Fallout 4: Best Starting Stats for the Perfect Build

Fallout 4 is one of the best role-playing experiences, but some players may find designing their perfect playable build overwhelming. Use our tips to get an idea of ​​how to do it best!

Fallout video games are famous for their unique SPECIAL system designed to distribute and level up playable characters’ stats. Players can then progress through the game to level up those stats, grow in power, and enjoy the experience. But how exactly do you design such an enjoyable build?

And which stats should you choose to have fun in the dangerous Commonwealth? Many new and returning series fans ask themselves these questions, so we’ve created this comprehensive guide explaining everything there is to know about Fallout 4 best starting stats and unlockable perks. Dig in!

What is the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. System?

If you don’t know yet, S.P.E.C.I.A.L. is an acronym for all seven stats available in the game. You will get 21 points to distribute to your chosen stats once you reach the elevator to the surface in Vault 111. How you distribute your available points will determine the build you will use throughout your adventure.

For example, if you invest the most in Strength, you will deal more melee damage. As you can see, this moment can help you decide which playstyle suits you best. Furthermore, the right amount of points invested in your chosen stats unlocks perks you can learn more about later in this article. Now, let’s see what each letter of the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. acronym stands for.

Also, you can’t reset already distributed points later in the game. You can, however, max out all stats and unlock all available perks, as the game has no level cap. That requires constant experience-gaining, but it’s achievable.

Each S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stat Explained

S – Strength (Recommended starting value – 3)

The more Strength you invest in, the better you become in melee fights using close combat weapons like the hammer. Each point invested in this stat increases melee damage by 10%. That’s a lot, so choose this stat if you like close battles with many opponents.

But that’s not all, as it also affects your carry capacity. The more Strength you have, the more loot you can carry, as each point of Strength increases carry capacity by 10. That’s extremely useful if you travel far to get better items. Furthermore, 3 Strength unlocks the Armorer perk, which you can use later in the game to upgrade and modify your armor.

P – Perception (Recommended starting value – 4)

If you prefer a more stealth-ranged approach, Perception is your best bet. The more points you invest in this stat, the better target accuracy you will enjoy. Especially when using the V.A.T.S. system (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System), allowing to pause the game to target specific enemy body parts.

It’s also crucial for progress in stealth and lockpicking, as 4 Perception unlocks the Locksmith perk. Therefore, it’s the best choice for players planning to combine ranged weapons use with stealth.

E – Endurance (Recommended starting value – 3)

This passive stat can prove priceless if you want to make your playable character as healthy as possible. The amount of Endurance points invested translates into various options in the perk tree. Some can reduce Action Point usage while sprinting, while others decrease damage taken. It’s a vital stat for those who want to fight and explore dangerous places full of radiation or chemical damage.

C – Charisma (Recommended starting value – 2)

Players often perceive Fallout 4 as purely combat-oriented. And while that’s partly true (you always have to fight bandits or deathclaws), Charisma can let you deal with many situations without having to. It’s a unique stat that guarantees better prices in trading and makes your settlements happier. Furthermore, it makes NPCs like you more, so you can use the power of speech to explore the story from a new perspective. Also, 3 Charisma unlocks the Lone Wanderer perk for extra bonuses when you have no companions except Dogmeat.

I – Intelligence (Recommended starting value – 9)

Intelligence is the most important stat, as its level affects how much experience you gain from every other source. Whether for questing or learning new things, this factor influences how quickly you level up. It also allows you to hack more terminals, as 4 Intelligence unlocks the Hacker perk. Plus, it makes chatting with scientists a lot easier. Therefore, invest many points in Intelligence if you want an effective development process in every category.

A – Agility (Recommended starting value – 5)

Agility is great for two things – more movement options and stealth. The more points you put into this stat, the more action points you can enjoy in combat, as one Agility point gives you 10 extra action points. It also makes you quieter, so there’s no better option for those preferring a stealth approach.

L – Luck (Recommended starting value – 3)

Players often ignore this stat in favor of others, but Luck can be crucial for completing certain quests. Let’s start with the fact that it can influence almost every action you take. Luck can impact loot, critical hits, mysterious stranger appearances, reward payouts, conversation outcomes, and more. It’s a universally beneficial factor that affects all areas of your experience in Fallout 4, so remember to charge it with some points.

Fallout 4 Best starting perks

Let’s see what starting perks you can unlock by investing points in each stat. That can give you some idea of ​​what build might best suit your needs. There are more to unlock in the later stages of leveling up, but these may prove ideal at the beginning of your journey.

• Strength 3 – Armorer
• Strength 4 – Blacksmith
• Perception 1 – Pickpocket
• Perception 3 – Awareness
• Perception 4 – Locksmith
• Endurance 4 – Chem Resistant
• Endurance 5 – Aquaboy/Aquagirl
• Endurance 8 – Cannibal
• Charisma 1 – Cap Collector
• Charisma 6 – Local Leader
• Intelligence 1 – V.A.N.S.
• Intelligence 3 – Gun Nut
• Intelligence 4 – Hacker
• Intelligence 9 – Nuclear Physicist
• Agility 8 – Quick Hands
• Luck 2 – Scrounger
• Luck 3 – Bloody Mess
• Luck 5 – Idiot Savant

Recommendations for Best Starting Stats Combinations

Experimenting with different builds is fun, but consider one of these pre-made combinations if you prefer a tried solution. They are a safe bet for beginners who want to start exploring the world of Fallout 4 using proven methods. Once you understand how each stat works, you can create your designs. Also, remember that each stat starts with 1 point, and you have 21 to distribute and reach different combinations as shown below.

Melee Playstyle:

• Strength – 6
• Perception – 2
• Endurance – 5
• Charisma – 3
• Intelligence – 6
• Agility – 3
• Luck – 3

Ranged Playstyle:

• Strength – 3
• Perception – 5
• Endurance – 2
• Charisma – 3
• Intelligence – 6
• Agility – 5
• Luck – 4

Charismatic Playstyle:

• Strength – 3
• Perception – 3
• Endurance – 1
• Charisma – 9
• Intelligence – 7
• Agility – 2
• Luck – 3

Stealth Playstyle:

• Strength – 3
• Perception – 5
• Endurance – 2
• Charisma – 3
• Intelligence – 7
• Agility – 5
• Luck – 3

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q: How many points can I distribute at the beginning of the game?

There is already 1 point in each stat, and you can distribute 21 others.

• Q: Can I reset the stats already chosen later in the game?

Unfortunately, no. But you can focus on developing all stats, as the game has no level cap.

• Q: Which stat is the most important in the entire game?

All of them provide vital benefits, but Intelligence affects how much experience you get from all other sources.