Finding every stat-boosting collectible in Fallout 3 is a core objective for players aiming to maximize their character's combat potential across the Capital Wasteland. Among the twenty Vault-Tec figures scattered throughout the ruins, the Small Guns Bobblehead provides a permanent boost to one of the most versatile combat skills in the game. Securing this valuable item requires venturing deep into a heavily fortified military installation filled with hostile robotic defenses.

Locating the National Guard Depot

The Small Guns Bobblehead is hidden within the National Guard Depot, located toward the northeastern area of the Washington D.C. outer ruins. Reaching the facility requires traveling through the treacherous urban ruins and preparing for heavy resistance from protectrons and sentry bots. Survivors should ensure they carry plenty of ammunition and pulse grenades before attempting the journey.

Navigating the Depot Interior

To access the armory section holding the bobblehead, players must first complete a specific navigational circuit through the facility buildings. You must enter the main building, navigate into the Living Quarters, and pass through the Offices to reach the upper balcony of the main armory hall. Flipping the electrical switch on the top floor unlocks the heavy utility door leading straight into the subterranean armory basement.

Claiming the Small Guns Bobblehead

Once inside the basement armory, proceed down the corridor toward the main storage room containing the weapons cache. The Small Guns Bobblehead sits prominently on a metal utility shelf inside the sealed room right alongside high-tier supplies. Picking up this figure permanently increases your character's Small Guns skill by 10 points, allowing you to deal significantly higher damage with conventional rifles, pistols, and shotguns.

Tips for Early Game Collection

While the National Guard Depot contains high-level combat encounters, clever wastelanders can complete the run early by focusing on stealth or taking advantage of robot weakness to energy weapons. Collecting the Keller Family Transcripts is completely optional for obtaining the bobblehead itself, as it is located in the room immediately preceding the main vault door. Grabbing this permanent stat boost early makes clearing the late-game wasteland challenges much more manageable.