Fallout 4 Achievement Guide

Welcome to our Fallout 4 Achievement Guide, your ultimate resource for unlocking every coveted reward in the Commonwealth! Whether you're a seasoned vault dweller or a newcomer to the wasteland, this guide will equip you with all the tips, tricks, and strategies you need to conquer Fallout 4's achievements. Dive into our General Achievement Walkthrough for a comprehensive roadmap, master community-building to earn the Benevolent Leader title, uncover the secrets of being a top-tier Mercenary, navigate the explosive finale in The Nuclear Option, and build enduring friendships to achieve Lovable status. Gear up and let's make those achievements yours!

General Achievement Walkthrough

Fallout 4 has a ton of achievements to collect, and if you're aiming for that sweet 100% completion, you'll need to know where to start. Here's a breakdown to help you grab those achievements without driving yourself nuts.

Main Questline Achievements

First things first, you’ve got to get the main story out of the way. Completing the main questline will get you a bunch of achievements. Here are the key achievements you’ll earn while progressing through the primary missions:

• War Never Changes: Unlocks as you exit Vault 111.
• When Freedom Calls: Complete the mission “When Freedom Calls.”
• Unlikely Valentine: Complete “Unlikely Valentine.”
• Dangerous Minds: Complete “Dangerous Minds.”
• Hunter/Hunted: Complete “Hunter/Hunted.”
• The Molecular Level: Build and use the signal interceptor.
• The Nuclear Option: Depending on the faction, complete the final quest for the Brotherhood, the Institute, or the Minutemen.
• Institutionalized: Gain entry to the Institute.

Pretty straightforward so far, right?

Faction-Related Achievements

Each faction has its own set of missions, and completing them will net you some unique achievements. Here’s what to look out for:

Brotherhood of Steel:

• Semper Invicta: Join the Brotherhood of Steel.
• Ad Victoriam: Complete the Brotherhood of Steel questline.

Railroad:

• Tradecraft: Join the Railroad.
• Underground Undercover: Complete the Railroad questline.

Minutemen:

• The First Step: Join the Minutemen.
• Taking Independence: Complete “Taking Independence.”

Institute:

• Powering Up: Complete the Institute questline.

You don’t need to complete every faction journey in a single playthrough. However, careful saves can help you experience all endings without starting over.

Side Quest Achievements

Don’t forget about these side quests! These missions are not only fun but also net you some tasty achievements:

• Ranger Corps: Complete 50 miscellaneous objectives.
• Returning the Favor: Complete "The Devil's Due."

Exploration and Collectibles

Exploring the Commonwealth offers more than just sights; there are achievements tied to discovery and collectibles:

• Prankster’s Return: Plunder 50 locations.
• Homerun!: Get a Homerun in Diamond City.
• They’re Not Dolls...: Collect 10 Vault-Tec Bobbleheads.
• ...They're Action Figures: Collect all 20 Vault-Tec Bobbleheads.

Character Progression

Leveling up your character and making them a true juggernaut will bring in some achievements too:

• Born Survivor: Reach level 5.
• Commonwealth Citizen: Reach level 10.
• Unstoppable Wanderer: Reach level 25.
• Legend of the Wastes: Reach level 50.

Crafting & Settlements

Crafting and settlement building aren’t just to pass time; you’ll earn achievements here too:

• Fix-Er-Upper: Build 100 workshop items.
• Future Retro: Play a holotape game.
• What’s Yours Is Mine: Pick 50 locks.
• RobCo’s Worst Nightmare: Hack 50 terminals.

Combat Achievements

Engaging in combat, testing out weapons, and taking on enemies is just as rewarding:

• Armed and Dangerous: Craft 50 weapon mods.
• Wasteland D.I.Y.: Craft 100 items.
• Touchdown!: Get killed by a “mini-nuke” blast.

Miscellaneous

Don’t overlook these oddball achievements:

• Benevolent Leader: Reach maximum happiness in a large settlement.
• Never Go It Alone: Recruit 5 separate companions.
• Lovable: Reach maximum relationship level with a companion.
• Mercenary: Complete 50 miscellaneous quests.

