“Sonic emitters, space age alloys, DNA hybridization, force field particle research, Auto-Doc advances in cranial, cardiac, and trauma surgery... ...the hopes and dreams of a century became realities in the electronic forges of Big Mountain.”— Old World Blues introductory slide
This quest is triggered automatically after downloading the Old World Blues add-on and then either loading a previous save made after, or stepping out into the Mojave Wasteland for the first time after completing Ain't That a Kick in the Head and leaving Doc Mitchell's house in Goodsprings. A message pops up to confirm the add-on's installation and the level-cap raise. Then the Pip-Boy picks up a mysterious broadcast, delivering an invitation to the "Midnight Science Fiction Feature!" at the Mojave Drive-in.
The drive-in is located to the south-southwest of Nipton, down a dirt path near where Oliver Swanick appears when visiting for the first time. After arriving, one will find a satellite that had crashed in the middle of the drive-in lot. If the Courier goes to the drive-in between 11:00 pm and 3:00 am, the satellite is seen projecting a movie of a peering eye on the drive-in's screen. Activating the satellite during this time will bring up the prompt window, explaining what the player character is about to enter, and that they won't be able to return until completion.
The prompt also explains that a minimum level of 15+ is recommended for the add-on and that one may take all of their current gear with them, in contrast to previous add-ons Dead Money and Honest Hearts. However, like those add-ons, no companions from the Mojave are able to join the player character and must be dismissed before the prompt to agree appears.
Once at an acceptable level and all companions dismissed, complete the prompt to activate the satellite, resulting in it teleporting the Courier to Big MT, triggering the opening and leading into Welcome to the Big Empty.
Quest stages[]
Stage
Status
Description
10
Investigate the midnight showing at the Mojave Drive-in.
Notes[]
Standing in front of the projection beam does not appear to affect the image on the screen at all.
Doctor 0 references this quest's title when asked about the giant robo-scorpion, saying it sounds like "something right out of a Midnight Science Fiction Feature".[1]
Waiting for the midnight showing may sometimes respawn the nearby mole rats in the distance. A Viper leader or Viper gang member may also spawn as well. This can result in a prompt telling the player that the satellite cannot be activated while engaged in combat.
It is possible for an NCR Ranger or NCR trooper to accompany the Courier to Big MT and act as a companion by using the NCR emergency radio, as they are not classed as permanent companions. However, once they die another one cannot be called in with the emergency radio, as Big MT lies far beyond the NCR's operational area.
The satellite cannot be interacted with outside the scripted hours, nor while crouched.
↑The Courier: "A Giant Robot Scorpion?" Doctor 0: "*Yeah, crazy right? Something right out of a Midnight Science Fiction Feature. Ridiculous. What are the odds?*" (Doctor 0's dialogue)
