Boston Airport: A Wasteland Hub
The Commonwealth of Fallout 4 is a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Boston, once a bustling hub of pre-war life, is now a radioactive ruin teeming with dangers at every turn. Among the most basic, yet crucial, needs for survival is food. Without a steady supply of nourishment, the Sole Survivor’s journey through this wasteland becomes significantly more perilous. One location that often leaves players wondering where their next meal will come from is Boston Airport. This area, strategically important for its access to vertibirds and the Brotherhood of Steel, can also feel like a barren desert when your hunger meter is depleting. This article will be your comprehensive guide to finding food at Boston Airport in Fallout 4, providing detailed locations, essential tips, and survival strategies to ensure you can navigate this challenging location and emerge well-fed.
Boston Airport: A Wasteland Hub
Boston Airport is a unique and strategically important location in Fallout 4. Dominated by the skeletal remains of aircraft and partially controlled by the Brotherhood of Steel after certain questlines, the area presents both opportunities and significant dangers. The terminal buildings, runways, and surrounding wreckage are infested with feral ghouls, often present in large numbers, posing a constant threat to the unprepared. Depending on your relationship with the Brotherhood of Steel, the airport can be either a haven or a hostile zone patrolled by heavily armed knights.
Beyond the human and ghoul threats, the environment itself presents hazards. Radiation pockets linger in certain areas, particularly near the wrecked aircraft and potentially contaminated cargo. These hazards combine to make Boston Airport a challenging place to scavenge for food, and why it might appear to be devoid of sustenance. Yet, with careful exploration and the right knowledge, it’s possible to unearth edible resources to sustain your character. You just need to know where to look.
Exploring the Airport Terminal for Sustenance
The main airport terminal building offers the most likely spots to find food, but it requires thorough searching. Before the bombs fell, restaurants and cafes likely lined the concourses, serving weary travelers. The remnants of these businesses are now scattered debris, but they might contain pre-war food tucked away in forgotten corners. While much of this food will be irradiated, it’s still a viable option in a pinch. Remember that consuming radiated food increases your radiation level, which can be detrimental to your health over time. Prioritize using RadAway or visiting a doctor to mitigate the effects of radiation poisoning. Cooking this food can also reduce the radiation but not remove it entirely, so be aware of that fact.
Vending machines are another potential source of food, though their contents are often depleted or broken. Still, it’s worth checking each one you encounter. You might find a Nuka-Cola, a pack of sugar bombs, or other preserved snacks. Offices and storage areas within the terminal can also yield hidden supplies. Check desks, shelves, and lockers for canned goods, pre-packaged meals, and other edible items. Don’t overlook areas behind counters or tucked away in less obvious places. These hidden stashes can be a lifesaver when your hunger is at its peak.
The Brotherhood of Steel and Their Food Supplies
If you’ve aligned yourself with the Brotherhood of Steel, you might gain access to their food supplies within the airport hangar. However, this access typically comes only after completing certain quests and gaining their trust. Once you’re considered an ally, you may find food rations available in their communal areas or through vendors within their faction. If, on the other hand, you choose to become an enemy of the Brotherhood, their presence offers a different kind of opportunity. Raiding their barracks and living quarters could yield a significant amount of food, but be prepared for a fierce fight. Brotherhood soldiers are heavily armed and well-organized, so stealth and tactical planning are essential for a successful raid.
Wrecked Planes and Surrounding Areas
The wreckage of aircraft scattered around Boston Airport might seem like desolate areas, but they’re still worth a quick investigation. Pilot cabins sometimes contain small snacks or provisions left behind by the crew. Check under seats, in overhead compartments, and within any storage areas. Cargo areas of larger planes might hold more substantial supplies, though the likelihood of finding anything is lower. These areas are often exposed to the elements and may have been picked clean by scavengers, but it’s always worth a shot.
Venturing outside the main airport structure, the surrounding area can also offer food sources. If there are any nearby settlements (player-built or pre-existing), you might be able to trade for food or scavenge resources from abandoned structures. Be cautious when exploring the outskirts of the airport, as mirelurks and other dangerous creatures may lurk in the shadows. Crates and containers scattered around the area can sometimes contain random food spawns. Check inside each container you find, as you never know what you might discover. Be particularly wary of the Glowing Sea region, which is not far from the airport. Though it’s one of the most dangerous areas in the game due to the high radiation levels, it may have more scavengeable food items and creatures than other areas.
Food Types and Important Considerations
The types of food you’re likely to find at Boston Airport range from pre-war packaged goods to scavenged ingredients. Canned meats, boxes of cereal, and other preserved foods are common finds, though their radiation levels may vary. Fresh food is rare, but you might occasionally find mutated fruits or vegetables growing in small patches of irradiated soil. Be sure to check the radiation levels of any food item before consuming it. A Geiger counter or the “Rad Resistance” perk can help you identify irradiated items.
Consider investing in cooking stations. Scattered throughout the Commonwealth, including some player settlements, cooking stations allow you to prepare raw ingredients into more nutritious and less radioactive meals. With the right ingredients and recipes, you can transform scavenged items into hearty meals that will restore more health and reduce radiation levels. Don’t underestimate the value of the “Survival” perk. This perk increases the effectiveness of food and chems, allowing you to get more out of each item you consume. It also unlocks the ability to craft more advanced recipes, providing you with a wider range of food options.
Securing Food: Strategies for Success
When searching for food at Boston Airport, thoroughness is key. Examine every nook and cranny, check under furniture, and explore hidden corners. Use VATS (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System) to scan your surroundings for containers and points of interest that might contain food. When dealing with enemies, prioritize your safety. Clear out any threats before you start scavenging for food. Use cover, utilize your weapons effectively, and be prepared to retreat if necessary. Consider bringing a companion along with you. Companions can carry extra supplies, allowing you to loot more food and other essential items. They can also provide valuable combat support, helping you to take down enemies more easily.
If you’re struggling to find food at Boston Airport, don’t hesitate to leave the area and search elsewhere. The Commonwealth is vast, and there are many other locations where you can find sustenance. Sanctuary Hills, Red Rocket Truck Stop, and Diamond City are all good options for restocking your food supplies.
Surviving at Boston Airport
Finding food at Boston Airport in Fallout 4 requires patience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to take risks. By understanding the potential food sources, implementing effective scavenging strategies, and prioritizing your safety, you can navigate this challenging location and emerge well-fed. Remember to check for radiation levels, utilize cooking stations, and invest in the “Survival” perk to maximize your food intake. Boston Airport may not be a culinary paradise, but with the right approach, it’s possible to find the nourishment you need to survive and continue your journey through the wasteland. Don’t be afraid to explore, experiment, and discover your own hidden food sources. The Commonwealth is full of surprises, and you never know what culinary treasures you might unearth. Good luck, and may your hunger meter always be full!
