Giant Rat (Fallout: New Vegas)

Giant rats are creatures living in the Mojave Wasteland in 2281.

Biology
Giant rats simply appear to be larger versions of normal pre-War rats. The giant rats in Fallout: New Vegas appear to have lost most of their fur (likely due to radiation), and have glowing turquoise eyes. Like normal rats, they have very large incisors. Giants rats are often found in darker areas, such as Cerulean Robotics, broc flower cave, and Vault 11.

Gameplay attributes
Giant rats will not attack on sight, but will stand defensively in the way bighorners do when the player character is spotted. Only when the player character draws too close or attacks them will they become hostile. Certain rats, such as the giant rats found in Freeside, will not attack the player regardless of whether or not they are attacked. As with most mutated animals, giant rats will not attack if the player character has the Animal Friend perk. Giant rats are also susceptible to, and count towards, the Animal Control perk. Occasionally idle rats will make a sound similar to a howl.

Giant rat
These are light brown color, with glowing blue eyes and white hair down its back. The standard giant rat is equal in size to a mole rat. They are quite fast and attack in groups of 3 to 7.

Giant rat pup
These young rats look identical to fully grown giant rats but are smaller than the standard giant rat. They usually don't attack but instead run away. However, if pups are encountered with normal giant rats, they will accompany them in the assault on the player character.

Rodent of unusual size


Found in the broc flower cave and New Vegas sewers, rodents of unusual size are the largest of the mutated rats found in the Mojave Wasteland to date. They are identical to their giant cousins, save for their increased size and attack strength. They are aggressive and will attack on sight unless the player character has the Animal Friend perk.

Unnaturally large sized rodent
These are uniquely large giant rats, with only two in existence in 2281. They are found in the east central sewers, in the same room as "Sweet" Jill. Except for their size, they are identical in appearance to their smaller cousins, though are more aggressive and will attack on sight. If the Animal Friend perk is taken, like all animals, the unnaturally large rodents will not attack.

Appearances
Giant rats appear in Fallout: New Vegas.

Behind the scenes

 * In the New Vegas concept art, the giant rat has been described as "smaller than a dog but bigger than a cat".
 * The rodents of unusual size are named in reference to William Goldman's novel and film The Princess Bride. In the film and novel, rodents of unusual size (or ROUSs for short) attack the protagonists. Like Fallout's rats, ROUSs are extremely large and dangerous.
 * In Fallout 2, when the player speaks to Sajag in Klamath, in the dialogue there will be mentioned that Trapper Town has problems with ROUS - rodents of unusual size.

Sounds

 * Giant rat attack
 * Giant rat battle cry
 * Giant rat hiss

Gallery
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