Unconscious

 is a condition in Fallout Tactics and ''Fallout 3. ''In Fallout 3, becoming Unconscious happens when what would normally be a death happens to a character who is flagged as essential. When knocked unconscious, a person or creature will fall to the ground and lay there for a short amount of time and then get back up. If the person or creature was knocked unconscious by the player, they will remain hostile towards the player once they get back up.

An unconscious NPC cannot be looted/eaten/interacted with, but can be pulled along the ground for the short time until they regain consciousness.

Certain NPCs, such as Doctor Li, Sentinel Lyons, or Dad (James) are usually friendly, and will never turn hostile, no matter how many times you try to "kill" them.

Usually, if an essetial NPC is hostile, rendering them unconscious will result in them getting up, friendly again.