Power Armor Perfection: Docking, Displaying, and Domination in Fallout 4

So, you’ve snagged yourself a sweet set of Power Armor in the Commonwealth. Now what? You need to know how to treat it right, and that starts with proper storage and maintenance. The big question is: How do you properly “dock” your power armor in Fallout 4? Let’s dive in.

The reality is, Fallout 4 doesn’t feature a specific “docking” action for power armor. Instead, it relies on the Power Armor Station, also known as a Power Armor Rack, for customization, repair, and safe keeping. The illusion of docking comes from the animation that plays when you interact with the station while wearing your armor.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Locate a Power Armor Station: These can be found at settlements you’ve established, Red Rocket Truck Stop (a common starting point), or purchased as a constructible object through settlement building. You’ll likely find it located in the workshop area of a settlement.

2. Position Yourself Near the Station: Walk your power-armored self close to the rack. Proximity is key. The game needs to register that you’re interacting with the station.

3. Access the Crafting Menu: Face the Power Armor Station and press the activation button. This will usually be the “A” button on Xbox, “X” on PlayStation, or “E” on PC. This opens the crafting/modification menu.

4. The “Docking” Illusion: As soon as the crafting menu opens, your character will perform an animation of placing the power armor onto the station. This creates the visual effect of docking. Don’t worry, you don’t have to craft anything.

5. Exit the Menu: Back out of the crafting menu. Your armor will now appear to be “docked” on the rack.

6. Exiting the Armor: To exit the armor while it’s “docked,” simply approach it and hold the activation button (“A” on Xbox, “X” on PlayStation, “E” on PC) for a few seconds. Your character will climb out, leaving the armor standing in the frame.

7. Removing the Fusion Core: The final touch is removing the Fusion Core from the armor. This prevents NPCs from hopping in your suit during settlement attacks and preserves the core’s energy. To do this, enter the crafting menu again as described in step 3. You’ll be able to access the armor’s inventory and remove the Fusion Core.

Important Considerations

• NPC Pilfering: If you leave a Fusion Core in your power armor, settlers or raiders may climb in during attacks. Removing the core is essential for security.
• Fast Travel and Map Markers: Even if you leave your power armor elsewhere on the map, the game usually places a map marker, making it easy to retrieve.
• Despawning: In rare cases, power armor can despawn if left unattended for extended periods in certain locations. Sticking to well-established settlements minimizes this risk.

FAQs: Power Armor Management in Fallout 4

Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions to help you master power armor management in Fallout 4:

How do I leave my power armor behind in Fallout 4?

1. Walk up to it wearing the suit.
2. Hold the activation button (“A” on Xbox, “X” on PlayStation, or “E” on PC) for a few seconds, then let go. Your character will exit the armor, leaving it behind. Remember to remove the Fusion Core to prevent theft!

How do you park power armor in a station?

“Parking” is essentially the same as docking. Approach the Power Armor Station, activate it to enter the crafting menu (this triggers the docking animation), then exit the menu. Your armor will appear to be docked.

How do I charge power armor in Fallout 4?

You can’t recharge Fusion Cores. Instead, you must find or buy new ones. Scavenge locations like military bases and power plants, purchase them from vendors like Arturo in Diamond City, or steal them from NPCs wearing power armor with the Pickpocket perk. The Nuclear Physicist perk will extend the life of Fusion Cores.

Can you display power armor in Fallout 4?

Yes! The Contraptions Workshop DLC adds Power Armor Displays. These are constructible settlement objects designed specifically for showcasing your favorite suits.

How do you activate the power armor display in Fallout 4?

1. Build a Power Armor Display in your settlement (Decoration>Displays>Power Armor).
2. Position your power armor in front of the display.
3. Activate the display. It will automatically lift the armor into position.

Will my power armor stay where I leave it in Fallout 4?

Generally, yes. The game should place a marker on your map. However, as mentioned before, it’s best to leave it at a secure settlement to prevent despawning or theft.

How long do fusion cores last in Fallout 4?

A Fusion Core provides roughly 20 minutes of real-time gameplay (approximately 10 hours of in-game time) when jogging at a default pace. Sprinting, using VATS, and other AP-intensive actions drain the core faster.

Can you buy fusion cores in Fallout 4?

Yes, vendors across the Commonwealth sell Fusion Cores. Arturo in Diamond City, the Brotherhood of Steel quartermaster, and various traveling merchants are reliable sources.

Can I store power armor in my camp?

Yes, you can “store” power armor at your settlements by leaving it near a Power Armor Station after removing the Fusion Core. This prevents NPCs from using it.

Why can’t I exit my power armor?

This is a common glitch. Try these solutions:

• Reload the game: Exit and reload your save file.
• Check your inventory: Ensure your Power Armor Frame is still in your apparel inventory. If it’s missing, that’s the problem.
• Enter combat: Sometimes, entering combat and then trying to exit can resolve the issue.

What’s the best power armor in Fallout 4?

This is subjective and depends on your playstyle. However, some top contenders include:

• X-01 Armor: Excellent ballistic and energy resistance.
• T-60 Armor: Balanced stats and readily available.
• Overboss Power Armor: Unique set with specific bonuses.

What drains power armor in Fallout 4?

• AP Usage: Sprinting, VATS, and power attacks consume AP and drain Fusion Core power faster.
• Jetpacks: Using a jetpack attachment significantly increases Fusion Core drain.
• Damage Received: While it doesn’t drain the core directly, taking damage degrades the armor’s condition, requiring repairs.

Can you pickpocket fusion cores in Fallout 4?

Yes, with the Pickpocket perk, you can steal Fusion Cores from NPCs wearing power armor. This is a risky but effective way to acquire more cores.

Do companions drain fusion cores in Fallout 4?

Companions do not drain Fusion Cores. Once they are in the Power Armor, they do not need a fusion core to power it. They are essentially given “unlimited power” as long as they remain within the Power Armor.

Can you make a settler wear power armor?

Without mods, you cannot directly assign settlers to wear power armor permanently. However, if you leave a suit with a Fusion Core inside, they will enter it during a settlement attack.

By understanding these mechanics and mastering the art of power armor maintenance, you’ll be a virtually unstoppable force in the Commonwealth! Remember to stay informed and explore further gaming insights at GamesLearningSociety.org, a community dedicated to the intersection of games and education.