I'm only level 10 so far. I've been putting my points into perks only. Mainly because I have no idea what impact a +1 in PER will have on anything. Having a piece of PER+1 gear is nice, but adding an extra non-refundable point seems like a waste.Probably because if it were significant, they'd tell us. Are stats just a way to open up more perks? I'm not even sure how far we can raise stats with drops, bubbleheads, etc., whether they is capped or not, that's probably in some manual, somewhere. So how are you guys leveling up?

I start with some perks that would the kind of background I would like (like a lawyer with some medical skills would take medic as a perk), then start putting points into the stats.

I used my first 5 levels to add perks. And am now buffing up my int a bit for the next 2 or 3 levels as it increases exp gained per enemy kill. They do add something besides just allowing later tier perks if you read the description of each. Though after that I will go back and buy the rest of the perks I want. It really just depends on what you want out of the game.

Just do this. Every other level distribute a special point. Its worked for me. Get your gun nut perk up so you can mod weapons and youre set.

With the early release of some character planners I have had already set up my toon with the stats needed for the perks I thought would be nice to have, before the game was unlocked. Things like Rifleman add +20% damage. How much would a +1 in PER add? +1%? +12.345%? I wish there was a way to see that. Until then I think it is safer to dump all levelup points into perks, until you either need more stats for a new perk or you run out of interesting perks. Maybe the info on stats impact is hidden because this is exactly what is supposed to be done .

Well, we aren't level capped, so I can't say putting points into SPECIAL instead of Perks is a waste, but there are SO many ways to raise SPECIAL points, I'm kind of afraid to use a level-up on it. I've found a book that let me pick a SPECIAL to level up. I've found two Bobbleheads. I'm sure there will be some quests that increase a SPECIAL stat.

I find the Perks have a much more immediate and tangible effect on gameplay. (Just got Wasteland Whisperer. It is AWESOME. "Don't you move, bug!" "Stop right there, crab-thingy!" )