Commonwealth Raider Gangs
You might've seen my post a while back detailing the Commonwealth's raider gangs. I hate to admit it, but I missed quite a few of them. So here's an updated and even longer post about the bastards.
Raiders are the scourge of the Wasteland, in the Commonwealth and everywhere else. Loosely organized, with a power hierarchy based on pure ruthlessness, they will attack anyone at any time... for any reason. — Fallout 4 loading screen
A guide to the Commonwealth’s raider gangs! Who works for whom, what each gang’s quirks and reputations are, how big each gang is, and more. Note that this only refers to Fallout 4 BASE GAME gangs (no DLC or Creation Club content). Please let me know if I’ve missed anything and I’ll update this post! I don’t have an estimation on the numbers for a lot of the gangs, but I’m updating this as I figure them out.
(Source: gameplay and the fallout wiki.)
- Major Gangs -
There are four dominant raider gangs in the Commonwealth; led by Jared, Slag, Tower Tom, and Bosco.
Jared’s Gang
Base Location: Corvega Assembly Plant
Sub-Gang(s):
Gristle’s Gang
Other Locations:
Concord
Leader: Jared
Other Named Members:
Freddie (mentioned-only)
Lonnie (mentioned-only)
Estimated Number: 60 (20 with Gristle)
Background: Lexington’s ruins used to be a raider stronghold until feral ghouls ran most of the raiders out. Now, only Jared’s Gang remains, based in the Corvega assembly plant. Jared has been obsessed with the ‘Sight’ since meeting Mama Murphy when he was a kid. He takes a lot of chems and gives them to his crew, searching for someone else with the ability; consequently, his crew is addicted to chems. When he heard Mama Murphy was in Concord, he sent Gristle to retrieve her.
Economy: Raiding nearby settlements and preying on caravans passing by Lexington.
--
Gristle’s Gang
Part of: Jared’s Gang
Location: Concord
Leader: Gristle
Estimated Number: 20
Background: Gristle and his crew were sent to Concord for two reasons - the first is Jared’s main goal: to retrieve Mama Murphy. The second is far more appealing to the majority of raiders throughout the Commonwealth: kill the only remaining Minutemen.
------
The Forged
Base Location: Saugus Ironworks
Sub-Gang(s):
Bedlam’s Gang
Leader: Slag
Estimated Number: X (X with Bedlam)
Background: The Forged have reactivated Saugus Ironworks and use the facility to smelt metals and make armaments. A detachment led by Bedlam scavenges the Dunwich Borers quarry and ships their products back to the Ironworks. The Forged have a reputation for being fire-worshippers; intense, fanatical, and tough. They burn weaklings and dissenters in the ironworks. All members are well trained and have gone through a brutal trial to earn their place. They are also given a new, often fire-related name; examples include Arsenic, Chamber, Damage, Havoc, and Riptide.
Economy: His economy is based on the ironwork’s production of metal, made with scraps from Dunwich Borers. They raid nearby farms for food, especially Finch farm.
---
Bedlam’s Gang
Part of: The Forged
Location: Dunwich Borers
Leader: Bedlam
Other Named Members:
Hugo (deceased)
Estimated Number:
Background: Bedlam’s gang is a detachment of the Forged. They scavenge the Dunwich Borers quarry and ship metal back to Saugus Ironworks.
Economy: They scavenge and raid when they need to.
------
Tower Tom’s Gang
Base Location: Beantown Brewery
Sub-Gang(s):
Sparta’s Gang
Leader: Tower Tom
Other Named Members:
Bull
Gouger
Dreg (mentioned only)
Hook (mentioned only)
Estimated Number: 35 (10 with Sparta)
Background: Tower Tom’s biggest war is against Red Tourette’s gang. He needed food and figured the only way to get it was to somehow force Red to give it to him. A failed raid led to the kidnapping of Red’s sister, Lily, and letters between the sisters get Tom’s gang steady shipments of food from Red. Tom accidentally kills Lily, but to ensure the food doesn’t stop, Tom starts sending fake letters. There’s a rumor among raiders that if a member of Tower Tom’s crew does especially good work, they’re rewarded by all the beer they can carry. Sparta and her crew are believed to have good gear due to their location in a federal facility.
