Fallout 4, the post-apocalyptic saga set in the remnants of Massachusetts, more fondly known as the Commonwealth, is a treacherous place. From the irradiated ruins of Boston to the treacherous Glowing Sea, danger lurks around every corner. In such a world, your survival hinges not just on your wits and weaponry but also on the armor you don to shield yourself from both the elements and your enemies. This guide looks deep into the armor vaults of Fallout 4, guiding you from your first shaky steps out of Vault 111 to the moment you stand as a titan of the wasteland. We’ll also touch upon some armaments you might think twice about adding to your arsenal.
Early Game Survival Gear
Stepping out into the sunlight for the first time, the Commonwealth seems endless and overbearing. Your initial focus should be on immediate protection and survivability. Early on, you’ll come across basic gear, but a few standout pieces can give you the edge needed to thrive.
Road Leathers and Leather Armor
Almost immediately, you’ll find Road Leathers. While not offering substantial protection on their own, when combined with Leather Armor pieces (arms, legs, chest), they provide a reasonable defense against the early game’s low-caliber threats. This combo is modifiable at any armor workbench, allowing you to enhance its damage and energy resistance.
Minuteman Outfit and Militia Hat
Joining the Minutemen offers more than just a storyline—it provides access to the Minuteman Outfit and Militia Hat. This early-game gear combo doesn’t just ooze post-apocalyptic chic; it provides a decent balance of protection and utility, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving as a Commonwealth peacekeeper.
Mid-Game Battle Raiment
As you progress, your adversaries evolve, packing more punch and proving more resilient. To keep pace, your armor must evolve as well.
Combat Armor
By the time medium threats start to surface, you should aim to equip Combat Armor. Offering a significant step up in both ballistic and energy resistance, Combat Armor sets the standard for mid-game protection and can be customized extensively to fit any situation.
Synth Armor
With the emergence of the Institute’s presence in your journey, Synth Armor comes into play. Offering a sleeker, more high-tech defense option, Synth Armor edges out Combat Armor with its superior energy resistance, making it ideal for engagements against energy-based weaponry.
Late Game Titan Gear
As the endgame looms, your adversaries will stop at nothing to halt your quest. Equipping yourself with the pinnacle of wasteland armor ensures you’re ready to face any challenge.
Power Armor
The quintessential symbol of pre-war might, Power Armor, offers unmatched protection against virtually all forms of damage. From the iconic T-51 to the formidable X-01, Power Armor turns you into a walking tank, capable of standing toe-to-toe with even the most formidable foes. Customize your Power Armor with mods from Tinker Tom or various faction vendors to enhance its abilities and tailor it to your late-game needs.
Marine Armor
For those who prefer agility over the heft of Power Armor, Marine Armor from the Far Harbor DLC provides the perfect balance between mobility and defense. Offering the highest damage and energy resistance of any non-Power Armor in the game, Marine Armor ensures that you can dance around your foes as gracefully as you dispatch them.
Best Overall Guardian Attire
When considering the best overall armor in Fallout 4, Marine Armor undoubtedly takes the crown. Its unparalleled balance of defense, weight, and flexibility makes it the perfect choice for any survivor looking to carve out their legacy in the Commonwealth and beyond. Pair Marine Armor with a well-modified weapon, and you transform into the wasteland’s apex predator.
Worst Weapons
In your travels, you’ll be tempted by an array of armaments, lured by the promise of power. However, not all that glitters is gold in the Commonwealth’s arsenal.
Pipe Weapons
At the bottom of the barrel are the Pipe Weapons. Ubiquitous and easily modifiable, they might seem appealing in the early going. However, their dismal damage output and poor accuracy make them little more than a last resort when ammunition is scarce and options are limited.
Institute Weapons
Another dubious choice are the Institute Weapons. Despite their futuristic allure and high rate of fire, these energy weapons suffer from low damage output and heavy weight, making them more of a burden than a boon on your quests.
Broadsider
The Broadsider presents an intriguing concept—cannonballs in a portable form. Yet, despite its novelty and significant damage potential, its cumbersome nature, slow reload times, and rarity of ammunition render it more of a curiosity than a practical weapon for all but the most dedicated collectors.
In the challenge-ridden expanses of the Commonwealth, the right armor is more than just a protective layer; it’s a statement of intent. Whether skulking through the shadows in customized Leather Armor, standing your ground in the evolved shell of Combat Armor, or dictating the flow of battle in the impenetrable embrace of Power Armor, your choices define your journey.
As you plot your course through this relentless wasteland, remember: your armor not only shields you from the hazards of the new world order but also embodies your resolve to emerge victorious, no matter the odds. So, choose your gear wisely, upgrade it often, and let your legend grow with every adversary that falls at your feet. Welcome to the Commonwealth, survivor. May your armor be sturdy, and your aim true.