Hey guys. I haven't been keeping up with this game since it launched (nothing against it, just had some other things to do), so I don't know what the best perks and other idiosyncrasies are yet, but I do know that, unlike FO3, it's impossible to max out all S.P.E.C.I.A.L. skills. Therefore it's even more important to choose wisely at the beginning.

Since I don't know about perks and skill books and all that, I'm just curious what I should focus on depending on my playstyle. Here are the key factors in my playstyle:

• I almost always use VATS, so accuracy and AP are important.
  
• I tend to play with good karma and pacifism in mind so Charisma is important.
  
• I mostly use Small Guns.
  
• Movement speed is important, but not a top priority.

That's NOT a full description of my playstyle and I didn't cover things such as Luck, Endurance, or Strength, but in general those are the things that matter to me most. So how should I balance these needs with essential points that are required for a generally well-rounded character?

i would suggest this

S-6
P-6
E-2
C-1
I-8
A-9
L-6

Charisma is useless, but that doesnt mean you shouldn't level up speech

if you plan on using heavy weapons, pick the weapon handling perk.

OK for a WELL ROUNDED character like what was asked for (and given the play style) I suggest this.

S 6
P 3
E 5
C 5
I 7
A 10
L 5

Given that you like to use VATS and guns I say max Agility. This will also give bonuses to sneak and movement speed.
Charisma is not useless, it provides combat bonuses to your companions, also it boosts your speech/barter.
And at least 5 luck you can still gamble at the casinos...just save your game beforehand.
You had also mentioned pacifism, so END was not high on the list - just make sure to add to your sneak.
Pacifism might benefit from a suppressor - drawing less attention means less combat.

Thanks for the responses, explanations, and suggestions, guys. I appreciate it!

Small guns you mean pistols?

If so a pistol character with decent back up options could look like this.

Strength 4, the best low strength weapons can be found early and are, the 9mm handgun, 9mm smg, 10mm pistol, 10mm smg .357 pistol, and the Cowboy repeater and caravan shotgun ( slug loaded ) for tough DT foes.

Perception 6, does not have to be great but 6 is rounded and will give access to the best perks.

Endurance 5, could be less for a challange but 5 is a good leave for this stat.

Charisma 6 - 7, you like it boosted, if you're into pistols and like companions this will work.
Plus it'll boost speech and barter a few points early on.

Intelligence 5 - 7, depending on other stats, you can't go wrong here 5 is plenty for skill points in this game, but more are usefull as well.

Agility I would say 7+ for role, reload and other reasons, but 6 is high enough for the perks again.

Luck, 5 again but a point or two won't hurt.

Skills speech, barter and guns by the sound of it.

Traits, good natured will favour you most, also rapid shot or small framed will help too imo.

Early perks lady killer etc for speech, comprehension for its uses, but rapid reload and shotgun surgeon will do wonders for this build.

I think he forgot that small guns and big guns were put into the same category maybe?

In that case raise strength to 5 - 6 and lower intelligence to 5 - 6, and or put no points in luck.

Thanks for the additional responses and clarifications. Appreciate it as usual!