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Use VATS
Fallout 4 isn’t like any other shooter you’ve played, mostly due to its Vault Assisted Targeting System, or, VATS. A device that will slow down the speed of the game and allow you to target specific limbs of an intended enemy, it also shows how successful a shot is going to be. So if you’re trying to shoot someone in the head, for example, but they’re hidden behind a wall, your chances of success will be 0%. It’s a great way to take advantage in a combat situation, though, and, more importantly, not be killed.
Activated by simply pressing Tab/L1/LB, VATS is controlled by the amount of Action Points (AP) you have, so make sure you’re not low on these before trying to use it. You’re best using it in conjunction with freeform gunplay, as mixing and matching the two is the surest way to success.
Fallout 4 often floods certain areas with enemies and using VATS to wound specific limbs will also help you no end. Try aiming for an opponent’s legs to slow them down, or, if you’re feeling more daring, their head to try and take them out straight away.
Conserve Ammo
While you can buy ammo in Fallout 4, it costs a fortune and isn’t in very large supply. This, of course, is deliberate being that the world you’re exploring is a nuclear wasteland. Not only does this mean you shouldn’t fire off hundreds of bullets without thinking which way your gun is pointing, it’s another reason as to why you should rely on VATS. Choosing to be meticulous with your weapons is incredibly important.
Make sure to check every building you come across for extra ammunition, too. Given it’s such a sparse resource, Bethesda has made sure to hide some away in safes, boxes and the occasional locked room. With this in mind, levelling-up your lock-picking skills may come in handy.
Level Up Your Charisma Perk
Fallout 4 isn’t just about shooting. With the right tools at your disposal, you can talk your way out of, and into, situations too. This all comes courtesy of the ‘Charisma Perk’, an ability you can improve upon everytime you’re able to level-up, or upgrade, your character.
As well as giving you better prices when bartering – which means aforementioned bullets will be cheaper, along with guns and armour – it allows you to influence people you meet in The Commonwealth. This ranges from being able to extract information that can help with a quest to obtaining items you may not be able to get otherwise. Animals will also like you more and you’ll never get addicted to alcohol!
Get A Companion
There are plenty of people who are more than happy to accompany you on your Fallout 4 journey and each will help you significantly.
The first one you’ll meet is Dogmeat, a loveable mutt who will also charge at foes and try to rip out their throats. If you’re more of a people person, there’s the likes of Nick Valentine – who can gain access to areas that are out of your skill range – or Piper, who’s very good at winning people over with her conversation prowess. There’s 13 in total, so try and find them all to see who works best.
You can only ever have one companion at a time, though, so make sure you pick one that suits your playstyle.
Quicksave Often
Unlike most games, Fallout 4 will let you quicksave as and when you please (unless you’re currently in combat). Given that you never know what could attack as you explore The Commonwealth, make sure you save as often as you can.
Not only will it allow you to go right back to the point at which you saved – rather than relying on the game’s autosave feature which may see you lose a few minutes – it’s a great way to experiment in battle. Want to try out a new gun but afraid you’ll be killed instantly? Save, give it a go, and then return to where you once were.
