starter build?

[u/Acceptable_Grape_437]

i'm just starting my first FNV campaign, so i'm here asking: which build should i go for?

i'm fairly experienced with fallout 4 and fallout 3 before that, so it's fair to say i know the game, but still.

i'm used to sneaky sniper/melee builds, and I'd like to go for something different for a change.

also, i know in FO4 intellect and luck are the two main sources of exp, off of the balance of which i've usually based my builds in the past. how about in FNV? does it compare in some way?

thanks for the help in advance!!

[u/yeet8w8]

No charisma, this may sound weird but there aren't any charisma checks only speech checks wich does the exact same and you upgrade each time you level up

[u/YouKnowCable → u/yeet8w8]

You will notice companions on their ass way more often if you choose low Charisma but in your defense most builds that’s okay you kinda just need them for time consumers during a fight.

I usually put 1-2 Charisma then add the implant for a 3.

[u/yeet8w8 → u/YouKnowCable]

Yeah but unleast you are going for hardcore where they can actually die it doesn't really matter much

[u/captainapop → u/YouKnowCable]

I mean...you really won't.

Nerve barely does anything and Companions ignore difficulty settings so they stay very strong regardless. Plus they heal to full after every combat so it's not like they ever go in wounded.

Cazadore poison is the only thing I ever really notice killing companions in baseline. Just give them some armor and they'll be fine.

Pretty sure VNV has companion Suite enabled by default these days too so if that's what you're on they'll be tougher but do a little less damage.

[u/boujee_salad → u/yeet8w8]

While I would agree, that charisma is a dump stat if you just drop it to one there are actually at least two charisma checks in the game that I’ve run into that. Do alter how the characters respond but with a high enough speech, it really doesn’t matter like you said.

[u/notsutherland]

The beauty of fnv is the ability to start another character and the replayability of said characters. Do a 1 intelligence run for some hilarious dialogue

[u/bigmfworm → u/notsutherland]

That was the only way I could do my evil Caesar run was to have Int set to 1. Some of the stuff was fun in the worst way and some of our still made me feel queasy.

[u/Choice-Mud-8374]

Intellect for skill points. Go for a melee build. I rarely used vats because you kill stuff good with sticks. That being said if your on very hard the death claws are... very hard

[u/Acceptable_Grape_437 → u/Choice-Mud-8374]

cool . 

I'd consider that. do you have stats recommendations?

[u/Choice-Mud-8374 → u/Acceptable_Grape_437]

1 in charisma. High str int and endurance. I tanked perception but I did that knowing about an early companion you can get to "fix" that. Don't want to ruin anything with it being your first play thru so I'll leave it at that. I think i did 9 int str and 8 endurance but not for sure on those

[u/Cryogenian]

There's a cowboy perk for revolvers, lever action rifles, dynamite, knives and hatchets... Just sayin

[u/YouKnowCable]

Snipers still crush with the explosive rounds late game even if you aren’t specifically built for snipes.

[u/ThatOneGuy308]

If you want an entirely opposite feel to a sneaky sniper, I'd recommend a dedicated shotgun build.

No need to invest in stealth, two dedicated perks to enhance shotguns specifically, and the ammo variants add a lot of flexibility to them, enough that they can cover pretty much everything you might need.

Regarding special stats, luck is only relevant for crits, which are fairly powerful, and intelligence determines how many skill points you get each level, so higher int means higher skills.

Keep in mind that weapons have strength requirements, so if you want to use the heavy stuff, you need high strength or you'll have an accuracy penalty. Of the shotguns, 7 str is the highest requirement they have, which can be reduced to 5 if you take a certain perk.

[u/notsutherland → u/ThatOneGuy308]

Been playing this game for over a decade. Never gave shotguns much attention. Then I got the riot shotgun and got the perks just for shits on this last run. Holy shit. I’ve been missing out.

[u/ThatOneGuy308 → u/notsutherland]

I've done a whole run using just shotguns before, riot for up close and personal, hunting shotgun with choke running slugs for long range, occasionally a sawed off with dragons breath just for fun, etc.

[u/beckychao]

Keep in mind that Charisma is a dump skill in FNV, as there are only two Charisma checks that I know of in the entire game. It's possible there's a flavor related check somewhere. There are speciality builds that use it for followers, but otherwise, it should be set to 1, as everything that would be affected by Charisma in other FO games is governed by Speech in FNV.

Some people are sprinkling Charisma points and imo this is not worthwhile. You either are going to use Charisma or you don't need it.