The Nuclear Option (Brotherhood of Steel) is a Brotherhood of Steel Faction Quest in Fallout 4 (FO4). Read on for a full The Nuclear Option walkthrough and learn The Nuclear Option location and rewards.

The Nuclear Option (Brotherhood of Steel) Quest Summary

The Nuclear Option (Brotherhood of Steel) Walkthrough

The Nuclear Option (Brotherhood of Steel) Objectives

1. Take the Fusion Charge from Elder Maxson
2. Head to the Old Robotics Department
3. Enter the Bioscience Department
4. Eliminate All Institute Forces in the Main Square
5. Issue a Lockdown Override
6. Reach the Reactor
7. Talk to Shaun and Proctor Ingram
8. Use the Detonator to Destroy the Institute
9. Speak to Elder Maxson

Take the Fusion Charge from Elder Maxson

As you access the Institute in Ad Victoriam, head towards the terminal and speak to Elder Maxson. He will give you the Fusion Pulse Charge, which you will need to plant later when you reach the reactor.

Head to the Old Robotics Department

Next, take the stairs down and head towards the Old Robotics department on the left. The path ahead is straightforward, so simply follow it and defeat all synths and turrets you encounter along the way.

If you can afford to take fall damage, you can also drop down directly below to reach the hatch on the bottom floor as a shortcut by equipping your Power Armor. Otherwise, if you started the quest without it, take the intended path instead.

Enter the Bioscience Department

Upon entering the hatch, the path ahead will lead you to the Bioscience Department. Once there, enter the room to the right. You can find the exit just to the left of the gorilla enclosure.

Eliminate All Institute Forces in the Main Square

Next, defeat all Synths and Coursers in the main square to gain access to the elevator in the middle. After clearing the area, wait for Proctor Ingram's signal, then proceed to the elevator to reach the director's terminal.

Issue a Lockdown Override

Head to the second floor to find the terminal. Hacking this terminal is necessary, so make sure you have enough points in your Hacker perk before proceeding. Once you've gained access, simply issue a lockdown override and make your way to the Advanced Systems department after.

Convince the Father to Shutdown the Synths

If you have enough Charisma points, you can also convince the Father to allow you to shut down Synths before heading back to the main square. Not all synths will be shut down, but the majority of them will be, lessening the pressure and difficulty as you proceed to the Advanced Systems.

Reach the Reactor

Enter the Advanced Systems and proceed to the door across the entrance. The path beyond this door is linear, so simply follow it to reach the reactor.

After reaching the reactor chamber, defeat all enemies along the way and plant the Fusion Pulse Charge on the reactor. Then, speak to Elder Maxson to teleport back to the relay.

Talk to Shaun and Proctor Ingram

Once you're back in the Relay, Shaun will be there, asking you to take him with you as you exit the Institute. You can either allow him to come along or leave him behind, but choosing the latter will result in his death during the explosion.

After that, talk to Proctor Ingram to finally exit the Institute!

Use the Detonator to Destroy the Institute

After teleporting to the Mass Fusion Executive Suite, press the button on the detonator to destroy the Institute. Following this, a cutscene will start, so wait for it to finish before proceeding further.

Speak to Elder Maxson

End the quest by speaking to Elder Maxson. He'll ask you to return to the Prydwen, where a promotion awaits you!

The Nuclear Option (Brotherhood of Steel) Location

Where to Start The Nuclear Option

Map View	C.I.T Ruins
Worldview

Fallout 4 Related Guides

All Factions List

List of All Factions

Full Brotherhood of Steel Questline