Conclusion

Grabbing all Fallout 4 achievements is a hefty task, but with this guide, you’ll be prepped to tackle the Commonwealth and its myriad of challenges. Just remember, save often and enjoy the journey!

Benevolent Leader

The "Benevolent Leader" achievement in Fallout 4 can be one of the trickiest to get. It requires you to reach a maximum happiness level of 100 in a large settlement. This doesn't just happen on its own; you'll need to strategically build, manage resources, and keep your settlers smiling. Below you'll find a foolproof plan to get that coveted achievement.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Settlement

First things first, pick a settlement that's relatively flat and large enough to accommodate lots of settlers. Sanctuary Hills is a good choice because it's the first settlement you get and has plenty of space. You'll need at least 15 to 20 settlers to make this work efficiently.

Step 2: Basic Needs - Food, Water, and Beds

Your settlers need the basics to be happy. Make sure you:

• Food: Every settler needs one food resource. Plant crops like corn, tatos, and mutfruit; they give you 0.5 food each.
• Water: Set up enough water purifiers to ensure you have 20+ purified water.
• Beds: Each settler needs a bed. Place them inside structures to keep settlers safe and happy. Make sure you have a few extra beds to be safe!

Step 3: Employment and Defense

Now that your settlers have the basics, let's get them working and feeling secure.

• Jobs: Assign settlers to different jobs like farming, guarding, and manning stores. Stores significantly boost happiness, so prioritize setting those up.
• Defense: High defense keeps happiness up by preventing attacks. Each settlement should have a defense rating higher than the combined total of food and water.

Step 4: Building Stores

Stores play a significant role in achieving maximum happiness. You'll need rank 2 of the "Local Leader" perk to build Level 3 stores. Aim for 5-7 Level 3 stores such as Bars, Clinics, and Clothing Stores. Bars are particularly good because they provide a big happiness boost.

Step 5: Decorations and Amenities

Believe it or not, decorations and certain amenities can incrementally improve happiness.

• Lights: Install lots of lights. Settlers love a well-lit area.
• Furniture: Place couches, chairs, and tables around the settlement.
• Recreation: Pool tables, pianos, and other interactive items also add to happiness.

Step 6: Monitoring and Waiting

At this point, your settlement should be self-sustaining. Keep an eye on the workshop menu to monitor happiness. If it drops, check food, water, and defense levels first.

Important Tip: Sometimes, the happiness level can take time to increase even if everything is perfect. A trick is to wait by sleeping for 24-hour intervals and checking the progress after each day.

Step 7: Troubleshooting

If your happiness isn't rising, troubleshoot by double-checking:

• Are all settlers assigned to jobs?
• Do you have enough resources (food, water, beds)?
• Is your defense rating high enough?

Sometimes, settlers can glitch and become unassigned. Take the time to ensure everyone is properly working.

Conclusion

Achieving the "Benevolent Leader" in Fallout 4 is all about balance and attention to detail. With patience and proper management, you'll be able to create a happy, thriving community. Once you see that happiness bar hit 100, the achievement is all yours. Happy building, Overseer!

Fallout 4 Achievement Guide: Mercenary

So, you want to become a legendary Mercenary in Fallout 4 and nab that sweet achievement? Awesome! It's not as hard as it sounds. Follow these steps and soon enough you'll have another shiny achievement under your belt.

Understanding "Mercenary"

The "Mercenary" achievement is unlocked by reaching level 20 in the game. This is a pretty standard milestone and you'll likely hit it naturally through regular gameplay. However, there are ways to speed up the process if you're in a hurry.

Ways to Boost Your XP

To hit level 20 quickly, follow these tips:

1. Quests, Quests, Quests: Completing quests is one of the fastest ways to gain XP. Focus on main story missions and faction quests since they offer the most experience points. Some recommended early-game quests include:

   • "Out of Time": Your first main quest.
   • "Jewel of the Commonwealth": Head to Diamond City.
   • Minutemen quests: Such as “Sanctuary” and “The First Step.”

2. Discover Locations: Every time you find a new location, you earn XP. So feel free to explore the map. Look for unmarked locations like small shacks or ruins that might not be on your Pip-Boy map yet.

