Introduction
Have you ever tried to lug around a mountain of loot in the Mojave Wasteland, only to find yourself hobbled and wheezing after just a few steps? Or maybe you’ve faced off against a Deathclaw with nothing but a pool cue, desperately hoping to deal some damage before becoming a midnight snack? In Fallout: New Vegas, Strength is your foundation for conquering these challenges and much more.
Fallout: New Vegas, the beloved post-apocalyptic RPG, offers a rich character creation system based around the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes: Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck. Among these, Strength reigns supreme for those who prefer a more direct, hands-on approach to wasteland survival. This article will dissect Strength, exploring its far-reaching effects on your character’s capabilities, how to maximize it, and why it might be the perfect attribute for your next playthrough. Mastering the art of brute force unlocks a unique path through the wasteland.
What is Strength in Fallout New Vegas?
Strength in Fallout: New Vegas is more than just raw muscle; it’s a reflection of your character’s overall physical power and ability to handle demanding tasks. It represents your ability to wield heavy weapons, carry substantial loads, and deliver devastating blows in close combat.
At the start of the game, your Strength attribute can range from one to ten, reflecting a character that is drastically underweight to one that is exceptionally formidable. While you might start with a lower score, the good news is there are multiple ways to increase your Strength as you progress through the game. This could be from leveling up, acquiring implants, donning specific equipment, or even imbibing temporary chemical enhancements.
Key Effects of Strength
Strength influences several aspects of your gameplay experience, making it a versatile and valuable attribute for a variety of character builds.
Melee Weapon Damage
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of Strength is its direct impact on melee weapon damage. The higher your Strength, the more damage you’ll inflict with swords, sledgehammers, and other close-quarters weapons. The type of weapon you choose will be critical, as some require more strength to be wielded properly. For example, a simple combat knife might require minimal strength, whereas wielding a Super Sledge effectively needs a considerably higher Strength rating. Investing in Strength allows you to transform seemingly mundane weapons into tools of destruction, making you a force to be reckoned with in any melee encounter.
Unarmed Damage
Similar to melee weapons, Strength significantly contributes to the damage you deal with your bare hands (or powered fists). Whether you’re throwing a punch or using a more specialized unarmed attack, Strength provides a solid foundation for your damage output. Several perks also synergize powerfully with Strength, such as Super Slam!, which increases your chance to knock enemies to the ground, creating vulnerabilities for additional attacks. An unarmed build focusing on maximizing Strength can transform your character into a walking, talking (or perhaps more accurately, walking, punching) engine of destruction.
Carry Weight
The Mojave Wasteland is brimming with valuable items, from essential supplies to valuable scrap. Unfortunately, you can’t carry it all without exceeding your carry weight limit. Strength directly determines how much you can carry before becoming encumbered, slowing your movement, and preventing you from fast traveling. With a higher Strength score, you can haul more loot, stay in the field longer without needing to return to town, and maximize your profits.
Weapon Handling
Not all weapons are created equal. Many of the most powerful ranged weapons, such as miniguns and sniper rifles, require a certain level of Strength to handle effectively. If your Strength is too low, you’ll experience penalties like increased weapon sway and reduced accuracy, making it difficult to hit your targets, especially at long range. Investing in Strength ensures that you can wield these heavy weapons with confidence and precision, maximizing your effectiveness in combat.
Dialogue Options
While not as common as combat-related benefits, Strength can occasionally unlock unique dialogue options. These options often involve intimidating characters, performing feats of physical strength, or making decisions that reflect your character’s imposing presence. While not always critical to completing quests, these dialogue options can add flavor to your character and open up alternative solutions to problems.
How to Increase Strength in Detail
There are several ways to boost your Strength, each with its own advantages and considerations.
Leveling Up
Each time you level up in Fallout: New Vegas, you’ll have the opportunity to allocate points to your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes. Strategically investing in Strength during character progression is crucial for building a powerful character. It is recommended to consider your Strength build earlier to avoid having to waste points later on. A higher Strength will help in the early stages of the game.
Implants
One of the most reliable ways to permanently increase your Strength is by acquiring the Strength implant from the New Vegas Medical Clinic. This implant permanently increases your Strength by one point, allowing you to push your attribute to new heights. However, acquiring the implant requires a substantial investment in Caps and requires a reasonable Intelligence level to have access.
Equipment
Certain pieces of apparel and armor can temporarily or permanently boost your Strength. Power armor, for example, often provides significant Strength bonuses, allowing you to wield heavy weapons and carry massive loads with ease. Look out for gear with Strength-boosting effects to further enhance your capabilities.
Chems
For a temporary surge of power, consider using chems like Buffout or Psycho. These chems provide a temporary Strength boost, allowing you to overcome challenging enemies or carry especially heavy loads. Be mindful of the risks associated with chem use, including addiction and negative side effects. Using chemicals carefully ensures survival in the wild.
Perks
Numerous perks synergize with Strength, enhancing its effects or providing additional benefits. “Pack Rat” reduces the weight of items you carry. Strong Back gives a boost to the amount of weight you can carry. Super Slam! provides a chance to knockdown an enemy. Each perk is valuable to make the most of the Strength ability.
Strength-Based Builds
Strength serves as the cornerstone for several powerful character builds.
Melee Build
A melee build focuses on dealing devastating damage with close-range weapons. Perks like “Bloody Mess,” “Unstoppable Force,” and “Ninja” synergize powerfully with Strength. Gear up with heavy armor for maximum protection and a Super Sledge for maximum impact. Melee builds can make you a force to be reckoned with in close quarters.
Unarmed Build
Unarmed builds emphasize hand-to-hand combat. Focus on perks that enhance your unarmed damage and critical hit chance. The Ballistic Fist is an ideal weapon for this playstyle.
Hybrid Build
A hybrid build mixes Strength with other skills, such as Guns or Energy Weapons. For example, you could invest in Strength to wield heavy weapons effectively while still maintaining proficiency with ranged weapons. This approach provides versatility and allows you to adapt to different combat situations.
The Best Strength Weapons in New Vegas
Here are some of the best Strength-based weapons you can find in Fallout: New Vegas:
- Super Sledge: A powerful melee weapon that delivers crushing blows. Found in various locations.
- Chainsaw: A brutal weapon that shreds enemies at close range.
- Oh, Baby!: A unique Super Sledge with enhanced stats. Located in Charleston Cave.
- Power Fist: A versatile unarmed weapon that provides a significant damage boost.
- Ballistic Fist: An upgraded Power Fist that fires shotgun shells with each punch.
- Pushy: A unique Power Fist that deals increased critical damage. Found in Ruby Hill Mine.
Is Strength Worth It?
Strength offers numerous benefits, from increased damage output to greater carrying capacity. However, investing in Strength comes at the cost of neglecting other S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes. If you prioritize melee combat, heavy weapons, and loot hauling, Strength is an excellent choice. If you prefer a stealthier or more diplomatic approach, you might want to prioritize other attributes.
Conclusion
Strength is a powerful and versatile attribute in Fallout: New Vegas. Whether you’re wielding a Super Sledge, brawling with your bare fists, or hauling a mountain of loot, Strength empowers you to dominate the Mojave Wasteland. Experiment with different Strength builds and discover the potential of brute force in this iconic post-apocalyptic adventure. So, go forth, Courier, and unleash your inner strongman!
