In the sprawling wasteland of the “Fallout” series, outfitting your character with the right gear is as essential as any well-planned strategy or perfectly executed critical hit. “Fallout 2,” despite its age, remains one of the most beloved installments in the series, renowned for its depth, dark humor, and extensive world-building. For wanderers new and old, understanding which pieces of armor to snag can make the difference between thriving in the post-apocalyptic chaos and becoming another forgotten skeleton in the desert.
Early Game Armor Sets
Venturing into the wasteland, your first foray outside the relative safety of your tribal village can be daunting. Early on, your armor options are limited, but there are a few standout pieces you should aim to acquire.
Leather Armor
A classic choice for the burgeoning wanderer, Leather Armor provides a decent balance of mobility and protection. It’s your first real step up from the tribal rags you’re wrapped in at the game’s outset. You can typically acquire this armor fairly early by visiting Klamath and either partaking in some light thievery, trading goods, or completing tasks for the locals.
Metal Armor
A significant step up in terms of defense, Metal Armor can mean the difference between life and death in early game confrontations, especially against raiders or aggressive wildlife. It’s heavier and will slow you down a bit, but the trade-off in survivability is worth it. You can snag a set in towns like The Den, either through purchase or by proving yourself useful to the right people.
Mid-Game Armor Sets
As you dive deeper into the wasteland’s secrets and confront more formidable foes, upgrading your gear becomes critical. The middle chapters of your adventure open up access to more sophisticated and protective armor sets.
Combat Armor
A balanced choice for the nomadic adventurer, Combat Armor offers excellent defense without the cumbersome weight of Metal Armor. It’s a common sight among higher-ranking members of various factions, which means you’ll either have to cough up a considerable amount of caps or pry it from their cold, dead hands. Keep an eye out for this armor in larger cities and military outposts.
Brotherhood Armor
A specialized set that’s a bit of a challenge to obtain but well worth the effort. To get your hands on Brotherhood Armor, you’ll need to align yourself with the Brotherhood of Steel and complete a series of tasks for them. This armor offers outstanding protection and has that iconic, intimidating look, making it a fantastic choice for those who have begun to influence the wasteland’s politics and power structures.
Late Game Armor Sets
Toward the tail end of your journey, the wasteland will throw its most dangerous challenges yet at you. To face these threats head-on, you’ll need the pinnacle of post-apocalyptic protection.
Power Armor
The crème de la crème of wasteland warfare, Power Armor is a game-changer. Not only does it provide unparalleled defense, but it also increases your strength, allowing you to carry more loot and wield heavier weapons. The catch? You’ll likely need to undertake a dangerous mission to a high-security location like the Navarro outpost. It’s a perilous journey, but the reward is a set of armor that makes you nearly unstoppable.
Advanced Power Armor
For those who take their firepower and fashion seriously, the Advanced Power Armor is the ultimate goal. It’s even more robust than the standard Power Armor and comes with a sleek, menacing appearance. The Enclave guards this top-tier gear zealously, so snagging a set for yourself won’t be easy. Be prepared for an epic showdown if you aim to wear the wasteland’s finest.
Best Overall Armor
When it comes to the absolute best armor in “Fallout 2,” the Advanced Power Armor mk II stands uncontested. Offering superior protection, charisma, and a strength boost, it’s the pinnacle of personal defense technology in the game. Acquiring it is no small feat, involving infiltration or an all-out assault on one of the most heavily fortified locations in the game. But for those brave enough to don it, this armor symbolizes the difference between a wasteland survivor and a wasteland legend.
Worst Weapons
No guide on gearing up would be complete without a quick nod to the other side of the equation: armaments. While “Fallout 2” boasts an arsenal as diverse as its narrative paths, not all weapons are created equal. And sometimes, knowing what to avoid is as crucial as knowing what to grab.
Spear - While thematic for your character’s tribal origins, the Spear quickly becomes obsolete in the face of firearms and more advanced melee weapons. It’s a relic of a bygone era and best left behind as you progress.
Zip Gun - Essentially a homemade pistol, the Zip Gun is as unreliable as it is underwhelming in firepower. In a world where every shot counts, trusting your fate to something so primitive is a gamble you don’t want to take.
Pipe Rifle - The Wasteland counterpart to bringing a knife to a gunfight. While it has a certain post-apocalyptic charm, its poor accuracy and damage output make it a last-resort weapon at best.
In the vast, unforgiving expanse of “Fallout 2,” your armor isn’t just a defense mechanism; it’s a reflection of your journey, a collection of stories etched in dents and scratches. From the humble beginnings in tribal garments to the might and majesty of Advanced Power Armor, each piece not only serves to protect but also to project your place in the wasteland’s harsh hierarchy. Whether you’re trading blows with raiders, negotiating peace, or simply surviving against the odds, remember: in the world of “Fallout,” what you wear is who you are. Choose wisely, wanderer.