General Apparel (Non-Armor Clothing)
Clothing in Fallout: New Vegas isn’t just about looking good in the Mojave Wasteland. It’s a strategic element of gameplay, influencing your stats, reputation, and even your ability to blend in with different factions. From the rugged apparel of wasteland wanderers to the sophisticated attire of New Vegas’ elite, your choice of garments can dramatically affect your survival and success. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to every piece of clothing in Fallout: New Vegas, detailing their stats, where to find them, and how to use them to your advantage. We will delve into the various categories of clothing, from everyday apparel to protective armor, faction disguises, and the elegant formal wear that defines the Strip. Prepare to become a fashion icon of the post-apocalyptic world!
The Mojave Wasteland is teeming with ordinary individuals, and their wardrobes reflect their humble existence. General apparel makes up a significant portion of the clothing you’ll encounter. These items, while lacking protective value, can be valuable for crafting, roleplaying, or simply providing a touch of personality to your character.
Common pieces include Casual Outfits, found frequently in abandoned homes and on the bodies of deceased travelers. Pre-War clothing, a relic of a bygone era, can be discovered in more intact structures or purchased from certain vendors. Workman outfits, often seen on laborers and scavengers, are scattered throughout industrial locations like factories and mines. Other notable pieces of apparel include the various types of vault jumpsuits.
Keep an eye out for unique variations of these common items, as they might offer slight skill boosts or be essential for specific quests. Remember that some apparel is only found on specific non-player characters or in very limited locations, making them highly prized possessions. Knowing where to look for these clothing items will save you tons of time as you traverse through the wasteland.
Unique Apparel
Beyond the everyday attire, Fallout: New Vegas offers a selection of unique apparel, each with its own distinctive look and effects. These items are typically tied to specific quests or locations, making them more challenging to acquire, but their benefits often outweigh the effort.
Vera’s Dress, imbued with a sad history and stunning appearance, can be found in the Sierra Madre casino, adding to the somber yet enticing mood. Reginald’s Suit, often seen on fancy men, provides a boost to your Charisma and Speech skills, making it invaluable for navigating conversations. The Dapper Gambler Outfit exudes style and confidence, perfectly suited for those who wish to showoff their charm. These are just a few examples; scouring the Wasteland and completing various quests will reveal even more.
Armor (Light Armor Clothing)
When venturing into dangerous territory, apparel simply won’t cut it. Light armor clothing offers a degree of protection against the hazards of the Mojave, providing damage resistance without sacrificing mobility.
Common light armor pieces include Leather armor, a basic but reliable choice for early-game survival. Reinforced leather armor offers enhanced protection, making it a worthwhile upgrade. Metal armor, heavier and more durable, provides even greater defense against ballistic weapons, but slows the wearer down. These types of armors can be found on bandits, merceneries and common folk
These armors are relatively common, often found on raiders, mercenaries, and scavengers. Check vendors for available stock, and keep an eye out for damaged pieces that can be repaired. Remember that even light armor can make a significant difference in a firefight, increasing your survivability and allowing you to take more risks.
Unique Light Armor Apparel
Alongside the standard light armor options, several unique pieces stand out for their exceptional stats or special effects. These armors are often tied to specific characters or quests, making them valuable collectibles.
The Bounty Hunter Duster, a stylish and practical choice for any wasteland wanderer, offers a boost to both damage resistance and skill points. Joshua Graham’s Armor, adorned with religious symbols, provides exceptional protection and spiritual significance to its wearer. These items are not easily obtained, requiring completion of challenging quests or exploration of dangerous locations, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Faction Clothing
In Fallout: New Vegas, aligning yourself with a faction can have a profound impact on your gameplay experience. Wearing faction clothing is a critical component of maintaining your reputation and navigating the complex political landscape of the Mojave.
NCR Faction Clothing
NCR faction clothing includes NCR Trooper Armor, a common sight among the soldiers of the New California Republic. NCR Military Police Armor distinguishes law enforcement personnel, while General Oliver’s Uniform represents the pinnacle of NCR military authority. Obtaining these outfits typically involves completing quests for the NCR or purchasing them from NCR vendors. Wearing NCR faction clothing will improve your standing with the NCR but may provoke hostility from rival factions like the Legion.
Legion Faction Clothing
Legion faction clothing presents a stark contrast to the NCR, reflecting the Legion’s brutal and disciplined nature. Legion Recruit Armor is worn by newly inducted members, while Legion Praetorian Armor denotes a higher rank within the organization. Legate Lanius’ Armor, the ultimate symbol of Legion power, is reserved for the faction’s most fearsome warrior. Acquiring Legion faction clothing often requires siding with the Legion in quests or taking it from fallen enemies. Wearing Legion apparel will endear you to the Legion but will likely incite the wrath of the NCR.
