Fallout 4 Good Early Game Armor

Fallout 4: Best Early-Game Armor to Dominate the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a dangerous place, and even a simple stroll through Concord can turn deadly if you're not properly prepared. Starting out in Fallout 4 can feel overwhelming; you're weak, under-equipped, and surrounded by hostile creatures and raiders. But fear not, Wastelander! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to find and utilize the best early-game armor to ensure your survival and set you up for success in your quest to find your son. We’ll delve into the pros and cons of various armor pieces, highlighting the best places to find them and offering tips on how to improve them early on.

Understanding Armor in Fallout 4

Before we dive into specific armor pieces, let's briefly cover the basics of armor in Fallout 4. Armor is rated by its Damage Resistance, which determines how much damage is mitigated. Higher Damage Resistance means less damage taken. Different armors also offer varying degrees of protection against different damage types (energy, ballistic, etc.), and some offer additional benefits, such as increased carry weight or radiation resistance.

Early on, you’ll focus on finding armor that provides sufficient Damage Resistance to keep you alive while exploring. Don't worry too much about specific damage types initially; prioritizing overall protection is key.

Top Early-Game Armor Choices: A Tier List

We'll organize our early-game armor recommendations into tiers based on their ease of acquisition, overall effectiveness, and upgrade potential.

Tier 1: Easily Accessible and Effective

This tier represents armor readily available in the early game, offering significant protection without requiring extensive scavenging or complex crafting.

1. Leather Armor:

• Acquisition: Found relatively early in the game, often on raiders and in chests.
• Pros: Good early protection, readily available, relatively light.
• Cons: Lower damage resistance compared to later-game options. Can be easily upgraded with leather scraps.
• Upgrade Potential: Can be improved with leather scraps at a workbench. Focus on increasing damage resistance first.

2. Combat Armor (Parts):

• Acquisition: Scattered throughout the early game areas. Look for pieces in containers and on fallen enemies. You rarely find a full set early on.
• Pros: Superior damage resistance compared to leather armor. Modular – allowing you to mix and match pieces.
• Cons: Finding complete sets early is a challenge. Individual pieces are powerful though.
• Upgrade Potential: Can be improved with steel and other materials at a workbench. Focus on upgrading pieces as you find them.

3. Vault 111 Jumpsuit:

• Acquisition: Your starting attire!
• Pros: You start with it. A baseline of protection.
• Cons: Very low damage resistance, minimal protection. Upgrade it as soon as possible!
• Upgrade Potential: Can be improved slightly with modifications at a workbench, but is best replaced quickly.

Tier 2: Slightly More Difficult to Obtain, but Worth the Effort

This tier includes armor that requires a bit more effort to locate, but offers superior protection and benefits compared to Tier 1.

1. Metal Armor:

• Acquisition: Found on tougher enemies and in more difficult-to-reach locations.
• Pros: Significantly better protection than leather armor.
• Cons: Usually heavier than leather armor.
• Upgrade Potential: Can be upgraded with steel and other materials at a workbench. Prioritize Damage Resistance upgrades.

2. Militia Armor:

• Acquisition: Found on dead militiamen or in their supply caches.
• Pros: Relatively high damage resistance, often found with decent weapons.
• Cons: Can be inconsistent in terms of availability.
• Upgrade Potential: Can be repaired with similar armor at a workbench.

Tier 3: Advanced Early-Game Options (Requires Exploration and Resourcefulness)

This tier represents powerful early-game armor options that require more effort to acquire, but provide a significant advantage.

1. Pre-War Marine Armor (Parts):

• Acquisition: Found in various locations, particularly in military areas. Finding the complete set early is unlikely.
• Pros: Excellent damage resistance and looks fantastic!
• Cons: Finding complete sets early is difficult. Often requires searching numerous locations.
• Upgrade Potential: Can be repaired and improved.

Improving Your Early-Game Armor

No matter which armor you choose, upgrading it is crucial for survival. Here are some tips:

• Repairing: Regularly repair your armor at a workbench using similar armor pieces as scrap materials. This will keep your Damage Resistance high and extend its lifespan.
• Modifying: Use workbenches to modify your armor with improvements like better materials, increasing Damage Resistance and other stats. Prioritize Damage Resistance first, then consider other stats based on your playstyle.
• Collecting Materials: Actively scavenge for scrap materials like steel, leather, cloth, and adhesive to maintain your armor.

Armor Selection Based on Playstyle

Your choice of armor should align with your playstyle:

• Stealth: If you prefer stealth, lighter armor like modified leather armor may be preferable to reduce noise and remain undetected.
• Strength: If you’re a heavy hitter, prioritize armor with high Damage Resistance, even if it's heavier. Metal or Combat armor can be great options.
• Agility: If you value quick movement and maneuvers, try to find a balance between protection and weight.

Beyond Armor: Other Defensive Measures

While good armor is essential, don't neglect other defensive measures:

• Chems: Stimpaks are vital for healing damage, while RadAway removes radiation poisoning. Keep your inventory stocked!
• Food and Drink: Maintain your health and hydration levels.
• V.A.T.S.: Utilize V.A.T.S. effectively to target enemy weaknesses and maximize your damage output.

Conclusion: Mastering the Early Game

The early game in Fallout 4 can be unforgiving. By understanding armor types and strategically acquiring and upgrading the armor mentioned above, you'll significantly increase your chances of survival and lay a strong foundation for your adventures in the Commonwealth. Remember to adapt your armor choices to your playstyle and consistently upgrade and repair your equipment. Good luck, Wastelander! May your Damage Resistance be high, and your adventures plentiful!