Economy: His economy is based around operating the brewery.
--
Sparta’s Gang
Part of: Tower Tom’s Gang
Base Location: BADTFL Regional Office
Leader: Sparta
Estimated Number: 10
Background: Tower Tom’s gang has a food shortage, so Sparta and her crew were sent out to scavenge. They are believed to have good gear due to their location in a federal facility.
Economy: They scavenge and raid when they need to.
------
Bosco’s Gang
Base Location: D.B. Technical High School
Sub-Gang(s):
Gaff’s Gang
Leader: Bosco
Other Named Members:
Cleaver (mention-only, deceased)
Torque (mention-only, deceased)
Estimated Number: X
Background: His group is almost certainly the largest in the Commonwealth, with perhaps several hundred raiders. His economy is based on his gang’s scavenging and supplies. He’s based in the D. B. Technical High School, but he has a lot of land; odds are, if you come across a raider base in the Boston proper area, they’re Bosco’s. Unfortunately, despite his success, he’s going insane after being bitten by one of his soldier’s rabid dogs. He has a reputation for being absolutely insane, and some raiders regard him as creepy, but he’s extremely powerful and his base is known to be secure.
Economy: They likely survive by scavenging the prosperous Boston ruins. They also raid the trade routes between Goodneighbor, Diamond City, and the rest of the Commonwealth.
---
Gaff’s Gang
Part of: Bosco’s Gang
Base Location: Shamrock Taphouse
Leader: Gaff
Estimated Number:
Background: Gaff and his gang are known among raiders for having a nice setup; not only good defenses, but also billiards and beer. They were an independent gang until Bosco’s crew took them over by having a member sneak in and jam the locks on the taphouse’s doors. Gaff’s gang was trapped inside when Bosco’s crew released attack dogs - those who survived the attack submitted to Bosco’s rule.
Economy: unknown
- Minor Gangs -
L&L Gang
Base Location: None
Other Locations:
randomized
Leader: Captain Sally
Other Named Members:
Johnny T. Walters (with Sally)
Lucky Tatum
Big Maude
Stevie Buchanan
Tammy Mac
The Bruiser
Estimated Number:
Background: The L&L gang is a mix of raiders who’ve made a loose alliance in order to target and murder synths. They’re an enemy of the Railroad.
Economy: unknown
------
Sinjin’s Gang
Base Location: Milton General Hospital
Sub-Gang(s):
Northy’s Gang
Smiling Kate’s Gang
Other Locations:
Walter Street Apartments (Kendra)
Leader: Sinjin
Other Named Members:
Avery (right hand)
Kendra (mercenary/assassin)
Wayne Delancy
AJ
Estimated Number: X (X with Northy, X with Kate, X with Kendra)
Background: Sinjin’s gang is known for harassing Goodneighbor. Sinjin is known for being driven and having the tenacity and vision necessary to form a raider gang on par with an army. Hancock has a vested interest in eliminating him before he becomes a real problem. Sinjin has a reputation among raiders for being especially brutal and ‘psycho’, and willing to kill the family, friends, and just about anyone who talks to his enemies.
Economy: They harass and raid Goodneighbor and the city’s trade routes.
---
Northy’s Gang
Part of: Sinjin’s Gang
Location: south of Wattz Consumer Electronics
Leader: Northy
Estimated Number:
Background: Northy’s crew is a sub-group of Sinjin’s Gang.
---
Smiling Kate’s Gang
Part of: Sinjin’s Gang
Location: outside Bunker Hill
Leader: Smiling Kate
Estimated Number:
Background: Smiling Kate’s crew is a sub-group of Sinjin’s Gang.
------
Walden Pond Gang
Base Location: Walden Pond
Leader: Walter
Other Named Members:
Bear
Tweez
Whiplash
Estimated Number: 4
Background: This small gang has a fairly secure base in the Walden Pond gift shop basement and cave.
