Fallout 4: Best Power Armors [My Best Picks]

Power armors are one of the heaviest items in Fallout 4. On the other side, it is also the rarest one that requires some painful struggle to acquire. Power armors have been the branding mascot for the Fallout 4 game and surprisingly players can get one earlier in the game. Unlike previous entries in the series, Power armors will only be unlocked at the end of the storyline.

Related: Fallout 4 Best Builds

However, Bethesda has changed things a bit and now allows players to get the Power armor easily. However, the Power armor players acquire at the start is one of the earlier variants and might not be ideal for the upcoming challenges in the game. For that instance, players branch out to other types of best Power armors in Fallout 4 that suits their character needs and playstyle. If you are also one of those players with interests in prime Power armor sets, then do not worry. 

Also Read: Fallout 4 Best Armor

Best Fallout 4 Power Armors Comparison

Here is a comparison table for the Best Power Armors in Fallout 4. Some of the stats here can be sorted to the highest and lowest value:

No.	Name	Damage Resistance	Energy Resistance	Radiation Resistance	Item HP	Weight	Value	Repair	Variants	Effects	Quests
1	Raiders Power Armor	500	250	1050	350	102.0	450	Steelx20	Tessa's Fist Overboss power armor	-	-
2	T-45 Power Armor	500	310	1050	450	92.0	600	Steel x27 Circuitry x1 (torso only)	Piezonucleic power armor	-	-
3	T-51 Power Armor	740	490	1050	720	92.0	780	Steel x33 Aluminum x1 (torso only) Circuitry x1 (torso only)	Nuka T-51 power armor Piezonucleic power armor	-	-
4	T-60 Power Armor	980	645	1050	990	92.0	4200	-	-	-	-
5	Vengeance T-60 Right Leg	192	147	150	155	18	1500	-	T-60 power armor	Reflects 10% of melee damage back on the attacker.	-
6	Honor T-60 Left Leg	192	147	150	155	18	1500	-	-	Bonus to Action Point refresh speed	-
7	Visionary T-60 Helmet	-	-	-	140 (model C)	15 (model C)	150 (Sentinel) 138 (Paladin) 138 (Knight)	-	T-60 power armor helmet	-	A Loose End
8	Tessa Fist Raider Power Armor Right Arm	50.0	-	-	200	17.6	93	Steel	-	-	-
9	Piezonucleic Power Armor Chest Piece	50.0	-	-	(Varies depending on which power armor variant and model it is based on)	24	963	T-45 Circuitry Steel x7 T-51 Aluminum Circuitry Steel x8	-	Radiation exposure increases Action Point refresh speed.	Cambridge Polymer Labs

Fallout 4 Best Power Armors

Before I start the guide, players must know a few things. Power armors are modifiable armor sets scattered around the Commonwealth. You’ll access your first Power Armor during the initial quest, but they require upgrades to reach their full potential.

Legendary armor pieces can be found and equipped in the base Power Armor frame, granting Damage Resistance and character perks. As you level up, more Power Armor sets appear on the map. Collect and mix parts with your frame.

Power armors need fusion cores as fuel, enabling actions like walking, running, using V.A.T.S., and using scoped weapons. These actions drain fusion cores faster than walking. Now, let’s explore the top Power Armor sets and their locations.

Raiders Power Armor

Most Accessible Power Armor.

Damage Resistance	500
Energy Resistance	250
Radiation Resistance	1050
Item HP	350
Weight	102.0
Value	450
Repair	Steelx20
Variants	Tessa's Fist Overboss power armor

The Raiders Power Armor is the most accessible variant in Fallout 4, and it appears in the game based on your character’s level. While it may not look appealing, it provides a solid amount of Damage and Energy Resistance, making it one of the best Power Armors in the game.

A full set of Raiders Power Armor grants a Damage Resistance of 500 and Energy Resistance of 250, surpassing other non-Power Armors. It’s an excellent choice for beginner players, offering high protection and an affordable upgrade path.

