Sunday, 8 Sep 2024

5 Tips for Surviving Fallout 4’s Challenging Survival Mode

Fallout 4’s survival mode has recently undergone a revamp, introducing new challenges and systems to Bethesda’s RPG. In this article, we will explore five essential tips to help you navigate this grueling mode and make your second playthrough of the game even more enjoyable.

Home Sweet Home

One of the key changes in survival mode is the impact of sleep deprivation on your character’s stamina. To fully restore your energy, you’ll need to find a real bed for a good night’s rest. Simply sleeping on dirty mattresses won’t cut it anymore. Building a functional shelter for your hero becomes crucial, as finding an unclaimed bed in the Commonwealth can be quite a challenge.

With the removal of fast travel, getting home before sundown presents its own set of problems. Instead of aimlessly wandering, it’s now wise to use your shelter as a central point for exploration. This way, you can venture out into the surrounding area without straying too far from your homestead.

shelter

Start Your Day Right

Managing hunger and thirst becomes a vital part of survival mode. To ensure you’re always ready to face the wasteland, it’s best to begin your day with a hearty breakfast as soon as you wake up. Some Sugar Bombs and purified water will do the trick, providing you with the energy you need to tackle the challenges ahead.

In this mode, the day/night cycle takes on added significance. Maintaining a consistent rhythm helps you manage all the different systems effectively, making your roleplaying experience in Fallout 4 feel even more engrossing.

Precision Matters

Survival mode increases the damage dealt by both enemies and allies. Combined with the scarcity of ammunition, accuracy becomes vital. You’ll need to be smarter about your targets in VATS and approach firefights with more patience and planning.

Even the most basic enemies pose a real threat, so stealth and critical hits become essential strategies. Prepare to adapt your combat style and embrace a more thoughtful and tactical approach.

Embrace Companionship

Choosing a companion to accompany you in survival mode can significantly enhance your chances of survival. While you can’t offload your inventory onto your companion like in other modes, they can still prove invaluable. For example, Dogmeat can sniff out supplies and provide cover during firefights. Having a reliable sidekick can help alleviate some of the difficulties brought by survival mode.

Of course, going it alone in survival mode presents a unique challenge that hardcore players may find appealing.

Resourcefulness is Key

Unlike other modes, survival mode will force you to engage with Fallout 4’s economy and settlement building systems. Instead of relying solely on scavenging, building your own resource pools becomes essential. This approach saves valuable time, as scavenging can be a time-consuming process. In survival mode, time is money, or in this case, caps.

While survival mode may not be enough to entice players who have already completed their adventures in the Boston Commonwealth, it provides a fresh and intriguing experience for veterans returning to the game for the new DLC.


FAQs

Q: Is survival mode worth it for new players?
A: For newcomers to Fallout 4, starting on a different difficulty setting may be a better option. The lack of fast travel in survival mode can result in prolonged backtracking across the map.

Q: Can survival mode be played without companions?
A: Absolutely! Going solo in survival mode presents a unique challenge and can be a thrilling experience for hardcore players.

Q: How does survival mode impact the economy system?
A: Survival mode encourages players to engage with Fallout 4’s economy system. Building your own resource pools becomes essential, allowing you to save time and better manage in-game resources.


In conclusion, Fallout 4’s survival mode offers a challenging and immersive experience for players seeking a new level of difficulty. By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the harsh wasteland and emerge victorious. So gear up, gather your supplies, and embark on a thrilling survival adventure in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 4.

Read our review of Fallout 4 here.