Fallout 3 The Replicated Man Quest Choices And Rewards

The Replicated Man is one of the most engaging side quests in Fallout 3, taking players on a noir-style investigation through Rivet City and beyond. Investigating the whereabouts of an escaped android forces players to weigh ethical considerations against powerful character rewards. Understanding the outcomes of each choice helps players navigate this quest effectively while maximizing their overall loot.

Starting the Investigation

Players can initiate the quest by speaking with Dr. Zimmer in the Rivet City Science Lab or by discovering audio holotapes scattered across the Capital Wasteland. Tracking down multiple clues leads the Lone Wanderer toward Horace Pinkerton, who resides in the broken bow of Rivet City. Pinkerton holds the crucial evidence revealing that Harkness, the local chief of security, is actually the android in disguise.

Choosing Side Options and Outcomes

Once Harkness's true identity is revealed, players are presented with several distinct narrative paths. You can choose to protect Harkness's secret, hand him over to Dr. Zimmer, or lie to Zimmer using a component provided by the Railroad representative Victoria Watts. Siding with Harkness rewards players with A3-21's Plasma Rifle alongside positive Karma, while assisting Dr. Zimmer yields the combat-enhancing Wired Reflexes perk and negative Karma.

Maximizing Rewards for Both Sides

Players looking to optimize their character build can claim both major rewards in a single playthrough. By revealing the truth to Harkness first and offering to eliminate Zimmer, players receive A3-21's Plasma Rifle. Afterward, telling Dr. Zimmer the android's identity grants the Wired Reflexes perk before you defeat Zimmer to ensure Harkness remains free.