Fallout 3: Should You Save Or Destroy Megaton?

screenrant.com:

Few quests stick in the minds of players more than the conundrum of Megaton and its titular bomb. Often one of the earliest quests the Lone Wanderer encounters after leaving the vault, what should be the fate of the town of Megaton is still hotly debated even 16 years later. But, while the choice might seem like a simple one on the surface, there are more factors to consider beyond the karmic ramifications.

's town of Megaton is often the first town many Lone Wanderers will stumble across after their hasty exit from Vault 101 and the first real signs of life in the desolate Capital Wasteland. Upon entering the ramshackle settlement, it is impossible to miss the large undetonated nuclear bomb in the center for which the residents will explain the town is named. Once inside Megaton, there are two ways to gain“,” but it might be worth holding onto this quest until all the pros and cons have been weighed.

For those looking to destroy Megaton, can be picked up from Mister Burke, who can be found in Moriarty's Saloon. When spoken to, Burke will tell the Lone Wanderer that he's in town on behalf of his employer, Allistair Tenpenny, explaining that they are his best option as they have no prior ties to the “.” Burke will make an offer of 500 caps for the Lone Wanderer to "" the town's atomic bomb to detonate, although he can be persuaded to pay an extra 500 with a Speech check.

Female characters with the Black Widow perk are guaranteed to get the extra 500 caps by choosing the Black Widow option and then selecting the second dialogue choice.

Burke will then hand over a Fusion Pulse Charge which needs to be attached to the bomb and requires an Explosives skill of 25 or higher. After this, the Lone Wanderer will need to travel to Tenpenny Tower, found to the far southwest of Megaton, to meet up with Burke once more. Burke will be in the penthouse suite, along with Tenpenny, and will give the Lone Wanderer the honor of pushing the button to destroy Megaton. The town's