Power Up! A Complete Guide to Power Armor in Fallout 4

Acquiring Your First Power Armor Early Game

Want to feel invincible in the wasteland? Power armor in Fallout 4 is your answer. This high-tech exoskeleton transforms you from a vulnerable scavenger into a walking tank, capable of withstanding incredible punishment and delivering devastating blows. Power armor isn’t just a cool cosmetic; it’s a game-changer, a vital tool for survival, and an iconic symbol of the Fallout universe. But mastering this technology requires more than just stumbling upon a suit. You need to understand the different types, how to maintain them, and how to customize them to fit your playstyle.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about power armor in Fallout 4, from finding your first set to dominating the Commonwealth with a fully customized war machine. Whether you’re a fresh-faced Vault dweller or a seasoned wasteland veteran, this comprehensive guide will elevate your power armor game to the next level.

The first taste of power armor many players experience comes during the “When Freedom Calls” quest in Concord. This questline is almost unavoidable in the early game, making it the perfect opportunity to experience what power armor offers.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Reach Concord: After leaving Vault 111, head towards Concord. You’ll hear gunfire and shouting – investigate!
Help the Minutemen: You’ll find a group of Minutemen holed up in the Museum of Freedom, under siege by raiders. Help them clear out the raiders outside.
Enter the Museum: Once the area is clear, enter the Museum of Freedom and speak with Preston Garvey and the other survivors.
Defeat the Deathclaw: Preston will ask you to help them escape. He’ll lead you to the roof, where you’ll find a suit of T-45 power armor. But this isn’t just any armor – it comes with a minigun! The catch? You need a fusion core to power it. Luckily, one can be found nearby.
Insert the Fusion Core: Interact with the power armor and insert the fusion core. The armor will power up, and you’ll be ready to face the Deathclaw lurking outside.
Engage the Deathclaw: Use the minigun and your newfound power armor strength to defeat the Deathclaw. Concentrate your fire on its head and weak spots.
Escape Concord: Once the Deathclaw is defeated, follow Preston and the Minutemen out of Concord and towards Sanctuary Hills.

This mission provides an excellent introduction to power armor, showcasing its protective capabilities and offensive potential. However, the fusion core you use is finite, so learning to manage your energy is crucial.

Other locations where you might find some power armor early on are scattered throughout the map, though they are less guaranteed than the concord mission.

Fusion Core Management

One of the biggest hurdles in using power armor early on is managing fusion cores. These energy sources are consumed while you are in the suit, eventually leaving you stranded without power. So it’s vital that you learn how to conserve them.

Here are some tips for extending fusion core life:

Avoid Sprinting: Sprinting consumes a significant amount of fusion core energy. Try to walk or use short bursts of sprint only when necessary.
Reduce VATS Usage: Using VATS also drains fusion cores. Use it sparingly, especially in situations where you can rely on manual aiming.
Invest in Perks: Certain perks can significantly extend fusion core life (discussed later).
Remove Fusion Cores When Not in Use: Remove the fusion core when you’re not actively using the power armor to prevent any passive drain.

Understanding how fusion cores work is key to utilizing power armor effectively. The more actions you take that consume action points (AP), the faster your fusion core will drain.

Power Armor Types and Stats

Fallout 4 features several different types of power armor, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and level requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

T-45: The T-45 is the first power armor you’ll likely encounter. It offers decent protection and is relatively easy to find and repair. It’s a good starting point for learning the basics of power armor combat. However, it becomes less effective in the later stages of the game.
T-51: The T-51 is an upgrade over the T-45, offering improved damage resistance and durability. It’s a well-rounded power armor type suitable for a variety of combat situations.
T-60: The T-60 is a more advanced power armor type, often associated with the Brotherhood of Steel. It provides excellent protection and is highly customizable. It’s a popular choice for players who want a reliable and versatile power armor suit.
X-01: The X-01 is the most advanced pre-War power armor in Fallout 4. It offers the highest damage resistance and energy resistance, making it incredibly durable. Finding a full set of X-01 armor can be challenging, as it typically spawns in high-level areas.
Raider Power Armor: This is a jury-rigged type of power armor constructed out of scrap metal and other scavenged parts. It offers lower protection compared to other types but can be found more easily, especially in areas controlled by raiders. It is also cheaper to repair.
Atomic Shop Power Armors: These are usually reskins of the aforementioned power armors that you can buy from the atomic shop.

Each power armor type has its strengths and weaknesses. Consider your playstyle and the challenges you’ll face when selecting the right armor for the job.

Power Armor Modification and Customization

Power armor customization is where you can truly make your armor your own. By modifying different armor pieces and the frame itself, you can tailor your power armor to suit your specific needs and combat style.

