Institutionalized

How to unlock: The quest will be unlocked automatically when you enter the Institute (M5,6) for the first time.

Quest objectives:

• Enter the elevator
• Leave the Institute – the objective will activate only if you refuse the Father
• Meet the division leaders – the objective will activate only if you accept Father’s proposition
• Use the scanning holotape – the objective will activate only if you accept Father’s proposition

Meeting with the Father

Speak to Shaun and then to Father

After completing The Molecular Level quest, the Institutionalized quest will not appear in your journal. However, it will start automatically as soon as you enter the Institute. The Father will contact you through the intercom and request a meeting. You must take a linear walk, using two elevators – first the larger one and then the smaller one. You will reach a room where you will see Shaun behind a glass wall. Try speaking to him. Towards the end of the meeting, the Father will enter the room, and during the conversation, you will learn his true identity.

Option A – Refusing the Father and leaving the Institute

If you refuse the Father, you will have to leave the Institute

During the conversation with Father, you can choose to act in two ways. If you do not want to have any association with the Institute, you can choose negative answers, first by negating his identity and then refusing to work together. This will not make you the Institute’s most wanted enemy, but you will not be able to work with this faction later in the game. Father will allow you to return to the teleport room where you can leave the Institute and end the quest.

Option B – Accepting Father’s proposition and remaining in the Institute

You can start cooperating with the Institute

If you believe Father’s version of events during the conversation, you can continue the quest and start working closely with the Institute. It is important to note that at this point, you are not making any crucial decisions. You do not need to worry about your relationship with other factions worsening. This will happen only when you start further Institute quests. You can stop cooperating with the Institute at any point.

Meeting the Division Leaders

Meet the Institute’s five division leaders

Father will ask you to meet with the leaders of all Institute divisions. In that case, the markers will direct you to the five different people, and it is best to go after activating this quest in the journal. You must speak with each of them, and the conversation will either be short or long. You will ask them additional questions. The division leaders are:

The list consists of five individuals, including Allie Filmore, Newton Oberly, Madison Li, Clayton Holdren, and Justin Ayo. Madison Li can install a chip in your Pip Boy, which will allow you to teleport to the Institute from any location in the game. During the conversation with Justin Ayo, you can use Charisma to inquire why he doesn’t trust you. The division leaders can be found in various locations based on the time of day. During the day, they can be found in their working places or cafeteria, and at night, they can be located in their quarters.

To use the scanning holotape, you do not need to select any particular computer terminal on the map, as you can interact with any terminal in the Institute. After loading the main screen, do not choose any option from the menu. Instead, press the load holotape key/button and select the Network Scanner tape from the list. Confirm that you want to start scanning the net by selecting “Initiate network scan.” Completing this quest will allow you to start the first quests for the Institute or leave the facility using quick travel. The reward for this quest is experience points, and if you agreed on Father’s proposal, you will receive a new Institute quest called Synth Retention.

It’s crucial to note that a separate chapter of this guide contains a walkthrough for quests related to the Institute faction. This primary quest was the last “general” one, and all subsequent main quests are related only to the faction you have chosen, such as Minutemen, Brotherhood of Steel, Railroad, or Institute.

FAQ

1. What does it mean to be institutionalized?

Being institutionalized refers to the process of adapting to a structured and regulated environment, such as a prison, mental institution, or nursing home. It often involves losing one’s sense of independence and becoming reliant on the institution’s routines and rules. This can lead to a loss of personal identity and a sense of purpose outside of the institution. Institutionalized individuals may struggle to re-enter society or adjust to life outside of the institution.

2. How does institutionalization affect mental health?

Institutionalization can have a negative impact on mental health. The isolation and lack of autonomy can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. Individuals may also experience trauma from mistreatment or abuse within the institution. Moreover, individuals who have been institutionalized for long periods may develop institutional syndrome, a condition characterized by apathy, social withdrawal, and difficulty adjusting to new environments. It is important to provide support and resources for those who have been institutionalized to help them transition back into society and improve their mental well-being.

3. Can institutionalization be avoided?

Preventing institutionalization involves providing individuals with the resources and support necessary to live independently or with their families. This may include access to affordable housing, healthcare, and social services. It is also important to address the root causes of institutionalization, such as poverty, mental illness, and lack of community support. By addressing these underlying issues, individuals can be empowered to live fulfilling lives outside of institutions. Moreover, providing alternatives to institutionalization, such as community-based care and support, can help individuals remain connected to their communities and maintain a sense of identity and purpose.