Introduction
The Mojave Wasteland: a sun-scorched expanse teeming with dangers at every turn. From packs of feral ghouls and heavily armed raiders to mutated creatures and malfunctioning robots, survival is a constant struggle. In this unforgiving environment, your gear is your lifeline, and nothing is more crucial than a solid suit of armor. Protecting yourself from incoming damage is paramount, and choosing the right armor can be the difference between a glorious victory and a humiliating defeat.
This article will explore the top armor sets in Fallout: New Vegas, taking into account their protection level, special effects, ease of access, and overall usefulness. We’ll be examining which armors provide the best defense against the myriad threats of the Mojave, while also considering factors like weight, repair requirements, and the specific benefits they offer to different character builds. Ultimately, the best armor is subjective and depends on your individual playstyle. Whether you’re a gunslinging sharpshooter, a stealthy assassin, or a heavily armored melee fighter, there’s an armor set out there that’s perfect for you.
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand the criteria used to evaluate each armor set. Several factors contribute to an armor’s overall effectiveness, and we’ll be considering each of these aspects:
- Damage Threshold (DT): This is the most crucial factor. DT determines how much damage the armor absorbs from each attack. The higher the DT, the less damage you take.
- Weight: Armor weight impacts your carrying capacity and movement speed. Heavy armor provides excellent protection but can make you sluggish, while lighter armor offers more mobility at the cost of defense.
- Special Effects: Many armor sets provide unique bonuses to your skills, stats, or abilities. These effects can significantly enhance your character’s strengths or compensate for weaknesses.
- Availability: How easy is it to obtain the armor? Some armor sets are readily available early in the game, while others require completing challenging quests or exploring dangerous locations.
- Repair: Maintaining your armor is essential. Knowing what items are needed to repair a particular armor and how easy it is to find those items is important.
- Value/Cost: An armor’s worth, either in caps or the effort required to acquire it.
Let’s delve into the list of top armor sets, starting with one of the most coveted pieces of gear in the game:
Elite Riot Gear
This iconic armor set is a favorite among many Fallout: New Vegas players, and for good reason. The Elite Riot Gear is a black tactical armor that is intimidating and functional. It evokes a sense of authority and preparedness.
The Elite Riot Gear boasts impressive stats: a high Damage Threshold, making you significantly more resistant to damage. Its weight is moderate, so it doesn’t overly encumber you. The real draw, however, lies in its special effects: it provides a boost to your Perception stat, improving your accuracy in VATS and increasing your awareness of enemies. It also provides a bonus to your Guns skill, making you more effective with firearms.
Acquiring the Elite Riot Gear requires a bit of effort. It can be found inside the torso of a dead prospector at the location of the T-51b Power Armor.
The Elite Riot Gear’s strengths are its high DT, useful special effects, and relatively balanced weight. However, its relatively late-game acquisition can be seen as a drawback. It’s best suited for combat-oriented builds, particularly those that rely on guns and benefit from improved Perception. It can be repaired with other riot gear or armor with a similar design, like the regular Riot Gear or the Lonesome Road DLC variants.
Remnants Power Armor
For those who crave maximum protection, the Remnants Power Armor is an excellent choice. This suit of advanced power armor offers unparalleled defense and powerful bonuses. Visually, it’s a bulky, intimidating suit of armor, with a distinctive helmet and a rugged, battle-worn appearance.
The Remnants Power Armor provides incredibly high Damage Threshold, making you virtually immune to most small arms fire. It also grants a significant boost to your Strength, allowing you to carry more weight and excel in melee combat.
Obtaining the Remnants Power Armor requires completing the “For Auld Lang Syne” questline for Arcade Gannon and convincing him to rejoin the Remnants. This quest is only available if you have Arcade as a companion. Furthermore, you need Power Armor Training to use it effectively.
The Remnants Power Armor’s pros are its sheer defensive power and strength bonus. However, the need for Power Armor Training and the requirement to complete a specific questline can be considered drawbacks. This armor is ideal for melee-focused builds, “tank” characters who prioritize defense, and anyone who wants to feel like an unstoppable juggernaut. It can be repaired with other power armor sets, but those components may be harder to come by.
Joshua Graham’s Armor
For players who prefer a lighter, more agile approach, Joshua Graham’s Armor is a fantastic option. This unique set of armor is lightweight and provides valuable combat bonuses. It is characterized by its tribal style, with leather and cloth elements that reflect its wearer’s past.
