The short answer is – yes and no. Fallout: New Vegas is free to play on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass but only the base game. The DLC expansions still need to be purchased separately.
Let me explain in more detail below on exactly how you can access New Vegas through Game Pass, what content is free, and whether it‘s worth playing without the DLC.
A Quick Primer on Fallout: New Vegas
For those unfamiliar with the game, Fallout: New Vegas is a post-nuclear apocalyptic RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks in 2010.
It‘s set in the Mojave wasteland around the former city of Las Vegas in 2281, four years after the events of Fallout 3. The New California Republic, Caesar‘s Legion and Mr. House‘s New Vegas all vie for control of Hoover Dam and the area.
As a courier who survives a murder attempt, you get caught up in these power struggles. Who you decide to support as factions go to war shapes the future of New Vegas.
Much like the previous Fallouts, New Vegas received widespread critical praise on launch for its writing, quest design and roleplaying depth. Let‘s take a look at how to access this classic on Game Pass.
Accessing Fallout: New Vegas on Xbox Game Pass
The Xbox Game Pass subscription offers 100+ games across Xbox and PC for a monthly fee. There are now two ways to play Fallout: New Vegas for free with an active Game Pass membership:
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
The Ultimate tier combines Xbox Live Gold with Game Pass for both console and PC. It costs $14.99 per month.
Fallout: New Vegas is included in the Ultimate library of games. You can download and play the base version on your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S.
PC Game Pass
This gives access to the PC games library on Windows 10/11 for a $9.99 monthly fee.
The Fallout: New Vegas base game can be installed free for PC Game Pass members.
So essentially, Ultimate subscribers get access on both Xbox and PC while PC Game Pass is limited to just Windows devices. Let‘s examine what content you get for free.
What‘s Included in the Free Base Version?
Here‘s a quick rundown of what you get in the Fallout: New Vegas base version available on Game Pass:
- Main storyline spanning four quest arcs
- Open world map of the Mojave wasteland
- 5 recruitable companion characters like Boone and ED-E
- Hundreds of weapons and apparel items
- Player housing at the Lucky 38 casino
- Faction reputation system
- Hardcore survival mode
- Casino games like blackjack, slots and roulette
- 50+ side quests and unmarked explorable locations
- Character creator and S.P.E.C.I.A.L attribute system
- Crafting, modification and barter systems
- Karma system and multiple ending paths
- Around 30 hours of gameplay just for main + side quests
So in summary, you get the complete core New Vegas experience which offers tremendous replay value even without DLC. But there are some key expansions not included for free:
What DLCs Are Not Included for Free?
Four major story expansions as well as some pre-order bonus items are NOT part of the base Game Pass version:
- Dead Money – Survival horror themed add-on set in the Sierra Madre casino & villa
- Honest Hearts – Tribal conflict story in the Utah wilderness
- Old World Blues – Zany sci-fi adventure against rogue AI and robots
- Lonesome Road – Epic finale tied to main story background
- Courier‘s Stash – Pre-order equipment bonus pack
- Gun Runners Arsenal – Bonus weapons and ammo
These optional DLCs add around 30 hours of additional quests and content. While not essential, they provide more depth to the world and story. Let‘s look at how Fallout: New Vegas fans can get this extra content.
Purchasing the DLC Separately
If you wish to upgrade beyond the base Game Pass version, you have a couple of options to get the DLC:
On Xbox
- Buy the Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition – contains all DLC
- Get the Game Add-ons bundle – includes major story expansions
- Purchase the pre-order bonus packs individually
On PC:
- Buy the Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition on Steam
- Purchase individual DLCs like Honest Hearts, Dead Money etc.
- Get the Gun Runners and Courier‘s Stash packs
The most cost effective way is to buy the Ultimate Edition when it goes on sale. It bundles everything together for only $20 full price or just $10-$15 when discounted on Steam/Xbox sales.
Compared to paying $10 per story DLC, you save money by getting the Ultimate bundle. Watch for seasonal sales around the holidays to grab the best deal.
Now let‘s look at whether enjoying the free base game on Game Pass is worth it.
Is Fallout: New Vegas Worth Playing Without DLC?
Absolutely.
Even without the DLC expansions, the huge world, flexibility, quest variety and replay value offered by the Fallout: New Vegas base game makes it an incredible RPG experience on Game Pass.
Here are 5 key reasons why the free version is still well worth your time:
1. Hours of content and exploration
The Mojave wasteland map is dense with locations to discover and loot. Between main quests, side quests and unmarked points of interest, you get 30+ hours of gameplay easily.
2. Strong writing and RPG mechanics
The story, quests and dialogue carry New Vegas even without DLC. Your actions shape your reputation with various factions in the region.
3. Replayability factor
With 6 different endgame paths, room for build variety, and choices that impact quests, you can replay New Vegas many times.
4. Flexible character building
The S.P.E.C.I.A.L and Traits system allows you to create any character build you want and play accordingly.
5. That Fallout charm
The retro-futuristic tone, dark humor and quirky characters make exploring the Mojave engaging and memorable.
So in summary, even just the base game delivers a phenomenal RPG experience and great value through Game Pass. But let‘s look at why the DLCs are still recommended for the full picture.
Why You Should Eventually Get the DLCs
The four story expansions add so much lore, content and closure to the base game‘s narrative:
- They flesh out the backstories of major factions like the Brotherhood of Steel, Think Tank and Ulysses.
- Fun new gear, enemies and locations expand the explorable game map.
- Over 30 hours of additional quests across the four DLCs.
- Your choices in the DLCs tie back into the main story ending.
- They provide context to the Courier‘s own mysterious past.
Here are how some gamers and critics summarize the DLCs:
"The DLCs transformed the game into an epic journey tying your character‘s past to Hoover Dam‘s future."
"I only understood the motivations of factions like the Legion after experiencing their stories in the DLCs."
"They took the lore, world-building and roleplaying possibilities to the next level."
So in conclusion, while optional, the DLCs add the finishing touches to round off New Vegas into an epic narrative. They are strongly recommended for devoted fans who wish to get the definitive edition.
Quick Summary of Fallout: New Vegas Game Pass Versions
- Fallout: New Vegas base game = Free via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
- DLCs and expansions = Must be purchased separately
- Worth playing just base version = YES, still amazing value
- Recommended to get DLCs later = YES, for the full experience
Even though the DLCs require separate purchase, the sheer enjoyment and value offered by the huge base game makes New Vegas on Game Pass an absolute win for RPG fans.
Now let‘s wrap up with some tips on getting the most out of your Game Pass experience with Fallout: New Vegas.
Tips to Maximize Your Enjoyment
Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of playing Fallout: New Vegas on Xbox Game Pass:
- Try playing in Hardcore mode for added survival challenge
- Explore every location thoroughly and complete side quests
- Save often and on multiple slots to avoid game crashes
- Optimize your S.P.E.C.I.A.L stats for your preferred playstyle
- Learn skills like Lockpick, Science and Repair for more options
- Talk to companions often to unlock their personal questlines
- Save up for the DLCs during the big Steam/Xbox sales
- Squeeze out extra hours through multiple playthroughs
- Install fan patches on PC to optimize stability
- Crank up the radio and enjoy those sweet New Vegas tunes
Whether you are new to the Fallout series or a grizzled veteran, the decade old New Vegas still holds up incredibly well as an intricate and unforgettable RPG odyssey.
Game Pass members can now experience this masterpiece and all its DLC has to offer at an amazing value. So sit back, relax, pop open a Nuka Cola and gamble your nights away beneath the bright lights of New Vegas.
Because war – war never changes.