Power Armor Stations: These stations are essential for modifying and repairing your power armor. You can find them scattered throughout the Commonwealth, or you can build your own at settlements.
Armor Pieces: The head, torso, arms, and legs of your power armor can be individually modified. Each piece offers different benefits, such as increased damage resistance, improved carry weight, or special effects.

Head

Mods for the headpiece include targeting HUDs that highlight enemies, sensor arrays that detect nearby threats, and internal database for improved intelligence.

Torso

Torso mods can add explosive vents, stealth field generators, or medic pumps that automatically administer stimpaks when your health is low.

Arms

Arm mods can increase melee damage, improve unarmed combat, or add hydraulic bracers for increased carrying capacity.

Legs

Leg mods can improve movement speed, increase jump height, or add explosive vents that damage nearby enemies when you land.

Frame Modifications: The power armor frame can also be modified to improve its overall performance. For example, you can add calibrated shocks to increase carry weight or a jetpack for aerial mobility.
Paint Jobs: Applying paint jobs to your power armor isn’t just cosmetic – some paint jobs offer stat bonuses. For example, applying a Brotherhood of Steel paint job can increase your charisma.

Unlocking Power Armor Mods

So how do you obtain these modifications? There are three main ways:

Scrapping Power Armor Pieces: This allows you to learn the crafting recipes for those mods. The more you scrap, the more you learn.
Investing in Perks: Perks like Armorer and Science! are crucial for unlocking higher-tier power armor mods.
Purchasing from Vendors: Certain vendors throughout the Commonwealth sell power armor mods.

Fusion Cores Powering Your Armor

Without fusion cores, your power armor is just a heavy, clunky suit. Knowing how to find and manage fusion cores is essential for effective power armor use.

Finding Fusion Cores: Fusion cores can be found in various locations throughout the Commonwealth, including:

Inside generators at military installations and abandoned buildings.
From Vendors
Inside locked containers
Stealing Fusion Cores: While not recommended, you can steal fusion cores from NPCs, but be prepared to face the consequences.

Perks that Affect Fusion Core Usage: Investing in perks like Nuclear Physicist can significantly extend fusion core life.

Power Armor and Perks

Certain perks synergize particularly well with power armor, enhancing its effectiveness and opening up new combat possibilities.

Strength-Based Perks: Perks like Strong Back and Pain Train are especially useful for power armor users. Strong Back increases your carry weight, allowing you to haul even more loot, while Pain Train allows you to damage enemies by sprinting into them with your power armor.
Intelligence-Based Perks: Nuclear Physicist extends fusion core life, allowing you to stay in your power armor longer.
Endurance-Based Perks: Certain endurance perks reduce damage taken, making you even more durable in your power armor.

Advanced Power Armor Tactics and Tips

Once you’ve mastered the basics of power armor, you can start experimenting with advanced tactics to maximize its potential.

Combat Strategies: Power armor can be used to tank damage, allowing you to soak up enemy fire while your companions deal damage. It can also be used for crowd control, as the Pain Train perk allows you to knock down multiple enemies at once. Focus your fire on enemy weak points and utilize your power armor’s mobility to flank or reposition.
Environmental Protection: Power armor provides excellent radiation resistance, allowing you to explore irradiated areas without taking damage. It also reduces fall damage, allowing you to jump from higher elevations without fear of injury.
Power Armor as a Mobile Base: Power armor can be used to store items, effectively turning it into a mobile base. You can also use it as a temporary shelter from the elements or hostile creatures.
Repairing Power Armor: Regularly repair any damage to your armor. Using power armor repair kits or the power armor station in settlements.

Common Power Armor Problems and Solutions

Even with the best planning, you may encounter some problems when using power armor. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:

Running out of Fusion Cores: Carry extra fusion cores with you at all times. Conserve energy by avoiding sprinting and VATS.
Power Armor Damage: Regularly repair your power armor to prevent it from becoming too damaged. Find replacement parts if necessary.
Getting Stuck in Power Armor: Try fast traveling to a nearby location to reset your position. If that doesn’t work, try removing the fusion core to force yourself out of the armor.
Power Armor Theft: Remove the fusion core from your power armor when you’re not using it to prevent NPCs from stealing it.

Conclusion

Power armor is more than just a suit of metal; it’s a key to survival in the harsh world of Fallout 4. Mastering its use opens up new combat possibilities, enhances your exploration capabilities, and adds a unique dimension to your gameplay experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different power armor builds and find what works best for you. The Commonwealth is a dangerous place, but with the right power armor and a little bit of know-how, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way. Now get out there, power up, and dominate the wasteland! We encourage you to share your favourite power armor builds and experiences down below, and help your fellow player learn to survive another day!