Fallout 76 Nuclear Keycard: How To Launch a Nuke [With Images]

Nuclear keycards are a prime step in launching the mass-murdering weapons and once again eradicating what is left of the already nuclear-destroyed West Virginia. With that said, let’s discuss how you can acquire a Nuclear keycard and launch nuclear weapons on any part of the map.

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How To Get a Nuclear Keycard

Launching nuclear warheads is an endgame scenario that can be done solo or with a group of players. However, it’s highly recommended to tackle this process with a group due to its complexity.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when launching nukes:

1. Launching nukes is an endgame activity, and it’s only possible for higher-level players with appropriate perks.

2. Nukes are a one-time event and will permanently alter the landscape of the targeted area. Choose your target location carefully.

3. After a nuclear detonation, the targeted area becomes irradiated, teeming with high-level mutant enemies and monsters. This provides opportunities for PvE activities and farming.

4. Nuking another player’s camp is possible, but it carries significant consequences and risks, including massive nuclear fallout.

5. Before entering a nuked area, ensure you have an ample supply of Stimpaks, Rad Resistance, and Power Armor to protect yourself from the radiation.

Now, let’s discuss how to obtain the Nuclear Keycard and the step-by-step process of launching nuclear warheads on any part of the map.

Joining the Enclave

Summary of the initial steps to obtain a nuclear keycard:

1. Join the Enclave faction.
2. Locate the Abandoned Waste Dump on the far right side of the map.

   

3. Enter the cavern across from the radiation area.
4. Search the Deathclaw’s nest for a holotape.

   

5. Use the holotape to access the Enclave bunker.

   

6. Disable the laser grid on the third floor of the bunker.
7. Enter the final room and input the correct code on the keypad.

   

8. Obtain an access card for another bunker near White Springs Resort.

   

9. Use the keycard to access the Enclave bunker’s main entrance.
10. Meet Modus, the Enclave’s AI, and complete tasks to gain authorization.

    

11. Complete the “Officer on Deck” questline to become an Enclave General.

    

12. Earn 10 Commendations by defeating Legendary Creatures and completing missions.
13. Become an Enclave General to access nuclear Silos and terminals.

    

Obtaining the Nuclear Keycard

The first requirement for acquiring the nuclear keycard was to become an Enclave General. Now with that out of the way, you can start the repeatable quest “Hide and Seek and Destroy” that will allow you to get a nuclear keycard. Players can set up this quest in Whitespring Bunker from the main terminal. This red terminal is available in Military Wing in the Command room.

Follow these steps:

1. Become an Enclave General.
2. Initiate the “Hide and Seek and Destroy” quest from the main terminal in the Whitespring Bunker’s Military Wing.

   

3. Follow the quest marker to locate the Nuclear Keycard escort, indicated on the map.
4. Engage the Cargobot and its Vertibird escorts.

   

5. Use efficient weaponry or V.A.T.S. to take them down quickly.
6. Target and destroy the Cargobot to retrieve the nuclear keycard.

   

7. Picklock the container to access the keycard.
8. Repeat the process for farming additional keycards, utilizing server hopping if necessary.
9. With the keycard obtained, proceed with the nuclear launch protocol.

Finding the Launch Codes

Acquiring launch codes can be challenging due to their decryption process. To simplify this, you can use the NukaCrypt tool, updated weekly with launch codes for each silo. Alternatively, if you prefer the in-game quest, initiate it from the Military Command Wing terminal. Both methods work, so choose what suits your playstyle best and enjoy launching nuclear missiles in the game!

Nuclear Silo Status

After the keycards, the next thing you are going to need is to acknowledge the Nuclear Silo Status. As said earlier, there are 3 silos in Fallout 76 but each of them has a silo cooldown. It is a timer that states the availability of the silo to launch the nuke. To check this, you will have to play the missile silo state holotape. Go into the items and select the holo tab and you will be able to find one after joining the Enclave.

This holotape will share details of the silo cooldown timer, which will require players to wait until the timer is complete. Only after that players can access the silo and perform the next series of activities.

Run Nuclear Silo

To launch a nuke in the game, follow these steps:

1. Confirm Silo Status: Ensure the silo you’ve chosen is operational.

2. Choose a Silo: Decide which silo you’ll launch the nuke from.

3. Silo Elevator: Locate and use the elevator in the chosen silo to access the main office.

   

4. “Mission: Countdown” Quest: Upon entering the silo, the quest triggers.

5. Character Requirements: Ensure your character is equipped with explosive weapons, radiation protection, and level 3 lockpicking and hacking skills.

   

6. Mess Hall Challenge: Navigate to the Mess Hall, defeat robot enemies, and search for a blue keycard.

   

7. Find Blue Keycard: Locate the blue keycard, which spawns randomly in the Mess Hall area.

8. Duplicate Keycard: Use the keycard duplicator to fabricate a duplicate keycard.

   

9. Override Reactor Security Lockdown: Sprint through the hallway to the Power House, unlock a door, and override reactor security using the Security Command Terminal.

10. Destroy Mainframe: Use explosive weapons to destroy mainframe terminals with red lights.

11. Repair Mainframe Cores: Remove damaged cores, repair them at the Tinker’s Workbench, and insert them into the mainframe slots.

    

12. Insert Mainframe Cores: Place all 15 repaired mainframe cores into the mainframe slots.

13. Access Facilities Mainframe: Interact with the Facilities Mainframe.

14. Reach Control Room: Head to the Control Room, eliminating any enemies along the way.

15. Initiate Launch Control Prep: Select “Initiate Launch Prep” in the Control Room and monitor the progress bar.

    

16. Watch for Launch Chief Bugs: Be aware of potential issues with the Robot Launch Chief and spawn another if needed.

17. Launch the Nuke: Once the prep is complete, you’re ready to launch the nuke wherever you desire.

Launching the Nuke

Now you will have to head to the nuke launch area where you will have to enter the keycard. Moreover, you will also have to enter the launch code that you have for your specific silo. Make sure to enter the correct code on the first try, otherwise, the game will kick you out that will cost you a keycard.

After that, the main system will show an Armed sign that means the nuke is ready to launch. Interacting with it will show a map where you are allowed to fire the nuke. You will also be able to see a safe zone that can not be nuked. After selecting the particular location, the nuclear launch timer will begin. You will have three minutes to evacuate the silo and reach the location to enjoy the final sight before a nuke wreak havoc in the town.

Would I Recommend?

Launching the nuke being one of the endgame moments is a real sight to see. The overall quest line is fun to play with friends and allows you to engage with some of the lore behind Fallout games. Moreover, it connects the players with the main aspects of nuclear weapons and the harsh reality they leave behind on a nation.