Old Ben

Old Ben is a local living in Freeside in 2281.

Background
Old Ben is right outside the entrance to the New Vegas Strip in Freeside when the Courier first meets him. He warns the player character not to go to the gate of the Strip without talking with the Securitron gatekeeper first, or they'll get vaporized. After further questioning, he tells the Courier that he used to be in many jobs, such as a bodyguard, male escort, a gun-for-hire, courier, as well as a butcher.

Quests
Wang Dang Atomic Tango: When looking for a male escort, the Courier can choose between Ben and Santiago to be a "smooth talker" for the Atomic Wrangler Casino. Old Ben can be persuaded through either a Speech check or the Confirmed Bachelor/Black Widow perk.

Appearances
Old Ben appears only in Fallout: New Vegas.

Bugs

 * He can sometimes, after you talk to him, run to the Strip's gate where he will be obliterated by the Securitrons.
 * If you recruit Santiago and go to the Atomic Wrangler to tell James then go back to Ben and pass the Speech check you will be awarded 50 XP and he will run to the Atomic Wrangler. Then when you go back to the Wrangler you can speak to Ben again to pass the Speech check infinitely, earning 35 XP per check. You can also still use the Black Widow/Confirmed Bachelor perk. Speaking to James will not bring the option to recruit Ben.

Alter Ben Ben (Freeside) Stary Ben Старый Бен Старий Бен