Introduction
The Mojave Wasteland. A sun-baked, unforgiving expanse teeming with dangers lurking around every bend. From packs of feral dogs to hordes of mutated creatures and gangs of ruthless raiders, survival in Fallout: New Vegas hinges on resourcefulness, skill, and, crucially, having the right armor. While a well-aimed bullet or a lucky swing can fell even the most seasoned courier, a solid set of armor can be the difference between life and death. This isn’t just about protection; it’s about enabling your chosen playstyle, maximizing your strengths, and mitigating your weaknesses. This guide delves into the very best armor options the game offers, helping you choose the perfect protection for your adventures across the desert. We’ll explore various types of armor, from the nimble light armors to the imposing heavy varieties, and discuss the trade-offs inherent in each choice.
Choosing the perfect armor isn’t just about picking the one with the highest Damage Threshold, or DT. While that’s certainly a vital factor, several other aspects come into play. We need to consider weight, which directly impacts your movement speed and Action Points, valuable in combat and for performing actions like sprinting or using VATS. The armor’s value plays a role, both in terms of how much it costs to acquire and how much you can sell it for. Furthermore, some armors grant special effects or bonuses, such as improved skills or increased resistances. The durability of the armor is critical. Armor that breaks easily and is difficult to repair is far less useful in the long run. Finally, although subjective, the appearance of your armor matters. Looking good in the Wasteland is important, and many armors have distinctive looks that add to the game’s atmosphere.
Top Armor Choices For The Wasteland Wanderer
Let’s examine the premier armor selections available, breaking them down by playstyle and armor type to give you a comprehensive overview.
The Pinnacle of Light Armor
For those who prefer agility and stealth, light armor is the way to go. Sacrificing sheer protective power for increased mobility, these options are ideal for characters who rely on quick reflexes, silent movement, and striking from the shadows.
One of the finest light armors available is Joshua Graham’s Armor, often called the Gehenna Armor. This unique piece, obtained by siding with him during the Honest Hearts DLC, offers solid DT while remaining incredibly lightweight. Most importantly, it provides significant boosts to your critical hit chance, making it a fantastic choice for damage dealers. The downside is that you need to align yourself with Joshua Graham during the DLC storyline.
Next on the list is the Stealth Suit Mark Two. This suit is found in the Old World Blues DLC. It’s more than just an armor; it’s a technological marvel. The Stealth Suit Mark Two automatically injects Med-X and Stealth Boys when your health drops or you are detected, respectively, providing crucial advantages in tense situations. While it doesn’t offer exceptional DT, its automated benefits make it invaluable for stealthy characters. However, it is reliant on having those items in your inventory.
Finally, we have the Assassin Suit. This armor is also found within the Old World Blues DLC. Providing decent DT and a lightweight design, the suit improves your Sneak skill and enhances movement speed. It’s perfect for those who want to remain undetected or quickly reposition themselves during combat. Finding it can be challenging as it is located in a particularly hostile area of the DLC.
These light armor options are perfect for players embracing stealth builds, hit-and-run tactics, or characters who want to maximize their Action Points.
The Versatility of Medium Armor
Medium armor strikes a balance between protection and mobility. These options offer a good level of defense without significantly hindering your movement, making them a great choice for a variety of playstyles.
The Elite Riot Gear, acquired as a reward for completing certain quests within the Lonesome Road DLC, provides excellent DT, high resistance to critical hits, and a distinctive, intimidating appearance. Its balance of protection and style makes it a highly desirable piece of equipment. You must complete key quests within the DLC to get your hands on this armor.
Another excellent choice is the Combat Armor Mark Two. This classic piece provides reliable DT and is relatively easy to acquire throughout the game, making it a practical choice for many players. It is also very repairable, making it a good option for the long haul.
Finally, the Reinforced Leather Armor Mark Two offers a surprisingly good balance between protection and weight. Although not as visually striking as the others, its practicality and ease of access make it a solid choice for characters on a budget. This one is also fairly easy to repair, making it a useful fallback.
Medium armor caters to balanced builds, providing a solid foundation for both offense and defense. It’s perfect for players who want to be prepared for a variety of combat scenarios.
The Immovable Fortress: Heavy Armor
When maximum protection is your top priority, heavy armor is the answer. These options offer the highest DT, turning you into a walking tank capable of weathering the most devastating attacks. However, the trade-off is reduced mobility and increased weight.
The T-Fifty One B Power Armor is legendary for a reason. It offers unparalleled DT and is one of the most iconic pieces of equipment in the Fallout universe. While it requires power armor training, the investment is well worth it for the incredible protection it provides. Obtaining power armor training generally requires joining the Brotherhood of Steel.
