Best Fallout 4 Starting Stats

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

05-01-2025

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Fallout 4 throws you into the Commonwealth with a bang, leaving you to decide how your Sole Survivor will face the dangers ahead. Your starting stats, known as SPECIAL, significantly impact your early gameplay experience and overall character build. Choosing wisely can mean the difference between a smooth start and a frustrating struggle. This guide breaks down the best starting SPECIAL stats for various playstyles.

Understanding the SPECIAL System

Before diving into optimal stat combinations, let's review the seven SPECIAL attributes:

• Strength: Affects melee damage, carrying capacity, and some lockpicking.
• Perception: Improves accuracy, spotting enemies, and hacking.
• Endurance: Impacts health, radiation resistance, and poison resistance.
• Charisma: Influences dialogue options, companion interactions, and vendor prices.
• Intelligence: Affects experience gain, hacking, and crafting.
• Agility: Boosts action points, movement speed, and critical hit chance.
• Luck: Influences critical hit chance, finding better loot, and avoiding critical hits.

Optimal Starting SPECIAL Builds for Different Playstyles

The "best" starting stats are subjective and depend on your preferred playstyle. However, these recommendations provide a solid foundation:

1. The Gunslinger

This build prioritizes ranged combat. High Agility for quicker reloads and faster aiming is crucial. Perception enhances accuracy, while Luck boosts critical hit chances, making every shot count. A point in Endurance provides needed survivability.

Suggested Starting Stats:

• Strength: 3
• Perception: 6
• Endurance: 4
• Charisma: 1
• Intelligence: 1
• Agility: 7
• Luck: 6

2. The Melee Master

For close-quarters combat, maximize Strength for devastating melee damage. Endurance ensures you can withstand punishment. Agility allows for quicker attacks, while Perception helps spot enemies before they get too close.

Suggested Starting Stats:

• Strength: 7
• Perception: 4
• Endurance: 6
• Charisma: 1
• Intelligence: 1
• Agility: 5
• Luck: 3

3. The Stealth Sniper

This build blends ranged combat with stealth. Perception is crucial for spotting enemies from afar. Agility provides bonus action points for silent movement and quick shots. Luck increases critical hit chances, turning those long-range shots into instant kills.

Suggested Starting Stats:

• Strength: 1
• Perception: 7
• Endurance: 3
• Charisma: 1
• Intelligence: 1
• Agility: 6
• Luck: 7

4. The Charismatic Leader

This character focuses on dialogue and persuasion. Maximize Charisma to unlock unique dialogue options and influence companions. Intelligence is beneficial for skill checks, while a moderate Perception aids in spotting potential allies and dangers.

Suggested Starting Stats:

• Strength: 1
• Perception: 4
• Endurance: 3
• Charisma: 7
• Intelligence: 4
• Agility: 3
• Luck: 3

Important Considerations

Remember, these are just suggestions. Experimentation is key. The SPECIAL system allows for diverse and creative builds. Don’t hesitate to deviate from these suggestions and craft a character that suits your play style. You can always adjust your stats as you progress through the game. Have fun exploring the Commonwealth!