“I was good at it too. But after a while I just felt like a piece of meat and had to quit.”— Old Ben when asked about being an escort
Old Ben is a local living in Freeside in 2281.
Background
Old Ben is right outside the entrance to the New Vegas Strip in Freeside when you first meet him. He warns the player not to go to the gate of the Strip without first talking with the Securitron gatekeeper first, or they'll get vaporized. After further questioning, he tells that he used to be in many jobs, such as a bodyguard, male escort, a gun-for-hire, courier, as well as a butcher.
Interactions with the player character
Interactions overview
| Interactions | ||
|---|---|---|
  |
This character is essential. Essential characters cannot be killed. | |
  |
This character is a permanent companion. They grant the - perk. | |
  |
This character is a temporary companion. | |
  |
This character starts quests. |
- |
  |
This character is involved in quests. | |
  |
This character is a doctor. |
|
  |
This character is a merchant. |  -Sells: - |
  |
This character can repair items. | Max Repair condition: - |
  |
This character can modify weapons. |
- |
  |
This character rents beds. | -.
|
Quests
- Wang Dang Atomic Tango: When looking for a male escort, the Courier can choose between Ben and Santiago to be a "smooth talker" for the Atomic Wrangler Casino. Old Ben can be persuaded through either a Speech check or the Confirmed Bachelor/Black Widow perk.
Inventory
| Apparel | Weapon | Other items | On death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grimy pre-War businesswear | .44 magnum revolver | - | - |
Notes
- If he is killed, you gain Freeside infamy
- Unlike Santiago, you cannot have sex with him after Wang Dang Atomic Tango has been completed
- It is possible to get unlimited xp (in the form of 35 per speech check) by recruiting him after you have recruited Santiago and using the black widow speech check
Appearances
Old Ben appears only in Fallout: New Vegas.
Bugs
After being recruited for the Atomic Wrangler, he cannot be hired. [verified]- He can sometimes, after you talk to him, run to the Strip's gate where he will be obliterated by the Securitrons. [verified]
- If you recruit Santiago and go to the Atomic Wrangler to tell James then go back to Ben and pass the Speech check you will be awarded 50 XP and he will run to the Atomic Wrangler. The when you go back to the Wrangler you can speak to Ben again to pass the Speech check infinitively. Speaking to James will not bring the option to recruit Ben. You can also still use the black widow perk if you have it. [verified]
