Fallout 4 Best Builds After 100+ Hours Experience

Fallout 4 allows players to create unique characters that suit their play style. It offers a rich experience in the customization capability and its implementation considering the dynamics. I will go through the best Fallout 4 builds that cover five different playstyles while focusing on their key perks gear.

Best Fallout 4 Builds Comparison

Here is a comparison table of my best builds in Fallout 4. Each stat can be sorted to view the highest and lowest values, which has been done for your convenience:

No	Builds	Best For	Strength	Perception	Endurance	Charisma	Intelligence	Agility	Luck
15	The Sharpshooter	Best Long-Range Build.	1	9	2	1	4	7	4
14	The Assassin	Best Assassin Build.	5	5	6	3	4	6	4
13	Walking Tank	Best Build for Tank Combat.	4	4	10	2	6	2	1
12	The Demolitions Expert	Best Build for Explosive Mayhem.	5	5	11	2	10	2	3
11	The Brotherhood of Steel Knight	Best Build for Close Combat.	9	1	5	1	9	1	2
10	The Scientist	Best Build for Unique Playthrough.	3	5	3	1	10	2	4
9	Idiot Savant	Best Build for XP gains.	3	5	3	1	10	2	4
8	Lone Wanderer	Best Solo Build.	3	4	3	3	5	4	7
7	Mad Titan	Best Melee Build.	4	4	4	1	9	5	1
6	The Chemist	Best Build for Chemical Warfare.	1	1	4	10	10	1	1
5	The Viking	Best Build for Relentless Close-Combat.	9	1	4	1	1	8	4
4	The Samurai	Best Melee-Asssassin Build.	10	1	5	1	1	5	5
3	The Mechanist	Best Overpowered Build.	6	1	6	1	10	2	2
2	The Widow	Best Build for Stealthy Assassination.	2	1	10	1	3	10	1
1	Wasteland’s Cowboy	Best Build for Long-Range Marksmanship.	1	8	1	6	4	7	1

Comparison Table.

15. The Sharpshooter

Best Long-Range Build. 

Strength	1
Perception	9
Endurance	2
Charisma	1
Intelligence	4
Agility	7
Luck	4

Sharpshooter Stats Table. 

The first build in my Fallout 4 list is the Sharpshooter, which excels in sniper gameplay. It prioritizes V.A.T.S critical hits for high-damage kills. This build relies on Agility and Charisma, allowing you to dominate and plan your tactics effectively. 

Perks:

• Rifleman for +20% damage on non-automatic rifles.
• Sneak and Night Person for stealth advantages during the night with +2 intelligence and perception.
• Gun Nut perk to get those sweet Rant 1 gun mods.
• Ninja for an extra 2.5 melee damage.
• Sniper Perk for precise shots by holding breath longer. 

Gear:

• Pipe Rifle (Beginner’s Sniper.)
• Kremvh’s Tooth (Melee Weapon.)

14. The Assassin

Best Assassin Build.

Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Mortimer
Role	Assassin
Location	Ultra-Luxe
Quests	Beyond the Beef
Special	5 ST, 5 PE, 6 EN, 3 CH, 4 IN, 6 AG, 4 LK
Tag skills	Guns:43(45) Melee Weap:41(43) Unarmed:43
Level	4
Misc stats	Hit Points:140
Karma	Neutral

The Assassin Stats Table. 

Assassin is proficient in silent eliminations and lockpicking. I suggest this build for beginner players who love to play stealthily. It prioritizes Intelligence and Agility while not investing much in Strength and Charisma. 

Perks:

• Blitz buffs the V. A. T. S. melee distance and damage.
• Ninja boosts sneak attack damage 2.5 times.
• Sneak allows silent infiltration and movement.
• Locksmith and Hacker perks are essential for accessing secret locations.
• Robotics Expert is useful for hacking robots and automated systems.

Gear:

• Pickman’s Blade (Melee Weapon.)
• Deliverer (Handgun.)
• Leather Armor (Black color for better stealth.)

13. Walking Tank

Best Build for Tank Combat.