Economy: They occasionally raid Abernathy farm.
------
Sully Mathis’ Gang
Base Location: Thicket Excavations
Other Locations:
outskirts of Concord (temporarily)
Leader: Sully Mathis
Estimated Number: 1
Background: Sully’s gang only exists hypothetically - he’s scouting the quarry as a new location for a base, and once it’s drained he’s going to start recruiting. Fearful of the Mirelurks, he refuses to swim into the water to drain it himself, so he’s dressed as a settler and tries to trick someone into helping him empty the quarry for a “new settlement”.
Economy: None, yet.
------
Red Tourette’s Gang
Base Location: Federal Ration Stockpile
Leader: Red Tourette
Other Named Members:
Lily (mention-only, deceased)
Estimated Number: 10
Background: Red’s gang has plenty of food. When Tower Tom raids their base, he’s unsuccessful, but manages to kidnap Red’s sister, Lily. Lily is held hostage in order to force Red to send shipments of food, until Lily is accidentally killed. Tower Tom starts faking Lily’s letters so Red doesn’t catch on… but she’s getting suspicious. Red Tourette’s gang has a reputation for being well run (and well fed).
Economy: This gang sells the food left in the federal ration stockpile.
------
Zeller’s Army
Base Location: East Boston Preparatory School
Leader: Judge Zeller
Estimated Number: 12-30
Background: Zeller is a bloodthirsty raider who runs a particularly brutal group. The gang is infamous for brainwashing and torturing their victims mentally and physically until they either go insane or assimilate into the crew. Every member is forced into a Blood Contract, which reads “With my blood I do swear my life to the Judge and his Jury until the end, upon pain of torture and death.” Members are re-named based on their perceived traits and the torture they are subjected to; examples include Red Finger, Killer, Fishface, Rock Teeth, and Beggar. Even among other raiders, this gang has a reputation for being brutal.
Economy: Their economy is based on extorting Bunker Hill and attacking its caravans.
------
Wire’s Gang
Base Location: Libertalia
Leader: Wire
Other Named Members:
Anderson (mention-only, deceased)
Williams (mention-only, deceased)
Estimated Number: The group is rather small, with only about two or three dozen raiders.
Background: Wire is an ex-minuteman, who drifted away from the faction after its leaders fell. Despite the gang’s relatively small numbers, they’re well trained and have a secure base. Even Bosco has decided not to attack them because of the terrain of their base. They have a reputation for being a “community”, which appeals to some raiders.
Economy: His economy is based on attacking and extorting caravans, and the gang has an extortion deal with Bunker Hill.
------
Scutter’s Gang
Base Location: Hyde Park
Leader: Scutter
Estimated Number: X
Background: Scutter runs a small gang who, according to the Fallout 4 Survival Guide, are known for skinning and wearing their victims. Bosco attempted to take them over, but they refused to submit to him - a rare feat, and a testament to their power. They are known among other raiders as nutjobs. There’s a rumor within the gang that Gunners have infiltrated them (which is true), and that has led to a witch-hunt that effectively neutralizes the gang as long as they’re busy trying to catch the spies.
Economy: They occasionally raid Somerville Place for food and supplies.
------
Slough’s Gang
Base Location: Quincy Quarries
Leader: Slough
Estimated Number: X
Background: The raider gang in the heavily-radiated Quincy Quarries is made up entirely of ghouls, who are not only unfazed by the radiation, but heal from it. They do not butt heads with other raider gangs, but have fought with the Gunners in Quincy ruins frequently.
Economy: unknown
------
Ack-Ack’s Gang
Base Location: USAF Satellite Station Olivia
Leader: Ack-Ack
Estimated Number: 20
Background: Ack-Ack’s gang killed Mary Abernathy and stole her locket during a raid on the farm.
Economy: This gang survives by raiding farms for food, especially Abernathy farm.