3. Craft and Build: Use your workshop to build and upgrade settlements. Not only does this make your settlements happier, but it also gives you XP. Focus on high-value items like turrets and recruitment beacons.

4. Combat: Never shy away from a fight. Defeating enemies gives you XP, and tougher enemies give even more. Try to target high-level enemies if you can handle them. Also, using VATS for headshots will net you extra XP.

5. Use Intelligence: The Intelligence stat directly affects how much XP you earn. Increase your Intelligence stat through perks, bobbleheads, and magazines. The "Night Person" perk can also temporarily increase your Intelligence during nighttime.

Optimizing Your Loadout for XP

It's not just about what you do; it's about how you do it. Here's how to optimize your character for maximum XP gain:

• S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats: Prioritize Intelligence in your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes. It increases XP gain and lets you unlock useful perks like "Scrapper" which helps with crafting.

• Perks: Early in the game, invest in these perks:

  • "Fast Learner": Directly boosts XP gain. Available at Intelligence level 3.
  • "Gun Nut": Allows you to create and upgrade more powerful weapons, making combat against high-level enemies easier.

• Gear: Equip gears that boost your Intelligence. For example, some outfits or hats can give you that extra Intelligence point.

Efficient Routes

For early-level grinding, here's a straightforward route:

1. Start in Sanctuary: Complete as many local quests as possible. Fixing up Sanctuary offers decent XP.
2. Visit Concord: Clear out the Museum of Freedom and save Preston Garvey and his group, then accept their questlines.
3. Head to Diamond City: Follow the main mission path to get there. Complete side-quests available in this major hub.
4. Optional: Go to Goodneighbor: There's a bunch of quests and strong enemies here for that extra XP boost.

Final Tips

• Sleep Well-Rested: Always sleep in a bed you own. This gives you the "Well Rested" perk, which grants a 10% XP boost for a limited time.
• Mentats: Use Mentats to temporarily boost your Intelligence during tough quests.
• Companions: Having a companion like Dogmeat doesn’t cut into your XP gain, but be careful with ones that do.

Becoming a Mercenary in Fallout 4 isn't just beneficial for the achievement--it's a great way to prepare for the harder challenges ahead. Now get out there, earn some XP, and be the wasteland legend you were born to be!

The Nuclear Option

So, you've made it this far in Fallout 4--nice job! Now, it’s time for one of the game's most intense quests: The Nuclear Option. This mission is a big deal because it can dramatically change the Commonwealth. Here’s how to tackle it.

Choosing Sides

Before you begin The Nuclear Option, you'll need to pick a faction. This quest differs depending on who you choose to side with: The Minutemen, The Brotherhood of Steel, or The Railroad.

• The Minutemen: You've got to have strong loyalty here. You’ll start this version by talking to Preston Garvey after taking down the Institute in another quest called "Defend the Castle."

• The Brotherhood of Steel: You need to have climbed your way up in the Brotherhood ranks. You’ll begin this by chatting with Elder Maxson about taking down the Institute.

• The Railroad: For the freedom fighters out there, you can start by talking to Desdemona after completing the quest "Precipice of War."

Preparing for Battle

No matter which faction you’re with, prepare yourself! Make sure your power armor is all patched up and ready to go. Stock up on ammo, stimpaks, and any other supplies you think you'll need. This mission is no walk in the park.

Infiltrating the Institute

Your objective is the same across all factions: infiltrate the Institute and destroy it. Here’s a general step-by-step for the event:

1. Get into the Institute: Depending on your faction, you could teleport in using a relay or go through a secret entrance in the C.I.T. Ruins.

2. Fight your way through: The Institute is crawling with Synths. Use V.A.T.S. (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System) to target their weak points.

3. Find the reactor: This is the heart of the Institute. You’ll need to plant explosives here. Make sure you follow the quest markers on your HUD carefully.

4. Plant the explosives: Carefully place those bad boys around the reactor. Don’t rush--make sure all explosives are in the right spot.

