Navigating the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Commonwealth eventually brings players to the neon-lit stands of Diamond City. The quest known as Getting a Clue serves as a major narrative turning point, transitioning the Sole Survivor from an aimless parent into a focused detective. Fulfilling this critical main mission requires a blend of investigative deduction, sharp observation, and strategic exploration alongside a newly rescued companion.

Investigating the Valentine Detective Agency

Your journey begins immediately after rescuing the legendary synth detective from the depths of Vault 114. Head back to Diamond City and step inside the Valentine Detective Agency to officially initiate your interrogation. Ellie Perkins will welcome you back warmly, allowing you to sit down with Nick Valentine to discuss your missing son, Shaun.

During this conversation, share everything you remember about the mysterious kidnapper who took your child away. Nick will quickly deduct that the description matches a notorious mercenary named Kellogg who recently stayed in the area. This realization sets up your primary objective, shifting the focus of your investigation toward finding the suspect's hidden living quarters.

Gaining Entry into Kellogg's House

Finding the mercenary's apartment requires navigating the upper wooden walkways of Diamond City Market until you reach a tightly locked door. The entrance features a master-level lock that is impossible for low-level players to pick manually without advanced perks. To bypass this barrier, you must seek alternative methods by tracking down the local authorities.

Locate Mayor McDonough in his upper office to request the key to the vacant property. You can successfully convince him to hand over the key using a high charisma speech check or by offering a hefty bribe of caps. If those options fail, you can also pickpocket the key directly from the mayor or his secretary, Geneva.

Uncovering the Secret Cigar Stash

Once inside the dusty apartment, you will notice that the main living area looks deceptively normal at first glance. To uncover the true evidence, walk beneath the interior staircase and locate a hidden red button concealed under the desk. Pressing this switch will automatically open a secret wall panel, revealing a fully stocked armory and laboratory.

Examine the table inside the hidden room to find a specific brand of San Francisco Sunsets cigars. Nick Valentine will examine the item and suggest using a specialized tracker to follow the scent trail across the Commonwealth. This triggers the arrival of Dogmeat, your loyal canine companion who waiting patiently just outside the house.

Beginning the Search for the Mercenary

Show the cigar to Dogmeat so he can register the specific scent profile in his tracking memory. Your four-legged ally will immediately sprint out of Diamond City, guiding you along the dangerous railroad tracks heading west. This transition officially concludes the current investigation and immediately initiates the next major quest line, Reunions.

Successfully completing this trial ensures that you have all the necessary leads to chase down your son's captor. Players can now stock up on supplies and prepare their weapons for the intense combat scenarios that lie ahead in the ruins. Following the dog carefully across the terrain will lead you straight toward the heart of the mercenary's stronghold.