Joshua Graham’s Armor offers a moderate amount of DT, not as much as power armor but enough to provide decent protection. Its main strength lies in its special effects: it increases your critical hit chance, making you more likely to land devastating blows. It also provides a boost to your Sneak skill, improving your ability to move undetected.
This armor is acquired by killing Joshua Graham, though most players would not opt for this.
The advantages of Joshua Graham’s Armor are its light weight, valuable special effects, and suitability for stealth builds. However, its lower DT compared to other options might be a concern for some players. This armor is best suited for stealthy characters, critical hit specialists, and those who prefer a more mobile combat style. It can be repaired with leather armors or other clothing items.
T-51b Power Armor
An iconic symbol of the Fallout franchise, the T-51b Power Armor is a highly desirable suit that offers impressive protection and a nostalgic appeal. Its distinctive design, with its rounded helmet and bulky frame, is instantly recognizable.
The T-51b Power Armor boasts a high Damage Threshold, making you extremely resistant to damage. The only issue is this requires you to do the quest Stealing Independence and can only be obtained late in the game.
The pros of the T-51b Power Armor are its impressive DR and iconic status. However, the drawbacks include the need for Power Armor Training, its heavy weight, and the potential difficulty in finding matching repair components. This armor is a great choice for players seeking maximum protection and a classic Fallout experience. It can be repaired with other power armor sets, requiring players to hunt for matching parts.
Combat Armor Mark II
For players seeking a reliable and readily available armor set, the Combat Armor Mark II is a solid choice. This armor is a staple of the Fallout universe, offering a good balance of protection and accessibility. It features a utilitarian design, with reinforced plates and a practical look.
The Combat Armor Mark II provides a respectable amount of Damage Threshold, making you reasonably resistant to most common threats. It can be found in various locations throughout the Mojave Wasteland, including stores, military outposts, and the bodies of fallen soldiers. It can be purchased at the Gun Runners kiosk just outside of Freeside.
The Combat Armor Mark II’s advantages are its reliability, ease of access, and decent protection. However, it lacks special effects and is eventually outclassed by other armor sets. This armor is a good option for early to mid-game characters who need a reliable source of protection. It can be repaired with other combat armors, making maintenance relatively easy.
Honorable Mentions
While the armor sets listed above represent some of the best options in Fallout: New Vegas, there are other noteworthy pieces of gear that deserve mention.
- Chinese Stealth Armor: This armor provides excellent stealth capabilities, making you virtually invisible while sneaking. However, its low DT makes it unsuitable for direct combat.
- Stealth Suit Mk II: This armor provides a strong stealth effect and has a medical function that automatically injects stimpaks when your health is low. However, its availability is locked behind the Old World Blues DLC.
These armor sets didn’t make the top list due to specific limitations, but they can still be valuable depending on your playstyle and the situation.
Armor Repair and Maintenance
Maintaining your armor is essential for survival in the Mojave Wasteland. As you take damage, your armor’s condition will deteriorate, reducing its effectiveness. To keep your armor in good condition, you’ll need to repair it regularly.
Armor repair in Fallout: New Vegas can be done in several ways. You can use repair kits, which are crafted from various components. You can also repair your armor yourself if you have a high enough Repair skill. Alternatively, you can pay a vendor to repair your armor for you.
Companions with high Repair skills can also repair your armor, but they may not always be available. Certain perks can improve your repair abilities, making it easier to maintain your armor.
Regular maintenance is key to maximizing the lifespan of your armor. Don’t wait until your armor is completely broken before repairing it. Repairing it frequently will prevent it from deteriorating further and save you caps in the long run.
Conclusion
Choosing the right armor is a crucial decision in Fallout: New Vegas. The best armor sets, such as the Elite Riot Gear, Remnants Power Armor, Joshua Graham’s Armor, the T-51b Power Armor, and the Combat Armor Mark II, offer a combination of protection, special effects, and accessibility that can significantly enhance your chances of survival.
Ultimately, the “best” armor depends on your character build, playstyle, and personal preferences. Experiment with different armor sets, consider your strengths and weaknesses, and find the protection that helps you conquer the Mojave Wasteland. Don’t be afraid to mix and match pieces of armor to create a custom loadout that suits your needs.
Now, it’s your turn. What are your favorite armor sets in Fallout: New Vegas? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! I hope this guide helps you find the right armor to survive and thrive in the Wasteland. Happy looting!