The Remnants Power Armor, also a superb choice, is available from a specific enclave remnant in the game. With equally impressive DT, this one offers a unique aesthetic that many players find appealing. It is acquired through a specific questline involving the remnants of the Enclave.
Finally, the Gannon Family Tesla Armor stands out for its unique energy weapon damage bonus. While also providing excellent protection, it increases your energy weapon damage, making it a perfect choice for characters specializing in lasers and plasma weaponry. Finding the necessary components to repair it can be a bit difficult.
Heavy armor is ideal for tank builds, characters who want to focus on survivability, and those who enjoy mowing down enemies with overwhelming firepower.
Other Noteworthy Armor Selections
While the aforementioned options represent the best in their respective categories, several other armor pieces deserve mention. These may not be the absolute best, but they offer unique benefits or are valuable in specific situations.
The NCR Ranger Combat Armor, recognizable for its iconic appearance, provides decent DT and is a symbol of authority within the New California Republic. Obtaining a set often requires achieving a high reputation with the NCR or taking it from fallen rangers.
Finally, the Marked Beast Armor and the Marked Scout Armor are found within the Lonesome Road DLC. Both are extremely useful due to their high availability and decent DT. They are quite common after reaching a certain point in the DLC.
These honorable mentions are still valuable depending on your specific circumstances or character build.
Acquiring The Best Armor
Now that we’ve discussed the top armor options, let’s explore how to obtain them. The specific methods vary depending on the armor piece, but common approaches include completing quests, exploring specific locations, purchasing from vendors, and improving skills like Lockpicking or Science.
Many of the best armor pieces are rewards for completing specific questlines. For example, the Elite Riot Gear is obtained through the Lonesome Road DLC. Similarly, securing power armor often involves joining a faction, such as the Brotherhood of Steel, and completing their associated quests.
Exploration is also key. Certain armor pieces are hidden in remote locations, guarded by dangerous enemies, or locked behind challenging puzzles. Be sure to thoroughly explore every corner of the Mojave Wasteland to uncover hidden treasures.
Vendors scattered throughout the game world also sell a variety of armor pieces. However, their stock varies depending on their location and your relationship with them. Building a positive reputation with a faction can unlock access to better gear.
Skills like Lockpicking and Science are essential for gaining access to certain armor pieces. Locked containers and terminals often hold valuable gear, so invest in these skills to maximize your chances of finding the best equipment.
Maintaining Your Defenses: Armor Repair
Once you’ve acquired your desired armor, it’s essential to keep it in good condition. Damaged armor provides significantly less protection, leaving you vulnerable to enemy attacks.
The most common method of repairing armor is to use repair kits. These kits can be crafted, purchased, or found throughout the game world. They allow you to restore a certain amount of your armor’s condition.
Another option is to pay vendors to repair your armor. However, this can be expensive, especially for high-end armor pieces.
For characters with the Jury Rigging perk, repairing armor becomes much easier. This perk allows you to repair armor using similar items, regardless of whether they are the same type. This significantly simplifies the repair process and saves you valuable caps.
Be aware of common enemies who use weapons that quickly damage armor. For example, creatures with claws or energy weapons can quickly degrade your armor’s condition. Regularly inspect your armor and repair it as needed to maintain maximum protection.
The Synergy of Armor and Character Builds
The best armor for your character depends heavily on your chosen build and playstyle. Selecting armor that complements your strengths and mitigates your weaknesses is crucial for success.
If you’re embracing a stealth build, the Stealth Suit Mark Two, combined with silenced weapons, is a deadly combination. The suit’s automatic Stealth Boy injection allows you to remain undetected, while the silenced weapons ensure you don’t attract unwanted attention.
For melee-focused characters, high DT armor, such as the Remnants Power Armor, combined with powerful melee weapons, is the key to victory. The armor allows you to withstand heavy damage while you close the distance and unleash devastating attacks.
If you specialize in energy weapons, the Gannon Family Tesla Armor, with its energy weapon damage bonus, is a natural choice. This armor enhances your already potent energy weapon attacks, allowing you to vaporize enemies with ease.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the “best” armor in Fallout: New Vegas is subjective and depends on your individual playstyle, character build, and preferences. Each armor piece offers a unique set of benefits and drawbacks, and it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your needs.
Experiment with different armor options, consider your strengths and weaknesses, and don’t be afraid to try something new. The Mojave Wasteland is a dangerous place, but with the right armor, you can overcome any challenge and emerge victorious. Go forth, Courier, and find the protection that best suits your legend!
