At the start of Fallout: New Vegas, players can either side with Goodsprings or the Powder Gangers. But what actually happens if you help the Powder Gangers instead of Goodsprings?
What happens if you help the Powder Gangers? You’ll become “Liked” and will gain free entry to the NCR Correctional Facility.
The Correctional Facility is home to the only Powder Ganger side quests. You can enter without helping the Powder Gangers in Goodsprings, but you’ll need to bribe the doorman.
What happens if you help the Powder Gangers
After entering the Goodsprings saloon for the first time, the player witnesses an argument. Joe Cobb, member of the Powder Gangers, is insistent on Trudy, a bartender, revealing someone’s location.
A Crimson Caravan merchant named Ringo is hiding in town from the Powder Gangers. After the argument, the player can find Cobb on the outskirts of town.
Cobb explains that Ringo felt he could “shoot instead of pay the toll” for passing through Powder Ganger territory. If Cobb is standing out of town, the player can inquire about taking it over.
Originally skeptical, Cobb says that Goodsprings is only farmers and ranchers. With an Intelligence 6 check, the player can suggest the residents work for the Powder Gangers if they’re taken over.
Working with Cobb
Cobb instructs the player to find and dispose of Ringo. He’s holed up in an abandoned gas station next to Doc Mitchell’s house. After dealing with Ringo, the player automatically fails the “Ghost Town Gunfight” quest (which is for siding with Goodsprings).
Next, Cobb encourages the player to shake down local vendors for supplies. He’s worried the gang will be embarrassed if they lose to the locals. Therefore, the supplies will be used in the oncoming fight.
Once the supplies are collected, the battle against Goodsprings initiates. You can speak with Cobb once you win the battle.
He thanks the player for providing him his own town to rule over. Cobb also suggests heading over to the NCR Correctional Facility if you want to make more caps.
If you say Cobb sent you, you’ll be able to enter the Facility without being harassed at the door.
Cobb warns that not all Powder Gangers are the same. The group operating in Primm will attack you on sight, and they’re not affiliated with Cobb.
Helping the Powder Gangers will cause them to “Like” you.
So that’s the answer. What happens if you help the Powder Gangers? You’ll become “Liked” and will gain free entry to the NCR Correctional Facility.