At character creation, be aware of which stats affect what. While this might sound obvious, it is far better to concentrate on at least one combat skill – at least early on – so you can survive against the various enemies of the Wasteland. Beyond that, the choice of skills are yours, but remember: a jack of all trades is a master of none, so spreading your skillpoints could make you less powerful in the long run.
Speech and bartering is far more effective than it was in Fallout 3, so if you prefer less-violent solutions to problems then choosing charismatic options in your skill development will give you the chance to talk your way out of many situations. Alongside this, you’ll be able to convince merchants into reasonable discounts and – for those playing on hardcore – convince NPCs to give you a place to rest for free.
A higher strength attribute will let you carry more loot. This means more weapons, ammunition (if you’re on hardcore), stimpacks and outfits. It also allows you to carry more valuable items, which can later be sold. Otherwise, the strength ability will let you pull your punches a little more, which, while entertaining to smash your opponent in the face, isn’t always the best option.
No, seriously, read magazines. Remember that the skill magazines you pick up from various locations throughout the game will help you out in many situations. If you don’t have enough skillpoints devoted to a certain action that you want to complete – Perception, for example – then use these to provide a huge, albeit temporary, boost to your score. The effect of these, however, cannot be stacked.
There are a number of factions throughout the game, and many will be hostile towards you. These fools are easily deterred, though; by simply donning their corresponding outfit they’ll just assume you’re an ally. If you can, hold onto a plethora of outfit options, protecting you from each of the possible factions of the Mojave.
Well, you’re welcome to go where you please, naturally. However, early on in the game you will be far too weak to defeat anything that isn’t found on the main track. Go too far out and Deathclaws and Radscorpions will be bountiful. And no one wants that. So, do yourself a favour, complete a few quests and level up before searching that nearby ‘area of interest’ marker.
Eating food doesn’t have the same instantaneous health boost that it did in Fallout 3, now healing over time instead. Bare this in mind if you’re injured and low on stimpacks, since you’ll want to stop for a nutritious Iguana-on-a-stick before you head into battle. The same is true for stimpacks in hardcore mode, and if you’re playing as a survivalist you //will// need a doctor’s bag or five.
During your time in the Mojave Wasteland you should make sure to keep an eye out for junk. Sensor modules, pilot lights and cigarettes are all worth stuffing into your bag in the hopes of selling just for their pure lightweight qualities. Similarly, weapons and armour – while heavier – can make you a quick buck at the local store and a good way of stocking up on caps. Consider repairing matching items to increase its value.
Hardcore players will have a problem with this, since their ammunition has a weight, but remember to store ammo and chems for the journey. If you’re not on hardcore, simply keep all your ammo – it’s weight-free – otherwise you should keep track of what bullets you are storing. You’ll only need bullets for your favourite weapons, so don’t waste your inventory with energy packs if you can’t use laser guns.
Companions will make great allies for you, but remember who they are and which factions hate them. Any of your group members will have their own faction allegiances, meaning their enemies are your enemies. Even if you ask them to wait, as long as they are part of your ‘team’, their faction preferences will kick in. So, remember this when hiring a friend.
Going in guns-blazing will only upset people. Where possible, try to keep as many friends in as many factions as possible. Making an enemy of everyone will mean in many situations, especially where two groups are at each other’s throats, only you will come off worse. Probably wise to not equip the outfit of one faction while visiting an area covered with their rivals, either.
Not to sound cowardly, but there will be times where you’re overpowered. It’s not embarrassing to run away, well, it is, but at least you’ll live. The AI in New Vegas has been adapted, so now you can keep backing off and running away. Eventually your assailant will turn and run. Arm-flailing is optional, however.