------
Boomer’s Gang
Base Location: Outpost Zimonja
Leader: Boomer
Estimated Number: 12
Background: Boomer’s name comes from the Fat Man he wields. His gang took over Outpost Zimonja after it was set up by settlers, so it has a small farm, a well, and it’s fortified. Boomer’s crew have a reputation for being smart.
Economy: unknown
------
FMS Northern Star Gang
Base Location: FMS Northern Star
Leader: Rags
Estimated Number: X
Background: These raiders are Norwegian refugees, stranded in their shipwreck since the war. They beg in Norwegian for you to go away and leave them alone.
They were once Norwegian refugees, but now they are ghoulified raiders led by a man named Rags, who will attack anyone who wanders on to their vessel.
Economy: Rags and his gang will attack anyone who approaches their vessel, but they don’t seek out anyone to raid.
------
Chancer’s Gang
Base Location: Andrew Station
Leader: Chancer
Estimated Number: X
Background: Chancer’s crew mostly keep to themselves. They’re surrounded by rival gangs and super mutants, so they stay underground until they need to raid, scavenge, or move. Chancer has a reputation for being crazy - which isn’t unusual for raider gang bosses.
Economy: unknown
------
Cinder’s Gang
Base Location: Revere Beach station
Leader: Cinder
Estimated Number: X
Background: Cinder moved her gang underground. They mostly stay on the peninsula, as Gunners and Mutants block the routes off of it. Cinder is considered by some raiders to be a ‘savvy operator.’
Economy: They occasionally raid Nordhagen Beach for food.
------
Eager Ernie
Base Location: East City Downs
Leader: Eager Ernie
Other Named Members:
Tommy (mentioned-only)
Estimated Number:
Background: Ernie’s gang is technically made up of Triggermen, but he’s allied closely with the local raider gang. They’ve restored a variety of old robots which they race around an old horse racetrack. Some raiders think Eager Ernie's set up sounds fun, while others ridicule him for it. Ernie’s gang has a deal with Wire’s gang; in exchange for using the racetrack, Ernie sends a portion of his profits to Wire. Ernie instructs his gang to rig the races.
Economy: This gang profits off of raider customers betting on robot racing.
------
Clutch’s Gang
Base Location: Back Street Apparel
Leader: Clutch
Estimated Number: ?
Background: Clutch’s crew is one of the only gangs targeted by Bosco who haven’t been killed or assimilated into his crew.
Economy: They ambush caravans and travelers near Diamond City.
------
The Combat Zone
Base Location: Combat Zone
Leader: Tommy Lonegan
Background: The Combat Zone isn’t a gang in itself, but rather a hot spot for raiders from any of the Commonwealth’s gangs. There’s an enforced ceasefire in the bar, so raiders can gather to watch cage fights and drink.
Economy: The Combat Zone profits from raiders buying food and drinks, and gambling on cage fights.
------
Cutty’s Gang
Base Location: Poseidon Energy
Leader: Cutty
Estimated Number: X
Background: This gang is still setting up shop. They’re struggling with robot security systems still active in the facility, as well as mirelurks in its sublevels, so the gang mostly stays in the upper-levels.
Economy: Cutty’s gang preys only on the Warwick homestead; they can’t advance west due to the Gunner presence in Quincy.
------
Demo’s Gang
Base Location: Hardware Town
Leader: Demo
Estimated Number: X
Background: He and his crew lie in wait in the backroom of Hardware Town and use a gang member disguised as a wastelander to lure unsuspecting victims into an ambush. They have already duped several wastelanders inside, murdered them, and dumped their corpses in the basement. Demo and his crew have a reputation for being very successful in their ambushes.
Economy: Luring in and ambushing travelers.