5. Escape: After the explosives are planted, it’s time to get out! Follow the instructions from your faction leader to teleport or fight your way back to safety. You’ll have a tight timer, so don’t dilly-dally!

Final Countdown

After you've escaped the Institute, you'll witness a huge explosion. The reactor goes boom, and the Commonwealth is forever changed. You’ll get some heartfelt speeches from your faction leaders and likely earn some new followers.

Achievement Unlocked

Completing The Nuclear Option will net you a nice chunk of XP and, if you’re on PC or console, you’ll also unlock the “The Nuclear Option” achievement or trophy. Feel proud--you’ve just reshaped the Commonwealth!

Don't forget to pick through the Institute’s remains for any good loot. And, if you’re on good terms with multiple factions, you might get some interesting follow-up quests.

Congrats, Sole Survivor--you did it! Now, go enjoy your changed Commonwealth and whatever's next on your post-apocalyptic journey.

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And that wraps up The Nuclear Option in Fallout 4. Remember, whichever faction you choose, your actions have consequences. Plan smart, fight hard, and enjoy the outcomes of one of the game’s most thrilling quests!

Lovable Achievement Guide

Getting the "Lovable" achievement in Fallout 4 is all about forming strong bonds with your companions. This guide will help you navigate this process, whether you're wooing your favorite character or just trying to complete your achievement list. So, let’s dive in!

What Is 'Lovable'?

The "Lovable" achievement is earned by reaching maximum affinity with a companion. Affinity measures how much a companion likes you, and it can be influenced by your actions, decisions, and dialogue choices.

Choosing a Companion

First, choose a companion to bond with. Here's a quick list of some available companions:

• Codsworth: The helpful robot butler.
• Preston Garvey: The Minutemen’s stalwart leader.
• Piper Wright: The curious reporter from Diamond City.
• Nick Valentine: The synth detective.
• Cait: The troubled but fierce brawler.
• Curie: The robot turned synth with a heart of gold.

Each companion has their own likes and dislikes, so you need to tailor your actions to appeal to them.

Increasing Affinity

Here are some general tips to increase affinity:

1. Choose Positive Actions: Companions generally like it when you help others and make morally good decisions.
2. Engage in Conversations: Talk to your companion regularly and select dialogue options that align with their values.
3. Complete Quests Together: Certain quests impact a companion’s affinity more significantly. Keep them by your side during missions.
4. Trivia & Personality: Pay attention to each character’s personality and preferences. For example, Piper likes it when you ask questions and show curiosity about the world.

Key Activities for High Affinity with Popular Companions

Here are specific activities that can boost your affinity with some of the more popular companions:

• Piper Wright:

  • Likes: Lockpicking, generosity, standing up for others.
  • Dislikes: Selfishness, siding with the Institute.
  • Affinity Boosters: Give her gifts, solve problems peacefully, and always inquire during conversations.

• Nick Valentine:

  • Likes: Hacking terminals, kindness, standing against injustice.
  • Dislikes: Actions benefitting the Institute.
  • Affinity Boosters: Help people find their loved ones, crack a few terminals open when he's around, and nurture the soft side he shows.

• Cait:

  • Likes: Lockpicking, combat, rubbing against the law occasionally.
  • Dislikes: Cowardice, choosing dialogue options that show fear.
  • Affinity Boosters: Engage in fights, help her overcome personal struggles, and show a tough attitude.

Reaching Maximum Affinity

When you’re nearing maximum affinity, your companion will want to talk to you about something important. This usually involves a personal quest or a key moment where they share their feelings with you. Completing these moments can tip the scale and max out your affinity!

Special Perks

Reaching maximum affinity with companions also unlocks unique perks:

• Piper's Gift of Gab: Extra XP for discovering new locations and persuading during conversation.
• Nick's Close to Metal: One extra guess and 50% faster terminal cooldown.
• Cait's Trigger Rush: Faster AP regen when below 25% health.

Achievement Unlocked

Once you hit that max affinity, the "Lovable" achievement will pop up! Don't forget, while the road to max affinity takes time, being yourself (and smartly picking those actions) will make it a journey worth doing.

Stay tuned, wanderer, as more bond-building adventures await.