"Trade Secrets" is a pivotal quest in Fallout 76, part of the game's extensive storyline that involves navigating through the Hornwright Industrial HQ and Estate. This quest requires players to solve puzzles, gather clues, and interact with key characters like Penelope Hornwright. In this article, we will delve into the objectives, challenges, and solutions for completing the "Trade Secrets" quest.
Objectives of the Quest
The primary objectives of the "Trade Secrets" quest include:
Search Hornwright Industrial HQ: Players must explore the Hornwright Industrial HQ to gather information and clues.
Use the Motherlode Control Terminal: This step involves interacting with terminals to progress through the quest.
Go to the Hornwright Estate: Travel to the Hornwright Estate, where further clues and interactions await.
Enter the Hornwright Estate Safe Room: This requires obtaining an access keycard to bypass security measures.
Meet the Safe Room Occupants: Once inside, players must interact with characters within the safe room.
Collect the Pip-Boy Construction Kit and Schematic: Obtain necessary items for future quests.
Return to Penelope and Paige: Complete the quest by returning to key characters and delivering items.
Obtaining the Hornwright Safe Room Access Card
One of the most challenging aspects of this quest is obtaining the Hornwright Safe Room Access Card. To do so, players must find and input specific keycode clues into Penelope Hornwright's computer. These clues are scattered throughout the Hornwright Industrial HQ:
RSVP Card: Found on a counter in a lounge, this card reveals the code 030448, which corresponds to Penelope Hornwright's birthday (March 4, 1948, but in-game it's used as a code).
Charleston Herald Article: Located on a wheelchair in one of the bedrooms, this article mentions Evelyn Hornwright's death on August 25, 2076, providing the code 082576.
Hornwright Industrial Notice: At the helipad, a notice announces Penelope Hornwright's joining date as May 1, 1973, but in-game it's used as 050173.
Once these codes are entered into the computer, the access card will be printed on a nearby printer.
In Fallout 76, quests like "Trade Secrets" not only provide immersive storytelling but also offer opportunities for players to earn significant rewards, including Fallout 76 caps. These caps are essential for purchasing important items, upgrading gear, or participating in trading with other players. By completing quests and exploring post-apocalyptic Appalachia, players can accumulate a substantial amount of caps to enhance their survival experience.
Challenges and Bugs
Players often encounter bugs during this quest, such as issues with the safe room gate or problems with quest progression. Some common issues include:
Bugged Safe Room Gate: Even with the correct keycard, players might not be able to pass through the laser grid. This can be resolved by ensuring the correct path is taken and checking for any additional obstacles.
Quest Progression Issues: Some players report difficulties in completing certain steps, such as delivering parts to Penelope. This might require re-initiating conversations or checking for missing items.
The "Trade Secrets" quest in Fallout 76 offers a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and character interaction. While it can be challenging due to bugs and complex objectives, understanding the clues and following the correct steps can help players navigate through this engaging storyline. As with many quests in Fallout 76, patience and persistence are key to overcoming obstacles and progressing through the game.