------
Griswold’s Gang
Base Location: Monsignor Plaza
Leader: unknown
Other Named Members:
Griswold (mentioned-only)
Sue (deceased, mention-only)
Jake (mentioned-only)
Estimated Number: X
Background: This gang has set up shop in the Monsignor Plaza shopping center in the center of Boston. A holotape found at the site, titled ‘Griswold’s poetry collection’, reveals the names of two raiders who are only mentioned in the game; Griswold and Sue. Griswold was romantically attracted to Sue, but after she offended him in some way, he shot and killed her. Sue herself has a terminal with only one entry - a note to self telling her to shoot Griswold next time she sees him. It is unknown whether Griswold or Sue are (or were) the gang’s boss.
Economy: unknown
------
Helter Skelter's Gang
Base Location: Malden Center
Leader: Helter Skelter
Other Named Members:
Gus (mentioned-only)
Estimated Number: X
Background: Helter Skelter’s gang was settled in the metro tunnels of Malden Center; however, they are currently holding out against a platoon of Institute synths. Helter Skelter and his best men are cornered in the terminus of the tunnel. This gang is relatively new, and some raiders are attracted to the idea of joining early, but they’re also nervous about the Forged making a move against them.
Economy: unknown
------
Lefty’s Gang
Base Location: unknown
Other Locations:
Parsons State Insane Asylum
Leader: Lefty
Other Named Members:
Joe (deceased, mentioned-only)
Estimated Number:
Background: Lefty and his gang are attempting to break through the Cabot family’s defenses and free Lorenzo Cabot from his prison beneath the asylum.
Lorenzo is bribing him with a mysterious serum, which other raiders (including those in his own gang) have noticed is making Lefty ‘twitchy’ and unpredictably sadistic.
Economy: unknown
------
Slab’s Gang
Base Location: unknown
Other Locations:
Pickman Gallery
Leader: Slab
Other Named Members:
Seth (mentioned-only)
Kyle (deceased, mentioned-only)
Jack (deceased)
Estimated Number: X
Background: Slab and his gang have been targeted by the serial killer Pickman, and are raiding his hideout to get revenge.
Economy: unknown
------
Skrap Rat’s Gang
Base Location: none; found in random encounter
Leader: Skrap Rat
Other Named Members:
Bradlee (mentioned-only)
Estimated Number: 5
Background: Skrap Rat’s gang travels the Commonwealth masquerading as scavengers. Skrap Rat states in a letter that she’ll kill any stranger she meets for the safety of the group.
Economy: They kill and loot anyone they come across.
- Deceased Gangs -
West Everett Estates Gang
Base Location: West Everett Estates
Leader: unknown
Other Named Members:
Leon Ames (deceased, mentioned-only)
Estimated Number: (all deceased)
Background: This gang of raiders were wiped out when Hammer and his tribe of super mutants took over the settlement.
Economy: unknown
------
Ricca’s Gang
Base Location: College Square
Leader: Ricca (deceased)
Other Named Members:
Erris (deceased)
Tad (deceased)
Estimated Number: # (all deceased)
Background: Ricca attempted to clear the ghouls from College Square, but failed, resulting in her and her entire gang’s deaths. She had a reputation for being tough, and raiders believed that if anyone could set up a base in the square, it was her.
Economy: Ricca was tolling trading routes, but the prices weren’t sustainable.
------
Mahkra Fishpacking Gang
Base Location: Mahkra Fishpacking Plant
Leader: unknown
Estimated Number: # (all deceased)
Background: A small gang of raiders can be found in and around the Mahkra Fishpacking plant, freshly slaughtered by Institute synths.
Economy: unknown
------
Jamaican Plain Gang
Base Location: none
Other Locations:
Jamaican Plane
Leader: Carl Everett / Sal
Other Named Members:
Carl Everett
Sal
Luke Silverhand
Ken Standish
Tanya Standish
Estimated Number: 5 (all deceased)
Background: This group was made up mostly of raiders, but wasn’t exactly a raider gang. Carl owed Sal caps and convinced her to join him in finding the treasures of Jamaican Plain. He put together a group, and every member (including Carl himself) intended to betray the others. As soon as they arrived they were attacked by ghouls, but they were unwilling to fight together and were overwhelmed. Their bodies can be found scattered around Jamaican Plain.
Economy: attempted looting of Jamaican Plain