Click for bigger lasers.
Not only does Broken Steel add a new main quest line which, at four to five hours, is longer than The Pitt, but it also removes a lot of Fallout 3 fans' major qualms with the game -- the ending. Broken Steel takes place after the original ending of the game, allowing you to continue to explore the world after the main quest line is complete. It also increases the level cap from 20 to 30 and introduces some new high-level perks, armor and weapons.
The original Fallout 3 endgame has been changed, so that three companions will no longer refuse to aid you in your final task. The Broken Steel story picks up two weeks later, with you dealing of the consequences of your actions. Don't worry, completing Broken Steel won't end the game either. The folks at Bethesda haven't moved the finishing line -- they've dismantled it.
As a result of the level cap increase, you'll be facing much tougher enemies. The amount of experience required to reach the new levels is designed to keep you playing the game for much longer than the new main quest will last, which is why new side missions have also been included. You'll be traveling all over the Capital Wastelands again, though things may have now changed to reflect your earlier actions.
New areas have also been added, including the Presidential Tunnels under the White House and the new world space, Adam's Airforce Base. Fans of Dogmeat will be happy to hear that one of the new perks -- "Puppies!" -- allows your loyal pet to reincarnate at a specific location if something terrible should happen to it. Bethesda were tight lipped on any more perk details, but that means plenty of surprises once the content drops on May 5.
Bethesda was tempted to raise the price for Broken Steel, considering the amount of new content. You'll be happy to hear that their madness soon left them -- the DLC will sell for the usual 800
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