Strength	4
Perception	4
Endurance	10
Charisma	2
Intelligence	6
Agility	2
Luck	1

Walking Tank Stats Table. 

The Walking Tank build focuses primarily on heavy armor and firearms. Additionally, I suggest equipping the specific perks that will help strengthen the build. The only drawback I found is the slow movement speed, but the high endurance compensates it pretty well.

Perks:

• Armorer gives mod customization to armor, making it more powerful.
• Solar Powered grants health regeneration, endurance, and strength from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Science – Make weapon mods to increase damage.
• Chem Resistant reduces the Drug Addiction effect by 50%.

Gear:

• Sergeant Ash (Flamethrower).
• Killer Tom Radium Rifle (Rifle).
• Recon Marine Armor – Radiation Protection and Damage Resistance.
• Dirty Army Fatigues – Strength and Agility.

12. The Demolitions Expert

Best Build for Explosive Mayhem.

Requires	Perception 5 Level 1/10/22/34
Ranks	4
Effects	Increasing damage by explosives
Strength	5
Perception	5
Endurance	11
Charisma	2
Intelligence	10
Agility	2
Luck	3

Demolition Expert Stats Table. 

Demolition Expert targets players who love explosions and destruction. I recommend keeping the Endurance and Intelligence perks to help you craft and survive in battles. The main strategy is to bomb the enemies using a nuclear arsenal or missile launchers while keeping a safe distance.

Perks:

• Nuclear Physicist increases the life of nuclear fusion cores.
• Big Leagues enhances Melee Damage
• Gun Nut enables the customization of weapons with mods.
• Demolition Expert amplifies Explosive Damage by 20%.

Gear:

• Explosive Weapons like land mines, grenades, missile launchers, and Fatman.
• Jetpack to enhance mobility.
• Power Armor for better protection.
• Dirty Army Fatigues – Strength and Agility.

11. The Brotherhood of Steel Knight

Best Build for Close Combat.

Type	Military Order
Founders	Arthur Maxson, 2283
Leaders	Elder Arthur Maxson
HQ	The Prydwen
Locations	Capital Wasteland The Citadel The Common Wealth Cambridge Police Station Boston Airport
Parent	Brotherhood of Steel
Divisions	Recon Squad Gladius Recon Squad Artemis
Strength	9
Perception	1
Endurance	5
Charisma	1
Intelligence	9
Agility	1
Luck	2

Brotherhood of Steel Knight Stats Table. 

The Brotherhood of Steel Knights focuses on close combat and survivability. The deadly combination of Melee and Laser Weapons ensures pure rampage and destruction.

Strength and Intelligence S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stats complement the playstyle by boosting melee and weapon damage.

Perks:

• Nuclear Physicist increases the life of nuclear fusion cores by up to 25%.
• Iron Fist boosts Melee Damage by 20%.
• Scrounger – Ammo find rate for heavy weapons.
• Pain Train – Stager and Damage enemies as you run through them.
• Heavy Gunner – Enhances Heavy Weapon damage by 20%.

Gear:

• Power Armor or Combat Armor.
• Brotherhood of Steel Outfit.
• Furious Power Fist.
• Flamer (Heavy Weapon.)
• Any other Heavy Weapon of choice.

10. The Scientist

Best Build for Unique Playthrough.

Strength	3
Perception	5
Endurance	3
Charisma	1
Intelligence	10
Agility	2
Luck	4
Damage Resistance	3 (scientist outfit only)
Damage Threshold	0
Item HP	100
Effects	Science+5
Weight	2
Value	8
Repair	Scientist outfit Enclave scientist outfit Lab technician outfit Vault lab uniform
Editor ID	OutfitRivetCityScientist OutfitEnclaveScientist OutfitProjectPurityDoctor OutfitUniqueEnclaveScientist
Form ID	000340D9 (scientist outfit) 0001B5BD (Enclave) 000340D7 (lab technician) 000CB605 (all-purpose)

The Scientist Stats Table. 

Scientist purely relies on intelligence and survival to craft powerful weapons. The perks like Idiot Savant make it an ideal build for farming XP.

