Return To Sender: New Vegas Quest Guide

Nick Leason

-Oct 5, 2025

Learn how to complete the "Return to Sender" quest in Fallout: New Vegas. This guide covers the steps, rewards, and essential tips for success.

Key Takeaways

"Return to Sender" is a key quest for the NCR in Fallout: New Vegas.
The quest involves delivering Courier droids to specific locations.
Completing the quest improves your reputation with the NCR.
Success requires navigating dangerous areas and dealing with various enemies.
The quest offers a significant reward and contributes to the NCR storyline.

Introduction

"Return to Sender" is a notable quest in Fallout: New Vegas that involves helping the New California Republic (NCR) improve their communication network. As the Courier, you're tasked with delivering damaged Courier droids to specific outposts for repair. This quest is essential for players looking to align themselves with the NCR and gain favor within their faction. Successfully completing this mission requires careful planning, combat readiness, and knowledge of the Mojave Wasteland's various locations and factions.

What & Why of "Return to Sender"

What is "Return to Sender"?

The quest "Return to Sender" tasks the Courier with retrieving damaged Courier droids and delivering them to NCR outposts for repair. These droids are crucial for maintaining communication lines across the vast Mojave Wasteland, and their recovery is vital to the NCR's operations. The quest highlights the challenges of maintaining technology in a post-apocalyptic world and the importance of communication for a faction like the NCR. — Steelers Game Today: Time, TV Channel, And How To Watch

Why is this quest important?

Completing "Return to Sender" offers several benefits:

Improved NCR Reputation: Successfully finishing the quest significantly boosts your reputation with the NCR, opening up opportunities for further quests and rewards.
Experience Points: The quest provides a substantial amount of experience points, aiding in character progression.
Quest Rewards: You receive caps and other valuable items upon completion, making it a worthwhile endeavor.
NCR Storyline Progression: "Return to Sender" is a key quest in the NCR's storyline, contributing to the overall narrative of the game.

Risks Involved

While beneficial, the quest isn't without its risks:

Dangerous Locations: The droids are often located in areas infested with hostile creatures and raiders, requiring combat readiness.
Enemy Encounters: Expect to face various enemies, including Deathclaws, feral ghouls, and hostile factions.
Time Commitment: Completing the quest involves traveling to multiple locations, which can be time-consuming.

How to Complete "Return to Sender"

Initiate the Quest:
- Speak with Chief Hanlon at Camp Golf. He's located in the main building, usually in his office.
- Hanlon will task you with investigating issues with the NCR's Courier droids and their communication network.
Gather Information:
- Hanlon will provide initial information about the damaged droids and their potential locations.
- You'll need to retrieve three damaged Courier droids from various locations across the Mojave Wasteland.
Locate the Damaged Droids:
- Location 1: The Searchlight Airport:
  - Travel to Searchlight Airport, which is located southwest of Boulder City.
  - The airport is heavily irradiated due to a recent attack, so be prepared with radiation protection (Rad-X, RadAway, or a Hazmat Suit).
  - The damaged Courier droid is inside one of the airport buildings, usually guarded by feral ghouls.
- Location 2: Nipton Road Rest Stop:
  - Head to the Nipton Road Rest Stop, situated south of Nipton and east of Novac.
  - The rest stop is occupied by Viper gang members, so be ready for a firefight.
  - The droid is found inside one of the damaged vehicles or in the surrounding area.
- Location 3: Jean Sky Diving School:
  - Travel to the Jean Sky Diving School, which is located northeast of McCarran Airport.
  - This area is relatively safer compared to the other two locations but may still have some hostile creatures.
  - The droid is typically found inside the main building or near the broken-down aircraft.
Retrieve the Droids:
- Defeat any enemies guarding the droids.
- Interact with the damaged Courier droids to pick them up. They will be added to your inventory.
Deliver the Droids to the NCR:
- Once you have all three droids, return to Camp Golf.
- Speak with Chief Hanlon and report your findings.
- Hanlon will instruct you to deliver the droids to specific NCR outposts for repair.
Deliver to Outposts:
- The droids need to be delivered to the following locations:
  - NCR Sharecropper Farms: Located northeast of McCarran Airport. Speak with the Quartermaster.
  - Camp Forlorn Hope: Situated southeast of Novac. Talk to the Quartermaster Sergeant Reyes.
  - McCarran Airport: Inside the main terminal building. Find the Quartermaster Mayes.
- Travel to each location and speak with the designated Quartermaster.
- Hand over the Courier droids to complete this part of the quest.
Return to Chief Hanlon:
- After delivering all the droids, return to Camp Golf.
- Speak with Chief Hanlon to receive your final reward and complete the quest.

Examples & Use Cases

Role-Playing an NCR Supporter: Completing "Return to Sender" is a natural choice for players role-playing as characters who support the NCR's goals and values.
Maximizing Reputation: Players aiming to achieve the highest NCR reputation will find this quest essential.
Gaining Access to NCR Resources: A positive NCR reputation unlocks access to valuable resources, such as equipment, quests, and safehouses.
Strategic Alliance: This quest is crucial for players looking to solidify an alliance with the NCR in the endgame.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

Prepare for Radiation: Searchlight Airport is heavily irradiated, so bring Rad-X, RadAway, or wear a Hazmat Suit.
Combat Readiness: Be prepared for combat encounters at Nipton Road Rest Stop and other locations. Bring appropriate weapons, armor, and healing items.
Plan Your Route: Optimize your travel route to minimize travel time and potential dangers.
Save Frequently: Save your game before entering dangerous areas or engaging in combat.

Common Mistakes

Ignoring Radiation: Entering Searchlight Airport without radiation protection can quickly lead to radiation poisoning and death.
Underestimating Enemies: The Viper gang members at Nipton Road Rest Stop can be formidable opponents, especially at lower levels.
Skipping Preparation: Failing to bring adequate supplies and equipment can make the quest significantly more challenging.
Not Delivering to the Correct NPCs: Ensure you deliver the droids to the specified Quartermasters at each outpost to advance the quest.

FAQs

What are the rewards for completing "Return to Sender"?

Completing "Return to Sender" rewards you with experience points, caps, and a significant boost to your NCR reputation. — Check Work Permit Status: How To Know When It Arrives

How do I start the "Return to Sender" quest?

You can start the quest by speaking with Chief Hanlon at Camp Golf. — Shelton Vs. Goffin: Matchup Analysis & Predictions

Where are the damaged Courier droids located?

The droids are located at Searchlight Airport, Nipton Road Rest Stop, and Jean Sky Diving School.

What should I do if I encounter heavy radiation at Searchlight Airport?

Use Rad-X, RadAway, or wear a Hazmat Suit to protect yourself from radiation.

How important is NCR reputation in New Vegas?

NCR reputation is crucial for accessing NCR quests, resources, and influencing the game's ending.

Conclusion with CTA

Completing "Return to Sender" is a rewarding quest that bolsters your reputation with the NCR and advances the storyline in Fallout: New Vegas. By following this guide, you can navigate the dangers of the Mojave Wasteland, retrieve the damaged droids, and contribute to the NCR's communication network. Dive into the quest today and solidify your alliance with the NCR!

Last updated: June 8, 2024, 03:35 UTC