In last play through, had sniper that got 6.2x multiplier on sneak attacks. Had max points in Ninja, Sandman, and Deacon's perk which boosted me to 6.2x.

But in current run, I top out at 5.9x. For the life of me I can't recall what I did or built different and driving me crazy.

In current build I have max 3 points in Ninja, max 3 in Sandman, and Deacon's companion perk. That gets me to 5.9x.

Just can't figure to what I am missing. Anyone with any ideas?

Only thing I can think, did you have a legendary weapon or piece of amour that gave a boost to sneak attack criticals?

Maybe your Ninja was buffed at that time with DMG or any other stat?

wish I had kept my old save so I would know, but must have been some gear - it definitely wasn't a temp buff like from some consumable.

The entire game before I restarted, had 6.2x sneak attack once I maxed out my perks. I guess will just have to have this gnaw away at me. I've gone over my perks over and over, and must be something else that added a boost permanently.

Could it have to do with a bobblehead or magazine that you had then but haven't gotten yet in this playthrough?

It's also possible that it was an extra perk from a piece of armor or something, as the others have mentioned.

oh damn, that must be it. I haven't read many magazines in this campaign. Thank you, was killing me wondering why my build was different.

Ok solved it - referencing for anyone else in future affected. Credit to steam forum tough for solution, happened to find the post solving it.

6.3x should be the correct math if you have Deacon cloak and dagger perk, maxed out mister sandman, and maxed out ninja for total of 6.3x sneak attack multiplier.

But game is bugged, or at least in some people's cases get bugged and does not multiple the different pieces together correctly. Math is math - 4x3 should be same as 3x4, but in FO4, the order in which you took the perks matter for this bug.

To get 6.3x instead of the bugged 5.9x, need to take the perks in order so that Ninja comes after sandman. Steam forum post said had to also have Deacon perk first but personally I didn't find that to be the case. Using console commands, removed all MS and all Ninja. Then re-added MS, then re-added Ninja. I believe it is only the last rank the matters because in first PT where I had this work ok, believe I took couple points in each, but took final 3rd rank of Ninja last.

So if you have 5.9x with all perks instead of the correct additive math of 6.3x, can live with it or use console (if available), to remove MS and Ninja perks, then re-add so that Ninja 3rd rank is last.

Can you only get the deacon perk if he becomes a companion?? Or can you get it without him? Kinda hoping for the latter as I don't like company on my fallout travels.

Yes and no, and you are just fine. 3 answers because of the way you said like to solo.

1- No - without console commands, only way get Deacon's perk is take him as temporary companion, earn affinity which is fast with him (no personal quests needed like others). Then dump him. Don't need him with you (or any companion) for the earned companion perk to work, once you have the perk.

2- Yes - can get his perk without him, but only via console command to just add the perk manually.

3- If you don't like company on travels - and can't or won't use console commands, just take him temporarily, earn perk, then dump him. All companion perks work without the companion with you, once you have gained the perk.

Okay mate, many thanks for the answer / explanation, I will try to do that. I'm on 5.2 sneak attack i think it is & haven't been able to get it higher as of yet. But now I'm aware of Deacon I'll add him as a companion, take his lovely perk & dump him on the road side. Many thanks again for the info!! appreciate it