice.

How to Join the Brotherhood of Steel

So, you're thinking of joining the Brotherhood of Steel, huh? Well, getting in with these guys isn't exactly a walk in the park, but it's definitely doable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process and become a member of this iconic faction.

Early Game Preparation: Before you can even think about joining the Brotherhood, you need to progress far enough in the main storyline to trigger their arrival in the Commonwealth. This happens automatically as you advance through the main questline. Specifically, you need to reach the quest called "Reunions," which involves finding and confronting Kellogg at Fort Hagen. Once you complete this quest, you'll witness the Brotherhood of Steel's arrival in the Commonwealth. Keep an eye on the skies! After completing "Reunions," you'll hear a military radio frequency on your Pip-Boy. Tune into this frequency to listen to a distress call from the Brotherhood of Steel. This will activate the quest "Fire Support," which is your first official interaction with the Brotherhood. This quest serves as an introduction to the Brotherhood and allows you to prove your worth to them.

Initiating "Fire Support" Quest: Head to the Cambridge Police Station, which is located east of Diamond City. You'll find a group of Brotherhood soldiers pinned down by ghouls. Your task is to help them fend off the ghouls and secure the area. This involves engaging in combat and using your skills to eliminate the threats. Once you've cleared the area, speak to Paladin Danse, the leader of the Brotherhood squad. He'll be grateful for your assistance and will commend you for your bravery and combat prowess. This is your chance to make a good first impression and show him that you're capable and reliable. He will then ask you to assist them further in clearing out nearby threats. Agree to help him, and he will give you the quest "Call to Arms."

Completing "Call to Arms" Quest: "Call to Arms" involves assisting Paladin Danse in retrieving a valuable piece of technology from a nearby location. Follow Danse to ArcJet Systems, a pre-war research facility. As you explore ArcJet Systems, you'll encounter various enemies, including synths. Work together with Danse to overcome these challenges and reach your objective. The quest culminates in a battle against a powerful enemy. Once you've retrieved the technology and defeated the enemy, return to Paladin Danse at the Cambridge Police Station. Danse will be impressed by your skills and dedication. He will offer you a place within the Brotherhood of Steel.

Joining the Brotherhood: After completing "Call to Arms," Paladin Danse will offer you the opportunity to join the Brotherhood of Steel as an Initiate. Accept his offer, and you'll officially become a member of the Brotherhood. Congratulations! You'll receive a uniform and will be given further instructions on your duties and responsibilities within the Brotherhood. This marks the beginning of your journey with the Brotherhood of Steel, where you'll participate in various missions, rise through the ranks, and contribute to their goals in the Commonwealth.

Life in the Brotherhood

Alright, so you've made it into the Brotherhood of Steel. Congrats! But what's life actually like once you're in? Let's break down what you can expect as a member, from the ranks you can climb to the kind of missions you'll be undertaking.

Ranks and Progression: The Brotherhood of Steel has a strict hierarchical structure, and as a member, you'll start at the bottom as an Initiate. From there, you can climb the ranks by completing missions, demonstrating loyalty, and proving your worth to the Brotherhood. Some of the notable ranks you can achieve include Knight, Paladin, and Sentinel. Each promotion comes with increased responsibilities, privileges, and access to better equipment. To climb the ranks, focus on completing missions assigned to you by your superiors, such as Paladin Danse or Elder Maxson. Show initiative, follow orders diligently, and demonstrate your commitment to the Brotherhood's ideals. Your actions and performance will be closely monitored, and those who consistently excel will be rewarded with promotions.

Typical Missions and Duties: As a member of the Brotherhood, you'll be tasked with a variety of missions and duties. These often involve clearing out threats to the Commonwealth, such as feral ghouls, super mutants, and synths. You'll also be responsible for retrieving and securing advanced technology, as well as defending Brotherhood outposts and settlements. Expect to engage in combat regularly, using your skills and equipment to overcome challenges and protect the Brotherhood's interests. You might be sent on reconnaissance missions to scout out enemy positions, or tasked with providing support to other Brotherhood units in the field. The specific missions you undertake will depend on your rank and specialization within the Brotherhood.

Relationships with Other Factions: The Brotherhood of Steel has a complex relationship with other factions in Fallout 4. They are generally hostile towards groups that they perceive as a threat to their goals or ideology. This includes the Institute, which they view as an abomination that must be destroyed. They are also wary of the Railroad, due to their support of synths. Your interactions with other factions will be heavily influenced by your affiliation with the Brotherhood. You may be ordered to attack or sabotage enemy factions, or to negotiate with neutral factions to secure alliances or resources. It's important to remember that the Brotherhood's interests always come first, and you'll be expected to act in accordance with their directives, even if it means making difficult choices.

Pros and Cons of Joining the Brotherhood

Before you fully commit, it's worth weighing the advantages and disadvantages of siding with these guys. Here’s a balanced look to help you decide if the Brotherhood is the right fit for your Fallout 4 journey.

Advantages: Joining the Brotherhood of Steel offers several significant advantages. You'll gain access to advanced weaponry, armor, and technology, including the iconic Power Armor, which provides unparalleled protection and combat capabilities. You'll also receive training and support from experienced soldiers, enhancing your skills and abilities. Being part of the Brotherhood provides a sense of belonging and purpose. You'll be fighting for a cause you believe in, alongside like-minded individuals who share your values and goals. The Brotherhood's structured environment and clear chain of command can be appealing to players who appreciate order and discipline. Furthermore, aligning with the Brotherhood can unlock unique quests, storylines, and rewards that are not available to players who choose to side with other factions.

Disadvantages: On the other hand, there are also some potential drawbacks to joining the Brotherhood. Their rigid ideology and strict code of conduct can be restrictive and may conflict with your own values or playstyle. The Brotherhood's approach to technology and their interactions with other factions can be morally ambiguous, and you may find yourself questioning their methods at times. Some players may find the Brotherhood's hierarchical structure and emphasis on obedience stifling, preferring a more independent or rebellious path. Additionally, aligning with the Brotherhood can make you enemies with other factions, limiting your options and potentially closing off certain storylines or quests. It's important to consider these potential drawbacks and whether they outweigh the advantages before making your decision.

Making the Right Choice: Ultimately, the decision to join the Brotherhood of Steel is a personal one that depends on your own preferences and priorities. Consider your character's values, your playstyle, and your goals for the game. Do you believe in the Brotherhood's mission to preserve technology and protect humanity? Are you comfortable with their methods and ideology? Do you value order and discipline, or do you prefer a more independent approach? Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and consider how your decision will impact your overall experience in Fallout 4. There's no right or wrong answer, so choose the faction that best aligns with your own vision for your character and your playthrough.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to joining the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 4. Whether you're drawn to their advanced technology, their strong sense of purpose, or simply their imposing presence, the Brotherhood offers a unique and compelling faction to align with. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider whether their values align with your own. Good luck, and may your journey in the Commonwealth be filled with adventure and excitement! Remember that Fallout 4 is your story, so choose the faction that fits you best!