Introduction
Fallout 4 is a vast open-world RPG filled with hidden mechanics and systems that the game never fully explains. While the tutorials cover the basics, surviving and thriving in the Commonwealth often requires deeper knowledge. Here are 14 essential tips that can make your journey smoother, more efficient, and much more rewarding.
1. Use Crafting Stations as Shared Storage
Crafting stations across a single settlement share inventory. You can store junk or crafting components in one workshop and access them from others in the same area.
Pro Tip: Designate a main base—like Sanctuary—for offloading excess loot and fast travel back when over-encumbered.
2. Master Grenade Throwing Outside of VATS
Grenades can’t be thrown while in VATS, but you can throw one manually and then enter VATS mid-air to line up follow-up shots or time the explosion. Practice the timing to turn grenades into deadly precision tools.
3. Rebuild and Customize Settlements
Scrap derelict homes in Sanctuary to build custom structures. Add beds, food, water, and defenses to attract settlers and unlock supply lines.
Tip: Loot structures for items before scrapping them.
4. Manage Your Power Armor Wisely
Power Armor stays where you leave it, and it’s marked on your map with a helmet icon. Prevent NPCs from taking it by removing the Fusion Core via the inventory menu.
5. Save Before Leaving Vault 111
Make a manual save before exiting Vault 111. It allows you to respec your character and skip the intro in future playthroughs without replaying the opening sequence.
6. Use Visual Cues to Organize Save Files
Frequent manual saves can clutter your save list. Make your saves while looking at unique objects or locations to visually identify your progress points.
7. Ring the Bell to Gather Settlers
Settlers often wander. Place a bell in your settlement and ring it to instantly summon all settlers and companions to your location.
8. Play Mini-Games Anytime
Collect holotapes that contain mini-games and play them via your Pip-Boy, no terminal required. It’s a fun way to take a break from the wasteland’s dangers.
9. Tag Materials for Easier Scavenging
Need a specific material? At any crafting bench, tag required components. Items containing those materials will be marked with a magnifying glass icon, making them easy to spot in the world.
10. Instantly Scrap Items at Settlements
Free up inventory space by dropping excess gear in a settlement, entering build mode, and scrapping it for components on the spot—no need to store and sort manually.
11. Understand Armor Layering
Armor comes in three formats:
- Full Suits – Standalone outfits that can’t be customized.
- Under Armor – Base clothing that allows layering.
- Modular Armor – Chest, arm, and leg pieces worn over under armor.
Experiment to find the ideal balance of protection and mobility.
12. Explore Before Starting the Main Quest
Spend time around Sanctuary before heading to Concord. You’ll discover environmental storytelling that reveals what happened when the bombs fell—adding context to the world and your character’s backstory.
13. Manage Your Ammo Carefully
Ammo is scarce, especially early in the game:
- Invest in Scrounger to find more ammo in containers.
- Carry weapons with different ammo types to avoid shortages.
- Don’t give companions weapons that consume rare ammo—they use infinite ammo with their default weapons.
- Sell excess ammo to purchase what you need.
- Prioritize looting military bases and police stations for larger ammo hauls.
14. Customize and Rename Weapons
Modding weapons improves performance, but renaming them helps prevent accidental scrapping or selling. Personalized labels also help keep your loadout organized and efficient.
Final Tip
These tips are just the beginning. As you explore, experiment, and build your character, you’ll uncover even more strategies that suit your unique playstyle. For more detailed walkthroughs and tips, be sure to check out trusted guides and community forums. Happy surviving out there in the Commonwealth!
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