Fallout 4 Builds: Which 7 Builds Are the Best for You?

Although it has been nine years since Fallout 4’s initial release in 2015, the part RPG, part action-combat first-person shooter still attracts new players with a 30% gain on Steam in May. Like typical beginners’ and returning veterans’ problems in games, catching up on the best Fallout 4 builds that suit you can be a complex series of factors.

You know what I feel the lack of most of all in Starfield. A skill tree that drove me to try new builds and a system that supported it. Take a look at Fallout 4, this skill tree years later has me experimenting and trying new builds. pic.twitter.com/gCww7flbOg

— Dantics (@DanticsOfficial) October 25, 2023

From ingredients, such as gear, skills, attributes, and playstyle, contributing to a character’s effectiveness, synergy and gameplay, it can end in disaster if players use the wrong Fallout 4 builds that do not cater to your preference.

Thus, in our Fallout 4 builds guide, we will explain the seven best builds to help you understand the mechanics behind the playstyle and explain precisely why you should use those setups, making it easier to help you craft your perfect character.

Related: 5 Reasons Why Fallout 4 Is Better Than Starfield

Best 7 Fallout 4 Builds

1) The Sniper

Overall, the Sniper is one of the best Fallout 4 builds due to its range, survivability, and one-shot kill potential. However, you may need sufficient practice time to master this gameplay style as it relies on sneaking for perk optimisation. Moreover, it is challenging to navigate this build indoors as you would feel more constricted than when you are out in the open.

Nevertheless, if you enjoy picking off enemies from afar and staying out of sight, attached is a detailed guide to crafting an effective sniper build in Fallout 4:

Suggested SPECIAL Allocation

• Strength (3): If you cannot avoid frontal combat, having moderate Strength will help you in building distance.
• Perception (8): High Perception is essential for a sniper build, as it improves your accuracy in V.A.T.S. and helps detect enemies from a distance
• Endurance (3): While not a priority, moderate Endurance can help with survivability.
• Charisma (2): It is not a priority since you mostly stay out of sight.
• Intelligence (4): Moderate Intelligence helps with experience gain and access to certain perks
• Agility (8): Agility is crucial for sneaking and staying hidden. It also increases your Action Points (AP) for more shots in V.A.T.S.
• Luck (5): Boosting your Luck will improve your critical hit chances and critical hit damage

Best Perks

Rifleman (Perception 2), Sniper (Perception 8), Concentrated Fire (Perception 10), Ninja (Agility 7), Grim Reaper’s Sprint (Luck 8)

2) The Melee Master

From long-ranged to close-quarter combat, the melee master is one of the most straightforward Fallout 4 builds for delivering high damage output. If you choose this patch, you can equip powerful melee weapons such as Super Sledge, Grognak’s Axe, Kremvh’s Tooth and General Chao’s Revenge.

Suggested SPECIAL Allocation

• Strength (10): Maximise this stat, as Strength increases melee damage and gives access to powerful melee-related perks.
• Endurance (8-10): Endurance increases your health and stamina, which is crucial for surviving in close combat.
• Agility (5-7): Agility increases your Action Points (AP) for V.A.T.S. and improves your stealth, helping in landing a sneaky shot on your enemies.
• Luck (5-7): Luck can help with critical hits and scavenging more effective items but is less pivotal than Strength and Endurance.

Best Perks

Rooted (Strength 9), Life Giver (Endurance 3), Aquaboy/Aquagirl (Endurance 5), Sneak (Agility 3), Bloody Mess (Luck 3).

3) The Power Armor Tank

Tanks usually bear the frontal attacks of enemies in games, but if you have the anime BOFURI, you may know a thing or two about power tanks where you can deal damage while absorbing damage. In Fallout 4, we have the exact build for you to replicate maximising your survivability and becoming a nearly indestructible force on the battlefield.

Suggested SPECIAL Allocation

• Strength (8-10): Strength increases your melee damage and allows you to carry more items, which is essential for a tank build.
• Endurance (10): Maximise this stat, as Endurance increases your health, making it impossible to kill.
• Intelligence (5-7). Intelligence helps you access better mods for your Power Armor and improves your XP gain.
• Perception (4-6 ). Perception helps with V.A.T.S. accuracy, which can help target weak points.
• Agility (A)(2-3). Agility is less critical for a tank build but can still be useful for Action Points (AP).
• Luck (3-5). Luck can help with critical hits and scavenging items.

Best Perks

Heavy Gunner (Strength 5), Rooted (Strength 9), Pain Train (Strength 10), Life Giver (Endurance 3), Solar Powered (Endurance 10), Science! (Intelligence 6).