Power Armor ensures survivability along with other protection gear.

Perks:

• Nuclear Physicist increases the life of nuclear fusion cores by up to 25%.
• Idiot Savant – XP gains increase with random triggers.
• Hacker – Uses terminals to hack into systems.
• Scrounger – Boosts ammo find rates.
• Science – More customizability for mods of energy weapons.
• Chem Resistant reduces the Drug Addiction effect by 50%.

Gear:

• Power Armor.
• Laser Musket Rifle.
• Any Legendary Laser Rifle.

9. Idiot Savant

Best Build for XP gains.

Strength	3
Perception	5
Endurance	3
Charisma	1
Intelligence	10
Agility	2
Luck	4
Ranks	3
Effects	Random chance to receive multiplied XP bonuses, with low Intelligence increasing frequency
Requires	Luck 5 Level 1/11/34

Idiot Savant Stats Table. 

Idiot Savant comes out to be the perfect build if you want to go for XP farming. It relies on Luck stats and others to keep alive in the harsh environments. The only disadvantage I saw in this is the lack of physical strength.

Perks:

• Idiot Savant – XP gains increase with random triggers.
• Four Leaf Clover improves Critical hits and refills the Critical Hit Meter each time you use V.A.T.S.
• Grim Reaper Sprint will add a 15% chance to restore your Action Points.
• Better Criticals give 50% extra damage on Critical hits.

Gear:

• Luck Eddy Rifle (+2 Luck.)
• Metal Chest Piece (Protection + No XP Penalty.)

8. Lone Wanderer

Best Solo Build. 

Strength	3
Perception	4
Endurance	3
Charisma	3
Intelligence	5
Agility	4
Luck	7
Ranks	4
Effects	Increased Damage Resistance and Carry Weight when going without a companion
Requires	Charisma 3 Level 1/17/40/50

Lone Wanderer Stats Table. 

The Lone Wanderer travels through lands relying on its strength and resilience. To survive in the wild in such a manner, I advise you to pay attention to the Luck and Intelligence stat the most. They will help you get better Critical Hits and weapon mods.

Perks:

• Rifleman boosts your gun damage.
• Lone Wanderer enhances damage, damage resistance, and carrying capacity.
• Attack Dog strengthens your companion and makes them better in combats.

Gear:

• Overseer’s Guardian.
• Vault Jump Suit.
• Power Armor.

7. Mad Titan

Best Melee Build.

Strength	4
Perception	4
Endurance	4
Charisma	1
Intelligence	9
Agility	5
Luck	1

Mad Titan Stats Table. 

The Mad Titan masters in hand-to-hand and explosive combat. It uses bombs to deal damage from far away while taking care of close enemies using bare hands. Therefore, stats like Intelligence to craft explosives and Strength for fighting are crucial for this build.

Perks:

• Iron Fist boosts Melee Damage by 20%.
• Nuclear Physicist increases the life of nuclear fusion cores by up to 25%.
• Blitz buffs the V. A. T. S. melee distance and damage

Gear:

• Explosives – Throwables like frag grenades and Molotovs.
• Melee Weapons.
• Rifle or Handgun – Backup when run out of explosives. 

6. The Chemist

Best Build for Chemical Warfare.

Strength	1
Perception	1
Endurance	4
Charisma	10
Intelligence	10
Agility	1
Luck	1
Ranks	4
Effects	Increased duration for effects of chems
Requires	Intelligence 7 Level 1/16/32/45

The Chemist Stats Table. 

The Chem build relies on drugs and various crafting items. Intelligence will be the main focus as it’s crucial to craft items, while Charisma will improve social interaction. I took perks like Chem Resistance to avoid drug addiction and Chemist to prolong the drug’s effects.

Perks:

• Chem Resistant reduces the Drug Addiction effect by 50%.
• Luck Perk improves the usage of Stimpaks and RadAway.
• Scrounger – Better chance to find ammo for weapons.
• Chemist – Enhances and prolongs effects of drugs and chems.

Gear:

• Spray n’ Pray (Submachine Gun.)
• Handgun or Melee Weapons.
• Ballistic Weave Armor.