To acquire it, visit the cave near Skylanes Flight 1665, but be cautious of dangerous enemies. Inside the cave, you’ll find a full set of Raider Power Armor. The availability of the set may vary with your level; some players may find only parts of it or just the torso. If needed, you can pickpocket fusion cores from Raiders wearing this Power Armor, forcing them to exit it and allowing you to claim it for yourself.

T-45 Power Armor

Best for Combat Effectiveness.

Damage Resistance	500
Energy Resistance	310
Radiation Resistance	1050
Item HP	450
Weight	92.0
Value	600
Repair	Steel x27 Circuitry x1 (torso only)
Variants	Piezonucleic power armor
Form ID	0017FB09 (furniture)

The T-45 Power Armor is another exceptional set in Fallout 4, offering even greater damage protection and combat effectiveness. This variant is significant in the game’s lore, originally designed for battle and a prominent part of the Fallout series.

To obtain the T-45 Power Armor, you can defeat the Gunner Commander who randomly spawns at Hub City Auto Wreckers and follow a similar process as with the Raiders Power Armor. Alternatively, you can scavenge it near Pickman’s Gallery. Look for containers and military ruins across the river from the Gallery. You’ll find a T-45 Power Armor enclosed in a cage. Hack the terminal, requiring the Hacker perk, to acquire the T-45 Power Armor.

T-51 Power Armor

Best Damage Protection.

Damage Resistance	740
Energy Resistance	490
Radiation Resistance	1050
Item HP	720
Weight	92.0
Value	780
Repair	Steel x33 Aluminum x1 (torso only) Circuitry x1 (torso only)
Variants	Nuka T-51 power armor Piezonucleic power armor
Form ID	00108EA0 (furniture)

The T-51 Power Armor stands out in Fallout 4 for its unique appearance and superior damage protection. With roots tracing back to Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas, it remains a highly regarded and powerful choice in the game.

What sets this Power Armor apart is its ability to be upgraded into over six variants in Fallout 4. This allows players to enhance its capabilities by investing resources scavenged from the Wasteland.

Acquiring the T-51 Power Armor is a bit more challenging than previous sets. To increase its spawn rate, players must reach at least Level 15. Surprisingly, you’ll find the T-51 in the same location as the T-45 Power Armor, but its appearance is influenced by your character’s level. If it doesn’t spawn initially, you can return later. Alternatively, you can purchase pieces from Rowdy at the Atom Cats Garage.

T-60 Power Armor

Best for Higher-Level Players.

Damage Resistance	980
Energy Resistance	645
Radiation Resistance	1050
Item HP	990
Weight	92.0
Value	4200
Form ID	0017FB0A

The T-60 Power Armor is a sought-after choice for higher-level players in Fallout 4, known for its robust damage protection and imposing presence. This armor represents the military aspect of the game and showcases advanced technology surviving the post-apocalyptic world of Boston.

To acquire the T-60 Power Armor, you must join the Brotherhood of Steel. The initial variant is the Brotherhood of Steel issue of Power Armor, and it’s not available earlier in the game. Joining the Brotherhood requires you to visit the Prydwen, the group’s flagship. This questline becomes accessible after completing Conrad Kellogg’s quest.

Once aboard the Prydwen, you’ll have the opportunity to join the Brotherhood of Steel, and they’ll reward you with a full set of T-60 Power Armor. If your dialogue choices don’t lead to acquiring the armor, you can opt for a more direct approach by eliminating a Brotherhood of Steel member wearing the T-60 Power Armor.

To do this, follow the Vertibird flagships, where members wearing T-60 Power Armor often engage enemies on the ground. You’ll need the Sneak and Pickpocket perks to steal their fusion cores, forcing them out of the suit. From there, you can eliminate or distract them and claim the T-60 Power Armor for yourself.

X-01 Power Armor

Best Damage Protection.