4) The Gunslinger

Well…

I finally put some Skill Points in the Gunslinger Perk…

I’m now one shorting most enemies lol

Fallout 4

From XboxSeriesX pic.twitter.com/DXSewaBkI1

— Jamie Moran (@JamieMoranUK) July 13, 2024

If you like pistols and revolvers, the Gunslinger is one of the standout Fallout 4 builds for you, as it deals maximum damage with precision and efficiency. This build emphasises agility, critical hits, and maximising the damage output of pistols. It is perfect for close to mid-range combat, with fast draw speeds and the ability to quickly dispatch enemies.

Suggested SPECIAL Allocation

• Agility (10): Agility increases your Action Points (AP) for V.A.T.S. and improves your stealth, which is crucial for a Gunslinger.
• Perception (7-9): Perception increases your accuracy in V.A.T.S. and unlocks key perks for increasing your damage output with pistols.
• Luck (7-9): Luck enhances your critical hit potential and allows you to build up and save critical hits more effectively.
• Endurance (4-6): Endurance increases your health and stamina, helping you stay alive in combat.
• Strength (1-3): Consider a low investment as a few points can help with carrying capacity.
• Charisma and Intelligence (3-5): Helpful for dialogue options, settlements, and XP bonuses.

Best Perks

Gunslinger (Agility 1), Ninja (Agility 7), Gun Fu (Agility 10), Better Criticals (Luck 6), Four Leaf Clover (Luck 9), Gunsmith (Intelligence 3)

5) The Stealth Operative

Starting the second half of our Fallout 4 builds listicle is the stealth-operative build, which focuses on staying hidden, striking from the shadows, and eliminating enemies without being detected. You can consider it an advanced version of the Sniper build, as it offers a unique approach to combat and exploration with its Sneak mechanic.

Suggested SPECIAL Allocation

• Agility (10): Agility increases your ability to sneak, boosts Action Points (AP) for V.A.T.S., and improves your effectiveness in stealth gameplay.
• Perception (6-8): Perception enhances your V.A.T.S. accuracy and awareness, allowing you to detect enemies more easily.
• Luck (5-7): Luck increases the frequency and power of critical hits. It is essential for taking down enemies quickly and silently.
• Intelligence (5-6): Intelligence can help with crafting and hacking, which can help you bypass security and create mods.

Best Perks

Sandman (Agility 5), Mister Sandman (Agility 5), Locksmith (Perception 4), Hacker (Intelligence 4), Action Boy/Girl (Agility 2), Better Criticals (Luck 6)

6) The V.A.T.S. Specialist

Creating a V.A.T.S (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System) build may not be one of the most practical Fallout 4 builds, but it allows you to deal high damage, increase critical hit efficiency, and make the most of action points. You can also pair this build with any weapon of your liking. In short, it is a simple build with simple mechanics, as when you see an enemy, pull up V.A.T.S. and start targeting them.

Suggested SPECIAL Allocation

• Perception (10). Perception increases your accuracy in V.A.T.S., allowing for more precise shots.
• Agility (8-10). Agility increases your action points and improves your ability to use V.A.T.S. frequently.
• Luck (8-10). Luck enhances your critical hit generation and effectiveness.
• Endurance (4-6). It increases overall survivability when you wait for your action points to recharge.
• Intelligence (4-6). It improves experience gain and access to perks.

Best Perks

Commando (Agility 2), Gun Fu (Agility 10), Mysterious Stranger (Luck 4), Grim Reaper’s Sprint (Luck 8), Penetrator (Perception 9), Concentrated Fire (Perception 10).

7) The Negan

The final and probably one of the most fun Fallout 4 builds we recommend is the Negan build, inspired by the infamous villain from “The Walking Dead.” This build will focus on melee combat with a focus on intimidation, brutality, and leadership, mirroring Negan’s ruthless style, and it is a fun and thematic way to play the game. Here’s how to build the Negan-inspired character:

Suggested SPECIAL Allocation

• Strength (10): Maximise Strength to increase melee damage and gain access to melee perks.
• Perception (4): Perception is less critical for this build but still needed for V.A.T.S. accuracy.
• Endurance (8): High Endurance to increase survivability in close combat.
• Charisma (10): Charisma is crucial for intimidation, speech checks, and leadership perks.
• Intelligence (2): Basic intelligence for essential perks and experience gain.
• Agility (2): Moderate Agility for additional Action Points and improved sneaking.
• Luck (2): Basic Luck to improve critical hits and overall effectiveness.

Best Perks

Big Leagues (Strength 2), Rooted (Strength 9), Party Boy/Girl (Charisma 7), Inspirational (Charisma 8), Intimidation (Charisma 10)

Parting Notes

With everything considered, exploring the best Fallout 4 builds offers a diverse and engaging way to experience the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Commonwealth. Whether you prefer a melee-focused character, the stealthy precision of a sniper, or a Walking Dead-inspired character, each build provides unique gameplay opportunities and challenges.

While we recommend veterans try each build, beginners should tailor their character to fit a specific build, as it not only enhances your combat effectiveness but also adds depth and immersion to your role-playing experience.

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