Fallout 4 is an open-world survival game that offers players a plethora of customization options, and one of the key ways players can tailor their experience is by selecting Perks. These are special abilities that provide players with various benefits and bonuses, such as additional gameplay options, or an increase in specific stats. With so many to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which ones are worth investing in.
Perks have always been a staple of the Fallout series and the selection has expanded even further in the 4th installment. The first customization option players get in the game is spreading out their S.P.E.C.I.A.L. points, applying various stats to their character. At each new level, a select number of Perks can be earned, provided a specific stat is high enough. That being said, here are 10 Must-Have Perks that are great for any build.
With so many options, players can customize their character however they want. If you want to obtain every perk and maximize each base S.P.E.C.I.A.L., you will need a level of 286.
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With Fallout 4’s Vault-Tec Workshop DLC players can build their own vault and customize the space with hallways, atriums, bridges and furniture.
11 Lone Wanderer
Great For Adventuring Alone
Line Wanderer is a must-have Perk if you prefer to venture out into the wasteland alone. This Perk provides players with several bonuses, including increased carry weight, better damage resistance, and a boost to their overall damage output, What's more, those who take this Perk don't have to worry about the morale of their companions or any romance options in Fallout 4.
10 Gun Nut
Modify Guns Better
If you're a fan of firearms, then Gun Nut is an essential Perk to invest in. This Perk unlocks a range of crafting options that allow players to modify their guns with new scopes, barrels, and ammunition types. With GunNut, you can turn even the most basic weapons into powerful killing machines. Each rank increases the level of mods players have access to. If you want to delve into customizing weapons, Gun Nut is the perfect Perk.
9 Armorer
Modify Armor Better
Armorer is another crafting-focused Perk that's worth investing in. This Perk allows players to modify a range of armor types, from leather and metal to power armor. With Armorer, you can customize your armor to provide better protection against specific types of damage, such as radiation or energy weapons.
This is especially useful for increasing the stats of some of the best armor sets in Fallout 4, such as power armor. Like Gun Nut, higher ranks increase the level of mods that players have available.
8 Action Boy/Action Girl
Regenerate Action Points Faster
Action Boy/Action Girl is a great Perk to obtain on any build. This allows for Action Points to regenerate 25% faster with each rank obtained. V.A.T.S. is a cornerstone of the Fallout series and allows you to quickly defeat enemies, or simply get some breathing room.
Players can target specific limbs for extra damage or strategically slow down foes. Action Boy/Action Girl is a must-have Perk for anyone who uses V.A.T.S. Action Points are also used to perform other actions in combat, such as sprinting, jumping, or firing a gun.
7 Hacker/Locksmith
Become Adept At Hacking/Lockpicking
Both Hacker and Locksmith are two Perks that serve a similar purpose. The former allows you to hack more advanced terminals, while the latter allows you to pick more advanced locks. This is crucial for finding better gear in locked chests or behind security doors.
Hacking certain terminals can also control surveillance robots, using them to defeat other foes. When exploring the wasteland, you will come across areas that can not be accessed without the proper level in either Perk.
These two Perks are not the best choice if taking Idiot Savant, as the effects are determined by having low intelligence.
6 Local Leader
Establish Supply Lines
Local Leader is a Perk that's essential for players who want to build and manage their own settlements. This Perk allows players to establish supply lines between their settlements, making it easier to share resources and keep their settlements well-stocked.
With Local Leader, players can also build shops and stores, which can be used to generate income and attract new settlers. Building and managing settlements is a large component of Fallout 4 that can help players in their progression.
5 Medic
Get More Use From Stimpaks and RadAway
Medic is a Perk that's perfect for players who prefer to take a more ive role in combat. This Perk increases the potency of both Stimpaks and RadAway. This is crucial not only for survival but for limiting the number of purchases from vendors.
While both items can be found, they can also be bought from merchants. By putting more points into Medic, you will save money and get more benefits from a single use. At the final rank, players will rarely ever need other sources of healing items.
| Rank | Character Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | N/A | Stimpaks restore 40% lost health and RadAway removes 40% of radiation |
| 2 | 18 | Stimpaks restore 60% lost health and RadAway removes 60% of radiation |
| 3 | 30 | Stimpaks restore 80% lost health and RadAway removes 80% of radiation |
| 4 | 49 | Stimpaks restore all lost health and RadAway removes all radiation, they also work quicker |
4 Scrounger
Find More Ammo
Scrounger is a Perk that's ideal for players who like to explore and scavenge for loot. This Perk increases the chances of finding ammo in containers and on enemies, making it easier to keep your weapons stocked up. This chance increases with each point in Scrounger. Unless you are using a purely melee-focused build, you will need ammo. Even the most accurate shooter will run out of bullets and this Perk will help make sure your stock is never empty.
| Rank | Character Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | N/A | Find more ammunition in containers |
| 2 | 7 | Find even more ammunition in containers |
| 3 | 24 | Find even more ammunition in containers |
| 4 | 37 | Players can possibly gain ammo from firing the last round in their weapon |
3 Rifleman
Increase Rifle Damage
Rifleman increases all damage with a non-automatic rifle. These are some of the most powerful weapons in Fallout 4. As more points are applied, you will be able to ignore a percentage of the target's armor. This is especially great for mechanical foes.
Normally, taking out these enemies requires a large amount of ammo to be expended. When combining Rifleman and Scrounger, players will have to worry less about heavily armored targets. Rifles are also great for attacking targets from afar. The extra damage gained from this Perk will help to safely dispatch foes before they can harm players.
Rank |
Character Level |
Description |
|---|---|---|
1 |
N/A |
Attacks with non-automatic rifles deal 20% more damage |
2 |
9 |
Attacks with non-automatic rifles deal 40% more damage and ignore 15% of the target's armor |
3 |
18 |
Attacks with non-automatic rifles deal 60% more damage and ignore 20% of the target's armor |
4 |
31 |
Attacks with a non-automatic rifle deal 80% more damage and ignore 25% of the target's armor. They also have a chance of crippling limbs |
5 |
46 |
Attacks with non-automatic rifles deal double damage and ignore 30% of the target's armor. They also have a higher chance of crippling limbs. |
2 Better Criticals
Deal More Critical Damage
Better Criticals does exactly what the name implies and improves critical hits. A single point in this Perk will enhance effectiveness by 50%. This is further increased to 2x and 2.5x respectively. Players can only apply three points to Better Criticals but this will make a dramatic difference in combat when landing a critical hit. Regardless of the weapon, you can benefit from this Perk. Make sure to aim for weak spots in armor, such as the head, by using V.A.T.S.
