Fallout 1 Best Armor

Venturing into the wasteland of the original Fallout game, a groundbreaking entry into the post-apocalyptic RPG genre, is no stroll through a verdant park. The wasteland teems with peril, from irradiated critters to hostile factions. Your survival hinges not just on your wits but equally on the gear you scrounge up or pry from the cold, dead fingers of your foes. Amongst the myriad of equipment you'll encounter, armor is paramount. It's your lifeline, the fine line between life and an untimely demise in the radioactive desert.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the best armor sets scattered across the early, mid, and late stages of Fallout, highlighting the best overall and steering you clear of the armament you'd best leave collecting dust in the desolate expanses of the wasteland. So grab your Pip-Boy, we're diving into the world of Fallout 1 armor.

Early Game

As you take your initial steps outside the Vault, your gear is laughably inadequate for the dangers ahead. It's imperative to upgrade your defenses as soon as feasibly possible.

Leather Armor

Your first significant upgrade comes in the form of Leather Armor. Though it might not seem much, this armor is a godsend in the early goings. It provides a decent Damage Threshold (DT) against both melee and ranged attacks from the less formidable enemies you'll encounter around the starting areas, like radscorpions or raiders. You can usually acquire Leather Armor relatively easily in towns or from fallen foes. It's the perfect combination of accessibility and protection to keep you going until the mid-game.

Mid-Game

By now, the wastes' threats have scaled, and so must your armor. The wasteland's mid-sections are brutal, and your encounters will demand more robust protection.

Metal Armor

A significant step up from leather, Metal Armor is where you start feeling a bit more confident striding into raider camps. It boasts a superior DT, especially against projectile weapons, which you'll find many mid-game enemies favor. However, its weight is a factor to consider, as it can slow you down. But in terms of defense, it's a solid choice until something better comes along.

Combat Armor

The Combat Armor represents the sweet spot for mid-game exploration. It offers balanced protection against both energy and physical attacks, making it versatile across various encounters. It's lighter than metal armor, enabling you to maintain your mobility. This armor can be a bit more challenging to find but keep your eyes peeled in larger settlements or military outposts.

Late Game

As the stakes rise and the opposition becomes increasingly formidable, only the best armor will ensure your survival as you approach the endgame.

Power Armor

The holy grail of wasteland protection, Power Armor stands in a league of its own. Not only does it provide unmatched DT against all forms of damage, but it also significantly boosts your strength, allowing you to carry more gear and deal out more damage. The catch? You'll need to complete a series of challenging quests to acquire it, and it requires maintenance. But once equipped, you're a veritable tank on legs.

Hardened Power Armor

A notch above the already formidable Power Armor, the Hardened version is the result of additional tinkering and reinforcement. Offering even greater protection and the same strength benefits, this armor is the pinnacle of wasteland defense. If you're lucky enough or dogged enough to get your hands on this, you're as close to unstoppable as it gets in the Fallout universe.

Best Overall

When all is said and done, the Hardened Power Armor is undeniably the best armor in Fallout 1. Its balance of unparalleled defense and strength boost, coupled with the aura of invincibility it grants, makes it an essential piece of equipment for anyone serious about conquering the wasteland. Its acquisition is no simple feat, but for those willing to put in the effort, it pays dividends, transforming daunting battles into manageable encounters.

Worst Weapons

While armor is crucial for survival, your choice of weaponry is equally important. However, not all armaments are created equal. In the spirit of guidance, let's briefly touch on a few weapons categories that might not merit your attention.

Brass Knuckles

While appealing for a pugilist playstyle, Brass Knuckles are severely outclassed by any mid to late-game weapon. Their damage output simply doesn't scale well, making them a novelty best left in your Vault's storage.

Zip Gun

The Zip Gun might seem like a nifty makeshift firearm, but its dismal accuracy and pitiful damage output relegate it to the status of a wasteland oddity. There are far superior ranged options available that make the Zip Gun obsolete by comparison.

Knife

The ubiquitous knife, while a staple of early-game survival, quickly loses its luster. Even upgraded variants can't compete with the firepower or raw damage of mid to late-game weaponry, making it a candidate for early retirement.