The Mojave Wasteland, a sun-scorched expanse of forgotten towns, mutated creatures, and ruthless factions, demands more than just a loaded pistol. It demands skill. In Fallout New Vegas, every point allocated to your core abilities – whether it’s your silver tongue used for bartering, your steady hand with a sniper rifle, or your knowledge of science that allows you to hack terminals – can drastically change your experience. Skill books offer a permanent boost to your aptitudes, making them invaluable resources for survival and domination in this harsh world. Finding these books allows you to tailor your character to your desired play style, whether you’re a charismatic diplomat, a stealthy assassin, or a technological genius.
Skill books in New Vegas are consumable items that, upon reading, permanently increase a chosen skill. Unlike temporary buffs from chems or clothing, these increases are permanent, allowing you to reach higher skill levels faster and more efficiently. This means you can allocate your precious level-up skill points more strategically, focusing on specialized perks and maximizing your overall effectiveness. There are two kinds of skill books: the standard skill book, which grants a base increase, and the skill book read while under the influence of the Comprehension perk.
If you’ve chosen to take the Comprehension perk, which is available at level four and requires a minimum Intelligence of four, any skill book you read will yield double the skill increase. This means an already valuable skill book becomes incredibly potent, offering an even greater advantage. Without the Comprehension perk, a skill book will grant three skill points in the associated skill. With the Comprehension perk, that same skill book will grant six skill points. Skill books can assist you in reaching a skill level of ninety, as a skill of one hundred can not be achieved merely by using books.
Understanding Skill Books in New Vegas
The mechanics of skill books are simple: find the book, read it, and gain a permanent boost to the corresponding skill. A standard skill book grants a skill increase of three points, or four points if you have the Educated perk. The Comprehension perk doubles this effect, granting six points or eight with Educated, allowing for rapid skill growth early in the game. Reaching high skill levels is crucial for unlocking dialogue options, crafting recipes, repairing equipment, and successfully navigating various challenges.
Why is finding skill books such a priority? Skill books provide an efficient way to allocate skill points, especially early in the game when every point counts. By using skill books to boost essential skills, you can save your level-up points for perks and specialized abilities. This allows you to develop a well-rounded character with a strong foundation of core skills, while still specializing in your preferred areas. Early game advantages are significant, too. A few extra points in Lockpick can open doors to valuable loot and quest opportunities. A boost to Medicine can save you stimpaks and keep you alive in tough fights. A little extra Sneak can get you into places otherwise inaccessible.
Tips for Finding Skill Books
Finding skill books requires a keen eye, patience, and a methodical approach to exploration. Here are a few tips to maximize your chances of finding these valuable resources. High Perception, one of your core SPECIAL stats, can increase your awareness of your surroundings, making it easier to spot hidden items, including skill books. Thorough searching is paramount. Skill books are often hidden in plain sight, tucked away on bookshelves, inside desks, or nestled amongst other clutter. Don’t rush your exploration. Check every container and shelf carefully.
Trading is another possible method to acquire skill books. Vendors throughout the Mojave Wasteland occasionally stock skill books. Check their inventory regularly, especially vendors in larger settlements like Novac, Freeside, and the New Vegas Strip. A companion with high Perception, like Boone or Raul, can significantly improve your ability to spot hidden items. Their increased awareness will highlight objects that might otherwise be missed. It’s always a good idea to bring a companion along when exploring, especially if you’re on the hunt for skill books.
Skill Book Locations
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the location of each skill book, categorized by the skill it affects.
Barter
Tales of a Junktown Jerky Vendor are found throughout the Mojave. One location is on the top shelf of a bookcase in the Goodsprings Schoolhouse. Another is on a table inside the Prospector Saloon in Goodsprings. A third book can be found on a shelf at the back of the General Goods store in Primm.
Big Guns
Guns and Bullets offer a chance to boost this skill. One book can be found on a shelf in the Nevada Highway Patrol Station. You can find another on a table in the Nellis Array. Finally, you can pick one up in the Samson Rock Crushing Plant.
Energy Weapons
Nikola Tesla and You are a great read for boosting energy weapon skills. One is located in the REPCONN headquarters on the second floor in a locked office. Another is found in the HELIOS One facility on a table. A third can be found at the back of the Crashed Vertibird site.
Explosives
Demolitions Expert books will give you the needed explosive boost. Look for one on a shelf in the Sloan mine office. Another can be found on a table in the Mesquite Mountains Crater. The final one sits on a desk in the Hidden Valley bunker.
Lockpick
Locksmith’s Reader books are perfect for sneaky players. One can be picked up from the Novac motel. Another can be found in the Primm Sheriff’s office. Finally, you can pick one up at the Ruby Hill Mine.
Medicine
First Aid Monthly offers a way to boost medical abilities. Search for one in Doc Mitchell’s house in Goodsprings. Another is located in the medical clinic in New Vegas. A third can be located at Camp McCarran’s medical facility.
Melee Weapons
Knives Illustrated are a great read. One is located in the Bison Steve Hotel in Primm, found in a room behind the gift shop. Another is inside the Vault three entrance, beside the camp fire. The final one is inside the Crimson Caravan company, on a desk in the office.
Repair
Programmer’s Digest offers a way to quickly repair weapons and armor. One can be found inside the Gun Runners kiosk. Another is located inside the Novac motel in one of the rooms. You can find a third inside the Gibson Scrap Yard.
Science
Big Book of Science is key to increasing your knowledge. One book is in Vault twenty-two. You can find another in the REPCONN Headquarters. A third can be located in the New Vegas medical clinic.
Sneak
Lying, Congressional Style offers great advice. One book is located in the safehouse for the NCR near Boulder City. You can find another in the Nellis Air Force Base. A third copy can be found at the Crimson Caravan Company on a desk.
Speech
Lying, Congressional Style assists in smooth-talking wastelanders. Pick one up in the REPCONN headquarters. Another is at the Silver Rush in Freeside. A third is in the NCR embassy in the New Vegas Strip.
Survival
Wasteland Survival Guide will give you tips to surviving. One is located at the Matthews Animal Husbandry Farm. Another can be found in the Nelson armory. The final one is at the Brooks Tumbleweed Ranch.
Unarmed
Boxing Times increases your punching and kicking abilities. One book can be picked up in the Aerotech office park. Another is in the Crimson Caravan Company. The third can be found in the NCR Correctional Facility on a desk.
Skill Books Missed Opportunities
Certain quests or choices can lead to missed opportunities for acquiring skill books. Some locations become inaccessible depending on your story choices, preventing you from obtaining the skill books within. Always be aware of the potential consequences of your actions and plan accordingly to ensure you don’t miss out on valuable skill books. Be careful when siding with factions, as choosing the wrong side may lock you out of areas with skill books.
Interactive Map
Consider using online resources and interactive maps to pinpoint the precise locations of skill books. These maps often provide detailed information and visual aids, making it easier to locate even the most well-hidden skill books.
Conclusion
Skill books are essential resources for optimizing your character build in Fallout New Vegas. By strategically searching for and utilizing skill books, you can significantly enhance your abilities, unlock new opportunities, and navigate the Mojave Wasteland with greater confidence. Take the time to explore, search thoroughly, and make use of the information in this guide to maximize your skills and dominate the wasteland. Happy hunting in the Mojave Wasteland!