Other Faction Clothing
Several smaller factions, such as the Boomers and the Great Khans, also have their own unique clothing. The Boomers’ flight suits reflect their obsession with aircraft, while the Great Khans’ tribal attire signifies their nomadic heritage. Obtaining clothing from these factions typically involves interacting with them and completing their quests. Be mindful of the effects of wearing different faction clothing, as it can significantly impact your relationships with the various groups vying for control of the Mojave.
Formal Wear
The glittering casinos and opulent suites of the New Vegas Strip demand a certain level of sophistication. Formal wear provides a touch of elegance and is sometimes required for specific quests or social encounters.
Formal Wear, a classic choice for any upscale occasion, can be found in high-end establishments and purchased from select vendors. Sexy Sleepwear, designed for more intimate settings, can be acquired in bedrooms and dressing rooms. White Glove Society Attire, essential for infiltrating the cannibalistic White Glove Society, can be obtained during their related questline. Donning formal wear can open doors to new opportunities and allow you to navigate the social circles of New Vegas with style and grace.
Headwear
Don’t forget to cap off your outfit with the perfect headwear! Headwear is often the last piece people think of but makes all the difference with your look.
General Headwear
Common headwear items include Hats, providing minimal protection but adding a touch of flair to your appearance, and Bandanas, offering a more rugged and practical aesthetic. These items can be found on corpses, or purchased from general clothing vendors. They are easy to find, but that makes them no less valuable.
Unique Headwear
The Wasteland is also known for its unique headwear. For example, Benny’s Suit is a must for a classic vintage Vegas look. Ant sight helmet, provides a unique perception while exploring the desert landscape. Don’t be afraid to test out your fashion sense!
Special Clothing/Outfits & Their Uses
Certain clothing items offer specific advantages beyond basic protection or social acceptance. These specialized outfits can significantly enhance your skills and abilities, providing a distinct edge in certain situations.
Stealth clothing, such as the Chinese Stealth Armor, provides a substantial bonus to Stealth, making it easier to sneak past enemies undetected. This armor can be obtained from quest rewards. Speech or Barter clothing, like Reginald’s Suit, improves your Speech and/or Barter skills, making you more persuasive in conversations and allowing you to negotiate better deals. Donning these outfits before engaging in dialogue can significantly improve your chances of success. Other useful clothing might boost your Lockpicking, Science, or Medicine skills, providing valuable assistance in specific tasks.
How Clothing Affects Gameplay
The clothing you wear in Fallout: New Vegas has a tangible impact on your gameplay experience, influencing your relationships with factions, your ability to disguise yourself, and your overall skill proficiency.
The reputation system is directly affected by your choice of clothing. Wearing faction clothing will improve your standing with that faction but may provoke hostility from rival groups. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the complex political landscape of the Mojave.
The disguise system allows you to blend in with different factions by wearing their clothing. This can be useful for infiltrating enemy bases, completing quests undetected, or simply avoiding unnecessary conflicts. However, be aware that the disguise system is not foolproof, and you may still be detected if you behave suspiciously or get too close to high-ranking members of the opposing faction.
Clothing can provide valuable skill bonuses, boosting your proficiency in areas like Speech, Barter, Stealth, or Lockpicking. These bonuses can make a significant difference in your ability to succeed in quests, overcome challenges, and generally thrive in the harsh environment of the Mojave.
Crafting and Repairing Clothing
While most clothing is found or purchased, some items can be crafted at workbenches using specific recipes. Crafting allows you to create new outfits, repair damaged clothing, or modify existing garments to better suit your needs. Certain clothing items can be repaired using spare parts or by visiting vendors who offer repair services. Keeping your clothing in good condition is essential for maintaining its protective value and ensuring that you’re always prepared for the challenges ahead.
Conclusion
Clothing in Fallout: New Vegas is more than just a superficial element. It’s a strategic tool that can influence your relationships, enhance your skills, and ultimately determine your survival in the Mojave Wasteland. From the humble attire of wasteland wanderers to the sophisticated garments of New Vegas’ elite, every piece of clothing has a story to tell and a purpose to serve. By understanding the nuances of the clothing system, you can create a character that is not only stylish but also well-equipped to face the challenges of the post-apocalyptic world. So, explore the wasteland, experiment with different outfits, and discover the power of fashion in Fallout: New Vegas. Good luck, and may your wardrobe always be as impressive as your skills!
