So I posted yesterday about this being my first fallout game and how I wanted an intelligence/charisma build and that was well and all, but I think I'm starting to see why that isn't exactly great. Yes, it's fun talking to people but it became clear that a lot of this game is combat orientated and those two just aren't the best for that. So, I was wondering what you would think was just the optimum build to help you progress. Truthfully I'm fine playing anything, but if I can't even clear Preston Garvey's first quest, well that's a bit sad. Anyway, post below. If you also post which perks would be best to get early in the game, that'd be great, thanks.

Also I've watched those so called "best build videos: diplomat-paladin-sharpshooter-assassin-scientist" and I'm not sure how those stack up with other builds/perks. However if you have been using one similar and find it very fun I wouldn't mind trying. Yes, the fact that they lay ALL the perks out is a bit easy so I'm definitely going to spice it up a bit, but I like the idea. I appreciate that you are reading this, thanks!

I think you might be worrying about it too much. There's no "wrong" build in this game. Just do the things you think are fun, and take the perks you think are cool.

Eh, perhaps I am, *sigh*.

Yea, maybe I should just go with what I like. Like I said I've never really played a fallout game, or even a bethesda game, or even for that matter an open-world game. I'm not used to so many choices. For example in other games there is always a "best version" of this or that. But, I suppose this one is different. Definitely seems that way.

Appreciate the help, and I've decided: I love to use vats and snipe, so I was curious what perks benefit those.

I mean, which of SPECIAL benefits vats and the chance that they will succeed/AP point

Sounds like you want Agility and Perception. Agility gives you more action points (which you spend queuing up hits in VATS, as well as other things like sprinting, weapon bashing, etc) and Perception increases your chance-to-hit in VATS, especially at range. Sounds like you should go for a sneaky sniper sort of build - stealth is a lot of fun, and it's a solid build to work towards.

Ok cool. Thanks so much for your help

I don't think VATS use and sniping necessarily go together myself, but Perception, Agility and Luck are the SPECIAL stats you'll want to concentrate on.


Perception will increase VATS accuracy and give you access to the Sniper Perk at higher levels. I haven't tried the perk that lets you shoot through objects but if you're willing to pump PER up to 10 I imagine it would be useful. Obviously Rifleman is a must for a sniper.


Agility determines your total AP so you'll want this as well. If you plan to carry a sidearm for backup the a few points in Gunslinger is handy, and Kellogg's Pistol is a magnificent VATS handgun. If you plan to use variations of the Hunting Rifle then Quick Hands will help with reload times.


Luck could be left out but it helps a lot with VATS heavy characters, giving you a chance to refill your AP with Grim Reaper's Sprint and a chance for any hit to fill your critical meter with Four Leaf Clover. Scrounger is one of the best perks for any character - even if you don't use the ammo you can sell it.


From other trees, Gun Nut in Intelligence is handy, as is Armorer in Strength, although you may not need that if you can stay far enough away from enemies. Cap Collector in Charisma is good for buying expensive ammo and if you don't use companions Lone Wanderer is excellent.


I'm sure I've missed a few out but I hope this helps. Enjoy your game!

I'm on my second play through, and in both play throughs my initial builds were heavily oriented toward Charisma and Intelligence, with a secondary emphasis on Luck and Perception. I don't recall the exact distribution of my points, but these were definitely the defining characteristics. Starting with a Charisma/Intelligence build does put you at a bit of an initial disadvantage as far as strength and VATS accuracy are concerned, but it also allows you to more efficiently pass speech checks with people at an earlier level, and it allows you to unlock gun mods and crafting objects that require Gun Nut and Science perks to be leveled up. This can be very advantageous.

As others have said, I think you're over thinking this. There is no right or wrong build. There is no 'best' build. We all have different playing styles. As you level up, you can apply your perk points to the SPECIAL attributes and other perks that you feel will best give you more of an edge. There are some perks that are nearly essential regardless of your initial build, such as Lockpicking and Hacker, but we all distribute our points in our own ways.

Thanks guys for the responses, I've decided to do a spread of intelligence, agility, and perception. So far it's been pretty fun.

Mine build was str, Int, char and luck. End and perc very low. Fail speech check, you may miss alot.

Cheers,

-Klevs

Precisely, any build can get you through the game. Even a pure intelligence/charisma build, but you HAVE to make sure you keep a weapon skill up to par, non automatic rifles are a good choice here. Since you have high intelligence you can go either route to mod weapons (via gun nut) for ballistic, or energy weapons (Science) I say pick one and focus on it, or even focus on both, keep your chosen weapon modded and up to date, ie, taking either gun nut or science perk ranks as soon as they become available and you'll be golden. If you feel like you need a bit of protection, armorer only requires 3 in strength. You can mod whatever armor that fits your fancy.