Introduction
Fallout: New Vegas, a sprawling RPG set in the desolate Mojave Wasteland, continues to captivate players years after its release. The game’s compelling narrative, branching quests, and memorable characters contribute to its enduring appeal. Crucially, survival in this harsh environment demands careful consideration of your character’s equipment, and armor plays a pivotal role. From scavenging basic leather gear to donning advanced power armor, the choices are numerous, each influencing your ability to withstand the dangers that lurk around every corner. While determining the absolute “best armor” remains a subjective matter, heavily influenced by playstyle and build, certain options consistently emerge as top contenders due to their exceptional protection, valuable perks, or unique utility. This article aims to explore a curated selection of the best armor options available in New Vegas, considering the vital aspects of protection, helpful perks, its weight, and how you can actually obtain them.
Criteria for Armor Selection
Before diving into the specific armor options, it’s important to define the criteria used to evaluate their worth. Several factors contribute to an armor’s overall effectiveness, and a balanced approach is necessary to determine the optimal choices. These considerations include:
- Damage Threshold: Arguably the most crucial factor, damage threshold dictates how much incoming damage the armor absorbs before it reaches your health. Higher damage threshold values drastically improve survivability, especially against powerful enemies.
- Weight: The armor’s weight impacts your movement speed, action points, and carry capacity. Heavy armor offers excellent protection but can hinder agility, while lighter armor allows for quicker movement and stealthier approaches.
- Perks and Bonuses: Many armor sets provide additional perks and bonuses that enhance your character’s abilities. These might include stat boosts, skill enhancements, or special effects that grant a significant advantage in combat or exploration.
- Special Requirements: Some armors, especially advanced power armor, require specific perks or high strength stats to wear effectively. These requirements can limit accessibility, particularly for early-game characters.
- Ease of Acquisition: The difficulty of obtaining the armor is a significant consideration. Some sets are readily available from vendors or through simple quests, while others require completing challenging storylines or exploring dangerous locations.
- Stealth Penalty: Certain armors, particularly heavier options, impose a stealth penalty, making it more difficult to sneak undetected. This factor is crucial for players who prefer stealth-based builds.
- Repair Costs: Maintaining armor in good condition is essential, and the cost of repairs can vary significantly. Rare or high-tech armor often requires expensive components or specialized repair skills.
It’s also worth acknowledging that different players prioritize different aspects of armor. A stealth-oriented character might favor lighter armor with minimal stealth penalty, while a combat-focused player might prioritize maximum damage threshold, even at the expense of agility. The “best” armor is therefore a matter of personal preference and playstyle.
Elite Riot Gear: A Crowd Favorite
The Elite Riot Gear stands out as a remarkably versatile and effective armor set, particularly popular among players who appreciate a balance of protection, perks, and mobility. This sleek, black armor offers excellent damage threshold without being excessively heavy, and it provides a valuable boost to agility, guns skill, and speech skill. These bonuses make it ideal for characters who excel in combat and conversation.
- Damage Threshold: Twenty-two
- Weight: Twenty-five
- Perks and Bonuses: Plus one Agility, plus five Guns, plus five Speech
- Special Requirements: None
- Stealth Penalty: Medium
- How to Obtain: Found in the Divide DLC, awarded at the end of Lonesome Road.
- Pros and Cons: Great stats, decent damage threshold, doesn’t require power armor training. Requires the Lonesome Road DLC.
- Why it’s considered “best”: Good balance of damage threshold, perks, and accessibility (assuming you have the DLC). Its versatility makes it a strong choice for various playstyles.
T-51b Power Armor: Iconic Protection
The T-51b Power Armor represents the pinnacle of pre-War military technology, offering unparalleled protection against virtually any threat. This iconic armor boasts an exceptionally high damage threshold, making you nearly impervious to bullets, energy weapons, and even melee attacks. It also provides significant resistance to radiation and poison.
- Damage Threshold: Twenty-five
- Weight: Fifty
- Perks and Bonuses: Plus one Strength, plus one Endurance, Radiation Resistance
- Special Requirements: Power Armor Training
- Stealth Penalty: High
- How to Obtain: Recovered from the REPCONN Headquarters, or purchased from the Silver Rush.
- Pros and Cons: High damage threshold, good protection against various threats. Heavy, requires Power Armor Training, high repair cost.
- Why it’s considered “best”: Classic Power Armor with high protection. The main drawback is the need for Power Armor Training and the significant weight, impacting mobility.
Remnants Power Armor: Advanced Tech
Remnants Power Armor represents some of the most advanced technology in the wasteland. There are different variants and can provide substantial protection. They are not easy to get but provide great value.
- Damage Threshold: Twenty-eight
- Weight: Sixty
- Perks and Bonuses: Great radiation resistance, various bonuses depending on the variant.
- Special Requirements: Power Armor Training.
