Ares

Ares

Ares is a high-risk, high-reward dungeon featuring heavy enemy density, strong defenses, and valuable endgame loot.

The map has three possible spawn points: North, Main Road, and South-East, allowing multiple approaches to the main complex.

The area is heavily fortified with a defensive perimeter of fences and structures, guarded by Super Mutants equipped with Big Guns and Energy Weapons, including Gatling Lasers.

In addition to mutants, the area is populated by Centaurs, Floaters, patrol dogs, and members of the Children of the Cathedral inside the inner compound.

Ares has a chance to drop dungeon-specific loot such as Desert Armor, along with some of the highest chances for Tier 4 weapon parts and implants. However, these rewards come at a cost—runs require large amounts of ammunition and healing items.

Containers in this location are locked at Complexity 200, and numerous armed mines also at Complexity 200 are placed along common paths and entrances.

Quick Walkthrough

• Surface: Find a way through the heavily guarded perimeter and enter Ares complex
  • Safer route: enter via rope through the central hole
  • Risky route: use the elevator directly to Level 3
• Level 1: Defend against a large mutant wave and move to Level 2
• Level 2: Clear another wave and proceed to Level 3
• Level 3: Survive the main fight, defeat Commander Wez, and loot key areas

Walkthrough

Surface

Your main objective is to enter the Ares complex.

The surface is a large combat zone with three spawn points. Mutant patrol routes vary, making each run slightly different. Mines are placed in common movement paths, so careful positioning is essential.

The outer perimeter is heavily defended. Mutants are equipped with Tier 3 weapons and occasionally Gatling Lasers, making direct assaults extremely dangerous. Use cover and line-of-sight carefully when advancing.

There are gaps in the fence that allow entry, but they are usually guarded. Some enemies are stationary and will hold their position, rather than chase players.

Inside the compound, you will encounter camps of the Children of the Cathedral. While weaker than mutants, they attack rapidly with energy weapons and can overwhelm unprepared players.

Scattered containers across the surface provide moderate loot, including resources and Tier 3 equipment. Looting them is optional but can be worthwhile if you have time.

Entering the Dungeon

There are two main ways to access the underground silos:

• Safer route: Use a rope in the central hole. Clear nearby enemies first to avoid interruption.
• Risky route: Use the elevator in the nearby building. This sends you directly to Level 3, where heavy combat begins immediately.

Level 1

Upon entering, you have only a few seconds before a large wave of mutants attacks.

Take a defensive position near the entrance. Doorways and narrow paths are ideal for controlling enemy movement. Mutants tend to stack, making area-of-effect attacks highly effective.

After clearing the first wave, be prepared for additional threats:

• Rocket Launcher mutants targeting entry areas
• Fast respawning reinforcements

There is also a hidden valve in the top-left room, which can activate the silos.

Proceed to the elevator to reach Level 2.

Level 2

Another wave of mutants will approach shortly after entering. Hold your position and eliminate enemies as they group up.

Most loot on this level is found in the top-right rooms. Enemy reinforcements continue to spawn, so balance looting with survival.

Head to the next elevator when ready to proceed.

Level 3

This is the most difficult level.

Immediately after entering, a large mutant wave will attack. Survive this first—positioning and healing are critical.

Deeper inside, Rocket Launcher mutants guard corridors and will fire as soon as you engage. Advance carefully.

In the top-right area, you will find the boss:

• Super Mutant Commander Wez

Defeating him contributes to the achievement Mutant's Worst Nightmare.

This level contains the most valuable loot in the dungeon, including:

• Desert Combat Armor
• Tier 4 weapon parts
• Implants

All containers are worth looting, but note:

• Enemy respawn timer is short (10 minutes)
• Staying too long may trigger another full fight

Additional Mechanics

In the top-left section, there is a forcefield puzzle requiring at least two players. Coordinating switches on opposite sides opens access to extra loot.

Inside this area, a computer can be used to **launch nukes**, which unlocks a hidden dungeon:

• Military Storage Location

Alternative Entry (Elevator Route)

Taking the surface elevator leads to a long corridor filled with:

• Sentry Bots
• Heavy minefields

At the same time, mutants will begin swarming your position.

This route is the fastest way to reach Level 3, but carries extremely high risk. The upside is a faster escape route via the same elevator.

Summary

Ares is one of the most challenging dungeons, requiring strong gear, careful positioning, and good resource management. The rewards are among the best in the game, but players must be prepared for heavy resistance and constant reinforcements.

Ares Surface Map

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Ares Level 1 Map

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Ares Level 2 Map

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Ares Level 3 Map

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List of Enemies

Name	Image	HP	EXP
Super Mutant		464-529	80
Child of Cathedral		162	40
Dog		135	20
Centaur		302-313	40
Floater		273-288	40
Sentry Bot		999	100
Super Mutant Commander Wez		999	300