5. The Viking

Best Build for Relentless Close-Combat.

Strength	9
Perception	1
Endurance	4
Charisma	1
Intelligence	1
Agility	8
Luck	4
Value	700
Weight	0.1
Editor ID	ATX_Clothes_HalloweenVikingBustedHorns
Form ID	0058BD5F

The Viking Stats Table. 

Viking is one of the best close-combat builds in Fallout 4. With the primary stats of Agility and Strength, it is challenging to beat this beast in hand-to-hand combat.

In my experience, the ideal gear, in this case, comes out to be any melee weapon with complementing perks to deal more damage.

Perks:

• Blitz buffs the V. A. T. S. melee distance and damage.
• Armorer gives mod customization to armor, making it more powerful.
• Solar Powered grants health regeneration, endurance, and strength from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Rooted – Damage Buff during stationary Melee attacks.
• Action Boy/Action Girl – Quicker Action Point Generation.
• Big Leagues – Buffs Melee Damage by 20%.

Gear:

• Pack Moose Helmet (Aesthetic only – Viking Appearance.)
• Leather Armor for arms and legs (Protection + Viking Appearance.)
• Sturdy Metal Chest Plate – Damage Resistance.
• Grognak’s Axe (Melee Weapon.)

4. The Samurai

Best Melee-Asssassin Build.

Strength	10
Perception	1
Endurance	5
Charisma	1
Intelligence	1
Agility	5
Luck	5
Samurai Armor Damage Resistance	30
Weight	20
Item HP	500
Form ID	xx006940
Value	1000
Effect	Melee Damage +10 Melee Weapons +10
Weight	20
Repair	Metal Armor

The Samurai Stats Table. 

Samurai is another character with pure Strength and Agility that utilizes melee weapons. The perfect stats for this are Endurance for survivability, Luck, and Agility to make stealthy attacks with bonus XP. The flame sword adds to its aesthetics and devastating damage.

Perks:

• Blitz buffs the V. A. T. S. melee distance and damage.
• Blacksmith – Customize Melee Weapons with mods.
• Rooted – Damage Buff during stationary Melee attacks.
• Big Leagues – Buffs Melee Damage by 20%.
• Idiot Savant – XP gains increase with random triggers.

Gear:

• Road Leathers (Protection).
• Disciples Stripe Chest Piece (Protection + Samurai Appearance.)
• Shishkebab – High Melee Damage Flaming Sword.

3. The Mechanist

Best Overpowered Build. 

Strength	6
Perception	1
Endurance	6
Charisma	1
Intelligence	10
Agility	2
Luck	2
Lore Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Silver Shroud
Role	Fictional Villain

The Mechanist Stats Table. 

Mechanist offers creative gameplay by engineering different robots and items. The Strength stat enables him to carry heavy loads, while Intelligence is necessary to craft items and hack into the systems. The arsenal can be your choice, but I prefer machine guns or automatic laser rifles.

Perks:

• Nuclear Physicist increases the life of nuclear fusion cores.
• Hacker – Uses terminals to hack into systems.
• Gun Nut perk to modify weapon mods.
• Scrounger – Ammo find rate for heavy weapons.
• Robotics Expert – Hack robots and command them.

Gear:

• Power Armor.
• Mechanist Armor (Automatron DLC.)
• Submachine Guns
• Laser Rifles.
• Tesla Rifles.

2. The Widow

Best Build for Stealthy Assassination.

Strength	2
Perception	1
Endurance	10
Charisma	1
Intelligence	3
Agility	10
Luck	1
Requires	Charisma 2 Level 1/7/22
Ranks	3
Effects	Increased damage and success of persuasion against male NPCs.

The Widow Stats Table. 

Turning towards darker gameplay, the Widow gets her key features from the Black Widow Perk. This allows her to move swiftly and use weapons proficiently to kill people like a deadly assassin. She lacks Strength, but her exceptional firearm and persuasion skills compensate for this drawback.