Name		Damage Resistance		Hit Points	Weight	Value	Repair	Upgrade components	Collapse Form ID
X-01 helm	220	140	150	140	12	140	2x Aluminum 1x Copper 7x Steel	N/A	00154AC5 (armor)
X-01 torso	320	210	300	560	20	280	6x Aluminum 2x Circuitry 10x Steel	N/A	00154AC8 (armor)
X-01 left arm	170	110	150	140	15	200	2x Aluminum 1x Copper 7x Steel	N/A	00154AC3 (armor)
X-01 right arm	170	110	150	140	15	200	2x Aluminum 1x Copper 7x Steel	N/A	00154AC4 (armor)
X-01 left leg	170	110	150	140	15	200	2x Aluminum 1x Copper 7x Steel	N/A	00154AC6 (armor)
X-01 right leg	170	110	150	140	15	200	2x Aluminum 1x Copper 7x Steel	N/A	00154AC7 (armor)

The X-01 Power Armor is the pinnacle of protection in Fallout 4, making it the best choice for players who want to minimize damage. It not only excels in damage protection but also stands out aesthetically. This Power Armor is the ultimate entry in Fallout 4, offering exceptional protection and versatility.

While the X-01 Power Armor surpasses other types in the game, it comes with a downside – high repair costs. Despite its superior damage protection, it still requires periodic repairs, consuming a significant amount of crafting resources.

To locate the X-01 Power Armor, you must meet specific requirements. Your character must be at least level 30 to allow the game to spawn this set. Head to 35 Court, situated to the right of Goodneighbor on the minimap. Be prepared for high-level enemies, as the area is populated by Assaultrons and Sentry Bots. It’s advisable to carry suitable weapons for your survival.

Upon reaching 35 Court, take the elevator to the top of the building. It’s a good idea to save your game to avoid repeating the process and losing any loot. Inside, you’ll find the X-01 Power Armor enclosed in a cage, which can be opened using the red button on the right side. If the Power Armor doesn’t spawn at this location, don’t worry; you can return later. This is the primary spawning location for the X-01 Power Armor.

Fallout 4 Best Power Armor Legendary Pieces

Apart from the best vanilla version of Power armors in the game, you can also acquire the unique and legendary armor sets and pieces that are scattered around the map. These sets are also part of the DLC content for Fallout 4, so you may want to install them before going into the Wasteland. The best thing about these legendary pieces is the unique outlook and the legendary effects that will contribute to the character build in the game. With that said, let’s discuss some unique Power Armor variants and pieces that you can find in Fallout 4.

Exemplar’s T-60C Torso

Reduced V.A.T.S. Action Points.

Name		Damage Resistance		Hit Points	Weight	Value	Repair	Upgrade Components	Perk Requirement	Collapse Form ID
T-60 torso	280	185	300	440	20.0	750	10x Steel 3x Plastic 3x Aluminum 1x Circuitry	5x Adhesive 4x Aluminum 3x Ceramic 2x Circuitry 2x Nuclear material 1x Rubber	None	00140C42

Exemplar’s T-60 Torso is a unique piece for T-60 Power Armor in Fallout 4. It can be worn alongside any variant of T-60 armor.

This piece offers a legendary effect, reducing V.A.T.S Action Point cost by 10% when combined with other T-60 Power Armor components. It also adds two points to both Damage and Energy Resistance, totaling 982 and 647, respectively.

To get the Exemplar’s T-60 Torso, you’ll need Charisma 10 to convince Clarke from the Brotherhood of Steel to surrender. Save before speaking to Clarke to choose the right dialogue option, as it may take a few tries depending on your character build.

After speaking to him, you will have to speak to Lancer Captain Kells who will respond to Clarke’s dilemma. Later on, he will reward us with the Exemplar’s T-60C Torso.

Vengeance T-60 Right Leg

Best Melee Damage.

Damage Resistance	192
Energy Resistance	147
Radiation Resistance	150
Item HP	155
Effects	Reflects 10% of melee damage back on the attacker.
Weight	18
Value	1500
Variants	T-60 power armor
Form ID	00226710

Vengeance T-60 Right leg is another high-class piece that will make T-60 one of the best Power armor in Fallout 4. This part alone grants the Damage Resistance of 192 and Energy Resistance of 147. Not just that but it also offers sweet legendary effects that give back 10% melee damage to enemies whenever they register a melee attack on your character.