- Stealth Penalty: High
- How to Obtain: Completing quests in the Brotherhood of Steel quest line.
- Pros and Cons: Very high damage threshold, resistance, and bonuses. Requires Power Armor Training and can be difficult to obtain.
- Why it’s considered “best”: Offers superior protection but requires significant investment.
Joshua Graham’s Armor: The Burned Man’s Legacy
Joshua Graham’s Armor, also known as the Dead Horses Armor, is a unique piece of apparel that provides a surprisingly effective combination of protection and mobility. It’s significantly lighter than power armor, allowing for greater agility, and it offers a decent damage threshold. However, its most notable feature is its ability to increase your critical hit chance.
- Damage Threshold: Thirteen
- Weight: Twelve
- Perks and Bonuses: Increases critical hit chance by three percent.
- Special Requirements: None
- Stealth Penalty: Low
- How to Obtain: Awarded at the end of the Honest Hearts DLC.
- Pros and Cons: Lightweight, increases critical hit chance. The damage threshold is lower than others.
- Why it’s considered “best”: Its critical hit bonus makes it invaluable for builds focused on maximizing damage output through critical hits.
Assassin Suit: For Stealth Masters
The Assassin Suit is designed for stealthy characters who prefer to eliminate enemies from the shadows. This lightweight armor provides a moderate damage threshold and significantly enhances your sneaking ability. The increase in stealth makes it easy to infiltrate enemy camps.
- Damage Threshold: Ten
- Weight: Seven
- Perks and Bonuses: Significantly increases sneaking ability.
- Special Requirements: None
- Stealth Penalty: Very low
- How to Obtain: Purchased from the Great Khans armorer.
- Pros and Cons: Very lightweight, boosts stealth, low armor rating
- Why it’s considered “best”: Perfect for players who prioritize stealth above all else.
Ranger Armor: Classic Courier Look
Ranger Armor is another iconic and recognizable set, known for its distinctive aesthetic and solid protection. It’s a decent alternative for players who want a good balance of protection and weight, without the Power Armor requirements.
- Damage Threshold: Sixteen
- Weight: Twenty
- Perks and Bonuses: Varies
- Special Requirements: None
- Stealth Penalty: Medium
- How to Obtain: Vendors.
- Pros and Cons: Iconic style, decent defense.
- Why it’s considered “best”: A classic, all-around useful and stylish armor.
Sierra Madre Armor: Unique Survival
The Sierra Madre Armor, acquired in the Dead Money DLC, offers a unique blend of survival bonuses. It regenerates health in sunlight.
- Damage Threshold: Eleven
- Weight: Eighteen
- Perks and Bonuses: Regenerates health in sunlight.
- Special Requirements: None
- Stealth Penalty: Medium
- How to Obtain: Dead Money DLC.
- Pros and Cons: Lightweight, regenerates health in the sun. Lower damage threshold.
- Why it’s considered “best”: Great utility when exploring the outside.
Chinese Stealth Armor: Invisibility
This is a great tool for those who like stealth. It provides temporary invisibility.
- Damage Threshold: Fourteen
- Weight: Twelve
- Perks and Bonuses: Provides invisibility, needs Action Points.
- Special Requirements: None
- Stealth Penalty: Low
- How to Obtain: Anchorage Simulation reward in Fallout Three, obtainable through console commands.
- Pros and Cons: Provides invsibility, needs Action Points.
- Why it’s considered “best”: Great stealth benefits but requires Action Points.
Mark Two Stealth Armor: Infiltration
Mark Two Stealth armor is a light and useful tool for all sorts of challenges.
- Damage Threshold: Thirteen
- Weight: Eight
- Perks and Bonuses: Increases Sneak
- Special Requirements: None
- Stealth Penalty: Low
- How to Obtain: Old World Blues.
- Pros and Cons: Lightweight, stealth bonus.
- Why it’s considered “best”: Offers good stealth advantages.
Honorable Mentions
Several other armor options deserve recognition, even if they didn’t make the top list. Metal Armor is a reasonable choice, while leather armor works best at the start.
Armor Repair and Maintenance
Maintaining your armor is just as important as choosing the right set. Damaged armor provides significantly less protection, making you vulnerable to enemy attacks. Repairing armor requires either repair skill, appropriate repair parts, or the services of a skilled vendor. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your armor remains in optimal condition. Keeping your armor in good condition prolongs its lifespan and maximizes its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Choosing the best armor in Fallout: New Vegas ultimately depends on your preferred play style and the challenges you face. Power armor offers unmatched protection but can hinder mobility and require specialized training. Lighter armors provide greater agility and stealth capabilities but sacrifice damage threshold. Each of the armor options discussed in this article has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different situations and character builds. Experiment, explore, and find the armor that best suits your needs in the Mojave Wasteland. Feel free to share your favorite armor and the reasons why in the comments below!
