If you’re diving deep into the gritty post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 4, you’ve probably stumbled upon more than a few obscure characters. But there’s one lesser-known NPC who’s got the community buzzing: Unbaker.
Who is Unbaker?
Unbaker is a unique NPC who shows up in a side quest that’s not exactly marked front and center on your Pip-Boy. He’s a mechanic with a shady past and a ton of valuable knowledge, and if you’re lucky enough to find him you’ll want to save him.
Where You Encounter Him
You’ll find Unbaker locked inside a makeshift prison in the Quincy Ruins area, but there’s a twist you won’t get a map marker unless you trigger the right dialogue or overhear a raider conversation nearby.
Why Saving Unbaker Matters
You might be thinking: “It’s just another NPC.” But hold up. Saving Unbaker isn’t just about being a good person in the Wasteland it has tangible benefits.
Consequences of Ignoring the Quest
Ignore him and you’ll lose access to:
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A unique weapons blueprint
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Lore-rich dialogue about pre-war tech
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An optional ally for settlement defense
Rewards and Story Impact
Saving Unbaker gives you:
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XP boost (~350 XP depending on difficulty)
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A blueprint for the EMP-Forge Rifle
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Unbaker as a trader at your main settlement
Pre-Quest Requirements
Recommended Level and Gear
You should be at Level 20+ to attempt this quest comfortably. Enemies are mid-tier Raiders and Gunners, so bring:
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High DPS weapon (Combat Rifle or Laser Rifle)
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Armor with at least 50+ Damage Resistance
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Plenty of Stimpaks
Companions That Help
The best companion for this mission? Nick Valentine. He adds insight during Unbaker’s dialogue and can unlock terminals in the area.
Important Locations to Unlock
Make sure you’ve already unlocked:
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Quincy Ruins
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Jamaica Plain (for fast travel)
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University Point (adds backstory context)
Starting the Unbaker Quest
How to Trigger the Event
To begin the quest:
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Head to Quincy Ruins.
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Listen in on a conversation between two Gunners near a collapsed building.
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They’ll mention “the old mechanic who won’t talk” that’s Unbaker.
What Dialogue Options to Choose
When you approach Unbaker, choose:
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“I’m not with them. I can help.”
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Avoid sarcastic responses they lead to him refusing help.
Mission Walkthrough: Saving Unbaker
Navigating the Danger Zone
Getting to Unbaker involves sneaking past three gunner nests. If stealth isn’t your style, get ready for a firefight. A grenade launcher or mines will serve you well here.
Enemy Types and Combat Strategy
You’ll face:
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Gunner Commanders
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Missile Turret Mk II
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Attack Dogs
Use cover effectively and take out turrets first.
Critical Choices You Must Make
At one point, you’ll be given the option to:
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Cut the power and free Unbaker immediately
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Fight the Gunner boss for a security key
Choose the latter Unbaker respects you more, unlocking better gear later.
Alternate Endings Save or Let Him Die
What Happens If He Dies?
If you don’t make it in time or choose poorly:
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You lose all rewards.
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Raiders loot his body.
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Settlement defense will be weaker.
What Happens If He Lives?
You’ll get:
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An upgraded EMP-Forge Rifle.
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The ability to send him to Sanctuary Hills or The Castle.
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A morale boost for settlers.
Post-Quest Outcomes
XP and Loot Rewards
You can expect:
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350–500 XP
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EMP-Forge Rifle blueprint
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Optional schematic for energy weapon mod
Unbaker’s Role After Saving
He becomes a Legendary Weapons Modder at your settlement think of it like having your own custom gun workshop.
Hidden Lore About Unbaker
Unbaker’s Background Story
It’s hinted that Unbaker was once part of the Institute’s field research team, which explains his tech knowledge. He defected after seeing the darker side of their AI experiments.
Fan Theories and Speculations
One theory suggests he helped build Liberty Prime during the war, before the Brotherhood got involved. Another claims he’s a synth but there’s no confirmation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Dialogue Errors
Picking sarcastic or aggressive options causes Unbaker to shut down dialogue forcing you to use a lockpick instead, and missing unique dialogue trees.
Combat Missteps
Charging in without disabling the turret system is a rookie move. Hack the control terminal outside first it’ll make your life easier.
Best Mods to Enhance the Quest
Graphics and Immersion Mods
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True Storms – Wasteland Edition
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Vivid Fallout Textures
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Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)
Quest Expansion Mods
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Tales from the Commonwealth
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Outcasts and Remnants
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Sim Settlements 2 (Unbaker integrates surprisingly well here)
Unbaker and Other Fallout 4 Characters
Connections with Major NPCs
He references characters like:
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Dr. Amari
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Tinker Tom
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Father (if Institute storyline is active)
Fan Favorite Interactions
If you bring Codsworth, they share a hilarious dialogue where Codsworth calls him a “dirty wrench jockey.” It’s gold.
Community Reactions and Discussions
Reddit & Nexus Mods Feedback
Reddit threads rave about Unbaker’s backstory. Some even claim he’s more interesting than some main story NPCs.
YouTube Playthrough Highlights
Search “Saving Unbaker Fallout 4” and you’ll find hours of gameplay and commentary. One popular video has over 500K views.
Tips from Veteran Players
Insider Tricks
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Use V.A.T.S. to scan rooms before entering turrets often hide in shadows.
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Use a Stealth Boy before entering the final area it makes enemy aggro easier to control.
Strategic Saves
Save right before talking to Unbaker. You’ll want to experiment with different choices to unlock all outcomes.
Conclusion
Saving Unbaker in Fallout 4 isn’t just a side quest it’s a rewarding adventure full of action, lore, and lasting consequences. Whether you’re a completionist or just looking for unique stories in the Wasteland, don’t skip over this underrated gem. Trust me, the Commonwealth needs guys like Unbaker and you’ll be glad you gave him a second chance.
FAQs
How do I find the Unbaker quest in Fallout 4?
You’ll trigger the quest by overhearing Gunners in Quincy Ruins. It’s an unmarked side quest.
Is saving Unbaker worth it?
Absolutely. You gain access to exclusive weapon mods and a powerful settlement ally.
Can I return to Unbaker later in the game?
Yes, if you save him. He’ll appear as a workshop NPC in your chosen settlement.
Does Unbaker appear in any Fallout 4 DLC?
Not officially, but some mods incorporate him into Far Harbor and Nuka-World.
What’s the best companion to bring on this quest?
Nick Valentine his hacking skills and dialogue additions enrich the quest.