To get this legendary piece, you have to visit the Prydwen and purchase it from Proctor Teagan. However, it requires a small requirement of becoming the Sentinal at the Brotherhood of Steel. Combine it with your base T-60 variant and you can now enjoy this unique Power armor piece with an effective legendary effect.

Honor T-60 Left Leg

Best Action Point Refresh Speed.

Damage Resistance	192
Energy Resistance	147
Radiation Resistance	150
Item HP	155
Effects	Bonus to Action Point refresh speed
Weight	18
Value	1500
Form ID	0022670E

If you are one of those players who just smash the V.A.T.S on the enemies and utilize the Action Points, then this piece is an important add-on for your T-60 Power armor. Honor T-60 Left leg is another purchasable legendary Power armor piece that offers similar Damage resistances of Vengeance but different legendary effects.

Wearing this Power armor component, your character will be able to receive a bonus refresh speed point to the Action Points. Now players will not have to worry about running out of Action points from time to time. You can also get this legendary Power armor piece from the Proctor Teagan from the Prydwen after getting promoted to Sentinel.

Visionary T-60 Helmet

Higher Defense Ratings.

Item HP	140 (model C)
Weight	15 (model C)
Value	150 (Sentinel) 138 (Paladin) 138 (Knight)
Variants	T-60 power armor helmet
Quests	A Loose End
Form ID	00226700 (Sentinel) 00226702 (Paladin) 00226704 (Knight)

Visionary is a unique helmet for T-60 Power Armor in Fallout 4, providing an increased Action Points refresh speed, similar to the legendary effect of Honor T-60 left leg. However, it offers higher defense ratings than the standard T-60 helmet.

This helmet is exclusive to the Brotherhood of Steel faction, but getting it is worthwhile. Complete the quest “A Loose End” by speaking to Kells on the Prydwen, and he will assign the quest.

Tessa Fist Raider Power Armor Right Arm

Highest Durability.

Damage Resistance	50.0
Item HP	200
Effects	4x durability
Weight	17.6
Value	93
Repair	Steel
Form ID	00248487

Tessa Fist is the right arm piece for Raider Power Armor in Fallout 4. It doubles the strength of your Raider Power Armor and is nearly unbreakable with a 4x durability legendary effect. It complements the full set of Raider Power Armor and includes the Hydraulic Bracers armor mod, dealing 15 unarmed damage to all enemies.

To unlock this piece, locate Tessa in the Quincy Ruins. She roams the area, so eliminate her and loot the piece from her armor set. It’s recommended to approach from the south to avoid a confrontation with enemies equipped with Fatman Rocket launchers when coming from the north.

Piezonucleic Power Armor Chest Piece

Best for Action Points Regeneration.

Damage Resistance	50.0
Item HP	(Varies depending on which power armor variant and model it is based on)
Effects	Radiation exposure increases Action Point refresh speed.
Weight	24
Value	963
Repair	T-45 Circuitry Steel x7 T-51 Aluminum Circuitry Steel x8
Form ID	0022670C (Gives a chest armor appropriate to your level with random armor parts, but without the legendary modification.) 0022879C (legendary effect)
Quests	Cambridge Polymer Labs

The Piezonucleic Chest piece is a unique Power Armor torso piece in Fallout 4. It can be worn with both T-51 and T-45 Power Armor sets. This torso piece harnesses radiation to boost Action Points regeneration speed.

The type of Power Armor (T-45 or T-51) that spawns for this piece may vary depending on your character’s level. However, the legendary effects are the same for both variants. To obtain this legendary piece, complete the side quest “Cambridge Polymer Labs.”

Visit the Cambridge Polymer Labs and interact with the robot Molly to start the quest. You’ll discover the experiments conducted before the nuclear bombs hit Boston and embark on the quest from there.

My Recommendation

Well, that is about it for the Power armor in Fallout 4. My favorite one is the X-01 Power Armor as it offers superior damage protection and outstanding aesthetics as well.

Armors are the essential items in all RPG games. While Fallout 4 stands out by offering unique and heavy Power armors and goes a long way in survival gameplay. Each Power armor has its own stats and characteristics that will incline with your character build to offer rewarding gameplay.