Perks:

• Scrounger – Ammo find rate for heavy weapons.
• Action Girl – Quicker Action Point Generation.
• Black Widow –  5% more damage to Male enemies.
• Medic – Better efficiency of Healing Items.
• Fortune Finder – More chance to get valuable items.

Gear:

• Black Widow Armor (Protection + Appearance.) 
• Ballistic Weave (Protection.)
• Shotguns.
• Kellog’s Pistol and Other Handguns.

1. Wasteland’s Cowboy

Best Build for Long-Range Marksmanship.

Strength	1
Perception	8
Endurance	1
Charisma	6
Intelligence	4
Agility	7
Luck	1
Wasteland outfit DT	0 (brahmin-skin) 2 (wanderer & settler)
Item HP	100
Effects	Endurance +1 Agility +1
Weight	2
Value	6
Repair	Wasteland outfits Roving trader outfit
Variants	Brahmin-skin outfit Wasteland wanderer outfit Wasteland settler outfit Wasteland legend outfit Wasteland surgeon outfit Wasteland doctor fatigues Roving trader outfit
Editor ID	OutfitWasteland01 (brahmin-skin) OutfitWasteland02 (wanderer) OutfitWasteland03 (settler) OutfitUniqueMerc04 (legend) OutfitWastelandDoctor01 (doctor fatigues) OutfitWastelandDoctor02 (surgeon)
Form ID	00018DE5 (brahmin-skin) 0001BA00 (wanderer) 0001CBDB (settler) 000CB609 (legend) 000340FF (surgeon) 000340FE (doctor fatigues)

Wasteland’s Cowboy Stats Table. 

Like the Sharpshooter, The Cowboy focuses on long-range combat using heavy snipers and stealthy armor. All the S.P.E.C.I.A.L stats center around the capability to sneak and hunt enemies. His characteristic armor gives him the Cowboy look.

Perks:

• Sniper Perk for precise shots by holding breath longer.
• Action Boy – Quicker Action Point Generation.
• Ninja boosts sneak attack damage 2.5 times.
• Sneak allows silent infiltration and movement.
• Rifleman for +20% damage on non-automatic rifles.

Gear:

• Western Duster and Militia Hat (Protection + Appearance.) 
• Lever Action Rifle (Long-range combat.)
• Western Revolver (Close-range combat.)

Why Others Were Not Chosen?

1. Heavy Gunner: While Heavy Gunner builds are formidable in firepower, they tend to consume ammunition quickly and lack the agility of other builds, making them less suitable for certain playstyles or situations.
2. Gunslinger: Other builds were prioritized due to their versatility in handling various combat situations, whereas Gunslinger focuses solely on pistols, limiting its effectiveness in combat scenarios.
3. Energy Weapons Specialist: Energy Weapons Specialist builds require a significant investment in intelligence and resources to craft and maintain energy weapons, which may not be appealing to players seeking more straightforward or versatile builds.
4. Survivalist: While Survivalist builds focus on survivability in harsh environments, they may lack specialization in combat compared to other builds that prioritize offensive capabilities, making them less appealing for players seeking aggressive playstyles.
5. Melee Tank: While Melee Tank builds excel in close-quarters combat and tank-like resilience, they may struggle against ranged or highly mobile opponents, limiting their effectiveness in certain combat scenarios.
6. Ghoul Slayer: Ghoul Slayer builds specialize in dealing with ghouls, but they lack versatility against other enemy types encountered in the wasteland, making them less desirable for general gameplay.

What Would I Recommend?

As an experienced Fallout 4 player with 100+ hours of gameplay, I would highly recommend the Sharpshooter build for those who relish the thrill of precise long-distance combat. With its focus on Agility and Charisma, the Sharpshooter excels in dominating from afar, delivering devastating shots with pinpoint accuracy. 

Additionally, I would recommend the Samurai build for players seeking disciplined martial prowess and lethal swordsmanship. With its emphasis on Strength and Agility, the Samurai excels in close-quarters combat, delivering devastating blows with precision and efficiency. 

Now that you are here, why not read:

• Fallout 4 Legendary Effects.
• Fallout 4 Best Armor.
• Fallout 4 Best Factions.