Trying an explosives, melee and unarmed build, but I'm not sure if i should use crit or not. Explosive weapons have no crit so I'm not sure if it's worth it. Also if anyone could help me with a perk list, special, and whether or not rad child would be a good idea for this build. I've never really been familiar with non crit builds. Thanks all.

I never did an explosive playthrough, but there a demolitions expert perk, which boosts damage (I think). Plus a perk that reduces damage taken by explosive attacks.

Yea I'm familiar with demolition expert and hit the deck . My main concern is whether taking perks like finesse, better criticals, etc. would be worth it even though it only effects things like melee and unarmed (really only unarmed) not explosives. I would like to use weapons like Esther, mercy, Annabelle and grenade launchers while having melee combat at my disposal as well. I also want to implement rad child but not sure how due to the high strength requirements of explosive weapons

If you plan to use Explosives a lot, then do not bother, not worth it. Only take those if you plan to only use explosives on rare occasions.

So should I go heavy handed for trait? I don't know what my special would be like without crit also.

I would probably focus on damage early, as explosives are unable to crit.