Valor Mortis Pistol in Valley of Ashes: Get It

The pistol in the Valley of Ashes in Valor Mortis is obtained by completing the “Buried Echoes” side quest, which begins at the abandoned gas station east of the Ashen Bridge. You must retrieve three hidden supply caches and return them to the quest giver, NPC Marta, to receive the “Ashen Fang” pistol as a reward. This guide explains the full questline, the weapon’s stats, and tips for finding all caches quickly.

Background: What Is the Valley of Ashes?

The Valley of Ashes is a late-game region in Valor Mortis, accessible after you complete the main story chapter “The Scorched Road.” It is a desolate, ash-covered wasteland filled with high-level enemies, environmental hazards, and hidden loot. The region’s name is a nod to the classic literary trope of a wasteland, and it serves as a testing ground for players who have reached level 40 or higher. The pistol you can earn here is one of the few reliable sidearm options for endgame content, making it a sought-after reward.

How to Start the “Buried Echoes” Quest

To begin, fast-travel to the Ashen Bridge waypoint, then head east along the cracked highway. You’ll find a rundown gas station with a flickering sign. Inside, talk to Marta, a scavenger who mentions that her old supply caches were buried during the ash storms. She’ll ask you to find three caches marked on your map with a yellow diamond icon. Accept the quest to add the markers to your map.

Finding the Three Supply Caches

Each cache is located in a distinct area, and you’ll need to solve a small environmental puzzle to unearth them. Here’s a breakdown:

• Cache 1 – Under the Broken Water Tower: South of the gas station, you’ll see a collapsed water tower. Use your shovel (purchased from any general merchant) to dig at the base of the tower’s legs. The cache is buried under a pile of ash.
• Cache 2 – Inside the Abandoned Church: Northeast of the tower, enter the ruined church. Look for a loose floorboard near the altar. Interact with it to reveal a hidden compartment containing the cache.
• Cache 3 – At the Edge of the Sinkhole: West of the church, you’ll find a large sinkhole. Drop down carefully and search the rocky ledge on the southern wall. The cache is tucked behind a fallen statue.

Each cache contains a unique key item (e.g., “Marta’s Old Photo”) that you must return to her. You can carry all three at once, so no need to backtrack between each find.

The Ashen Fang Pistol: Stats and Use

Once you return the three caches, Marta rewards you with the Ashen Fang, a semi-automatic pistol with the following base stats:

• Damage: 45 per shot
• Fire Rate: 3.5 rounds per second
• Magazine Size: 12 rounds
• Critical Hit Chance: 10%
• Range: Medium

The pistol has a unique perk called “Ashwalker’s Grip,” which increases your reload speed by 20% when you are standing in ash-covered terrain. This makes it particularly effective in the Valley of Ashes and other ash-heavy zones. It uses standard 9mm ammunition, which is commonly found from enemies and in loot containers.

Tips for Completing the Quest Efficiently

If you’re struggling, here are a few practical tips:

1. Bring a shovel and a lockpick: The shovel is required for the first cache, and a lockpick (or a high lockpicking skill) may be needed for the church’s floorboard if it’s locked.
2. Clear enemies first: Each cache location is guarded by a small group of ash stalkers (level 42-45). Use stealth or ranged attacks to thin them out before approaching.
3. Use the map markers: The quest markers are accurate, but they only show the general area. Look for visual cues like the water tower, church steeple, and sinkhole rim.
4. Don’t forget to dig: For the first cache, you must use the shovel (keybind: ‘F’ on PC) while standing at the marked spot. Simply interacting won’t work.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Many players report that the quest doesn’t appear, or they can’t find the caches. Here are the most common issues:

• Quest not showing up: Make sure you’ve completed the main story chapter “The Scorched Road” and are at least level 40. Marta won’t appear otherwise.
• Cache 1 won’t dig: You need the shovel in your inventory, but you also need to stand exactly on the marked spot. Sometimes the marker is slightly off; try moving a few steps in each direction.
• Cache 2 is locked: The floorboard may be locked with a level 2 lock. If you don’t have lockpicks, you can return later after leveling your lockpicking skill, or use a companion with the “Picklock” perk.
• Cache 3 is inaccessible: The sinkhole has a toxic gas cloud at the bottom. Wear a gas mask or use a gas filter consumable to avoid damage while searching.

Alternatives to the Ashen Fang

If you can’t complete the quest or prefer a different sidearm, there are other pistols in the game. The “Ember Shot” is a revolver found in a locked safe in the Ashen Bridge area, but it requires a key from a random drop. The “Silent Whisper” is a suppressed pistol obtained from a faction quest in the nearby settlement of New Haven. However, the Ashen Fang offers the best balance of damage and fire rate for its level, making it worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ashen Fang pistol worth getting?

Yes, for most builds, it’s a solid upgrade over common pistols. Its damage is comparable to other epic-tier sidearms, and the reload speed perk is useful in ash-heavy zones. However, if you’re a sniper or melee build, you might prefer a different secondary weapon.

Can I get the pistol without completing the main story?

No, the quest only becomes available after completing the “Scorched Road” chapter. The Valley of Ashes itself is locked until then, so you must progress the story.

What level should I be to tackle this quest?

It’s recommended to be at least level 42, as the enemies guarding the caches are in the low 40s. If you’re underleveled, bring a companion and plenty of healing items.

Is there a time limit for the quest?

No, the quest has no time limit. You can leave and return anytime, and the caches will remain in place.

Can I replay the quest to get a second pistol?

No, the quest is a one-time reward. However, you can find the Ashen Fang as a rare drop from certain elite enemies in the Valley of Ashes after completing the quest.

Final Thoughts

Getting the pistol in the Valley of Ashes is straightforward once you know the steps. Follow the quest markers, prepare with a shovel and lockpicks, and you’ll have the Ashen Fang in your arsenal. It’s a reliable weapon that will serve you well in the endgame.

Related

• Phone Display, Charging & Support: Which Wins?
• Photo Assist in Samsung Gallery: What It Can Do
• Choosing API Gateway Functionality for Kubernetes