Fallout 4 is a game that is centered on building a character that you develop throughout the game. Fallout 4 bases these attributes on the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system. If you are wanting more details about the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system, click here.
The caveat to the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system is that once you have created your initial character, you can only add points to each statistic and gain perks by leveling up. Thus, it is beneficial to know how to level up quickly. This will allow you to really get a let up on your enemies-even at later and more difficult sections of the map.
Before mentioning the big ways to level up fast, it is important to note that the amount of points you have in your intelligence affects the amount of experience points (XP) earned. Along with that, Intelligence has some of the best perks in the game. It is highly recommend that you invest points in intelligence early on to reap late-game benefits.
One more thing that some people miss out on, make sure that you become well-rested to earn XP for a limited amount of time. You can become well-rested by sleeping in a bed for a period of time. This allows you to +10% XP for eight (in-game) hours. This can really boost the amount of XP that you earn on bigger missions. This even works on smaller things such as killing enemies or building your settlement.
Note: there are plenty of glitches and bugs that you can exploit to earn XP quickly in this game. However, most people that play RPGs play them for the experience, so this article will not be addressing those.
Main Missions
The main mission is the first thing that you start with in Fallout 4. It is the storyline that helps guide you to finding your son and taking your revenge on those who kidnapped him. It also helps by teaching you some of the basics of the game.
The main missions must be completed to get the final ending, and you do have choices all throughout them that will impact how the rest of the game plays out.
Although Fallout 4 has been criticized by some for lack of diversity in the main missions, they are quite enjoyable. On top of that, main missions are the quickest way to level up your character all throughout the game.
It is important to realize that although this way gives you a rather large amount of XP, some of the later main missions will be quite difficult and require more XP than what just the main missions provide.
Although you have the choice of four main factions, the Brotherhood of Steel does provide more XP in the long run because of the number of main missions and side missions. If you are going purely for a high level, they will likely be your best choice.
Side Missions
This goes along with main missions. Of course, there are radiant missions as well. Although those tend to be more hated by people (especially when “another settlement needs your help” is said by Preston Garvey), they are a way to make sure that you have a constant influx of XP even in the late game. Bethesda made sure that no matter what, you can always level up as there is no level cap (although your game will crash if you get to level 65,535).
However, the non-radiant quests can be quite enjoyable as Fallout is consistently known for wacky side quests that really help add to the atmosphere of the game (such as the “Here There Be Monsters” sidequest).
Although some of these quests are highly unrealistic (see the “Kid in a Fridge” sidequest), doing these quests will be highly entertaining and give you a break from the quest to find your son while giving you that much-needed XP.
Most side missions come from exploring an area and stumbling on it inadvertently, or accepting them from NPCs scattered throughout the game map. That is why it is advantageous to follow the next point:
Discovering Locations
Going through downtown Boston or the Glowing Sea is a way to quickly earn a good amount of XP. There are a plethora of locations in both of those areas. When you discover a location, it gives a decent boost of XP. Couple that with well-rested, and you will find yourself gaining XP just by simply exploring.
It should be said that exploring new areas do come with challenges. This is something that you should probably consider waiting to do until you are well-equipped.
With each new location or area discovered, there are also new enemies (and more difficult ones as well). Make sure that you have a firm grip on the game before exploring too far from Sanctuary.
Places like downtown Boston will come with hordes of super mutants as well as raiders and other things trying to kill you. Other location-rich places such as the Glowing Sea come with hordes of mutated creatures that are trying to kill you (and likely eat you). If you are prepared though, it is well worth it. This does lead into the next way to gain XP:
Killing Things
This is perhaps the most fun way to get XP (unless you are playing as a peacemaker). You actually get XP for killing things! The game also rewards you for killing harder enemies such as deathclaws, mirelurk queen and kings, and other high level enemies versus low level enemies such as radroaches and molerats.
Although killing things requires combat (which can be time-consuming), as well as ammo and a sufficient weapon, clearing out hordes of enemies in certain locations is a way to quickly earn XP and level up. Besides, being a hero in the wasteland does require getting your hands a little bloody.
So don’t be afraid to go charging into the Castle and eliminate the mirelurk queen and her various minions! The XP rewards are quite worth it. Plus, you get a castle, who doesn’t like castles? The Castle also becomes a settlement that you can build up, which is another way to get XP:
Settlement Building
This one is perhaps often overlooked because it gives such a minuscule amount of XP when compared to the other ways. However, when you couple a few hours of building with well-rested, the XP quickly begins to add up.
As settlement building is something that you will likely focus on mid-to-late game, you will have the opportunity to have already invested in your Intelligence statistic by the time you are ready to start building fortress-like settlements.
Although you need lots of resources to build a proper settlement, building things like walls are cheap, yet they are still beneficial and give XP. Don’t underestimate the amount of XP to the little time it takes to place a wall in a settlement.
One more thing to note is that anything that you build that has to do with resources, such as water pumps, water purifiers, crops, and such, it will grant you more XP than just the average building and components.
Thus, whenever you discover a new settlement to build, take the time to go ahead and work on it. Not only will it give you XP, but the residual bonuses that it grants will also be extremely helpful.
Speech Checks
This one might be one that is not as noticeable as others. However, when speaking to someone and you are given a type of speech check (such as bartering instead of accepting the initial price), if you pass the check, you will automatically be given XP.
Although speech checks are not as prevalent as they are in previous games such as Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, there are a few intermingled throughout the game. When you have the option make sure to take advantage of this XP.
To take full advantage of this though, there are several things you need to make sure you emphasize with the Charisma stats in S.P.E.C.I.A.L. being one of them. If you have a lower Charisma than necessary, there are multiple clothing items that you can put on to help with that.
Modifications
Believe it or not, but another way to gain XP is by making modifications to your armor and your weapons. This is something that is essential to do anyway if you want the best armor and weapons. When you couple it with well-rested, it’s basically free XP!
So don’t be afraid to experiment with the different mods that are available. Go crazy by adding barbed wire to a baseball bat, or a bayonet to your missile launcher. You may find that it won’t work for you, but you can gain XP in the process.
Conclusion
Hopefully, all of these ways help you in your quest to reach higher levels. Ultimately, you will find yourself earning XP throughout the game without even trying. Although there are tricks and tips to help speed up that process, the most important thing (as with any game) is to have fun and enjoy the journey-and of course, not becoming a deathclaw’s next meal.