How to Establish Supply Lines: Making Settlers Provisioners in Fallout 4

In the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout 4, resource management and settlement building are crucial for survival. A key element of a thriving network of settlements is establishing efficient supply lines. This involves assigning settlers to become provisioners, who travel between settlements, carrying resources and connecting your communities. So, how do you actually do it?

The answer is relatively straightforward: Enter Workshop Mode in the settlement you wish to assign the provisioner from, approach the settler you want to assign, select them, and then choose the “Supply Line” option. You will then be able to select which other settlement you want them to travel to, establishing the supply line. This simple act is the cornerstone of a more connected and sustainable wasteland experience.

Understanding the Provisioner Role

Before diving into the ‘how-to,’ let’s clarify what a provisioner does and why they’re so valuable. A provisioner is essentially a dedicated caravan traveling between two settlements, sharing the resources stored in their workshops. This connection allows you to access crafting components, food, and water from linked settlements, drastically simplifying base building and resource gathering across your empire. Imagine needing steel in Sanctuary but having a surplus in The Castle – a provisioner bridges that gap automatically.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assigning a Provisioner

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process of turning a settler into a vital link in your supply chain:

1. Choose your Starting Settlement: Decide which settlement will be the origin point for the supply line. This is the settlement where the settler will be based and from which they’ll start their journey.

2. Enter Workshop Mode: Approach the Workshop in your chosen settlement and activate it. This puts you into building mode, allowing you to interact with settlers and assign tasks.

3. Select Your Settler: Walk up to the settler you wish to designate as a provisioner. This settler must be unassigned; meaning they should not already be tending crops, manning a guard post, or assigned to another job.

4. Initiate the Command: Focus on the settler. You should see a contextual prompt appear (usually by pressing “E” on PC, “A” on Xbox, or “X” on PlayStation). Select the command to interact with the settler.

5. Choose the ‘Supply Line’ Option: When the settler is selected, look at the options displayed at the bottom of the screen. You should see an option labeled “Supply Line” (or a similar term). Select this option.

6. Select the Destination Settlement: The game will now display a map of your discovered settlements. Choose the settlement you want the provisioner to travel to. This selection establishes the link between the two locations.

7. Confirmation: Once you’ve selected the destination settlement, the supply line is created! The assigned settler will now be designated as a provisioner and will immediately begin traveling between the two settlements. You’ll typically see them equipped with a Brahmin (if one is available), indicating their new role.

Optimizing Your Supply Lines

Creating supply lines isn’t just about connecting settlements; it’s about creating efficient networks. Here are some tips for optimization:

• Central Hubs: Consider designating a central settlement as a hub for your supply lines. This settlement would act as a primary resource depot, connected to numerous smaller outposts. This facilitates the distribution of rare materials and resources.

• Settler Happiness: Keep your settlers happy! Unhappy settlers are less productive and may even leave your settlements. Ensure adequate food, water, shelter, and defense to maintain their morale.

• Defense: Provisioners are vulnerable to attack on the road. Ensure the routes between your settlements are well-patrolled and defended. Setting up guard posts along common travel paths can deter raiders and wildlife.

• Observe and Adjust: Pay attention to the efficiency of your supply lines. If a particular route is frequently attacked or if resources aren’t flowing as expected, consider adjusting the route or assigning additional defense.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Provisioners

1. What happens if a provisioner dies?

If a provisioner dies, the supply line is temporarily broken. They will respawn back at their origin settlement after a few in-game days and resume their route, but their Brahmin will not. Ensure your routes are well-defended.

2. Can I reassign a provisioner to a different route?

Yes, you can reassign a provisioner. Simply enter Workshop Mode, select the provisioner, and choose a new destination settlement for their supply line. This will break the previous link and establish a new one.

3. Do provisioners carry specific items, or is it just a general pool of resources?

Provisioners don’t carry specific items. They simply link the workshop inventories of the connected settlements. You can access all resources stored in either settlement’s workshop from the other.

4. How many supply lines can I have?

You can have as many supply lines as you have settlers to assign. There’s no hard limit, but remember that each supply line requires a settler, and settlements need workers for food production, defense, and other tasks.

5. Will provisioners defend themselves if attacked?

Yes, provisioners will defend themselves. They typically equip the weapons they had before being assigned, and some may even pick up better weapons along their travels. However, their combat prowess depends on their gear and level.

6. Do supply lines share food and water between settlements?

Yes, supply lines share food and water. If one settlement has a surplus of food or water, it will be available to all connected settlements, preventing starvation and dehydration issues.

7. Can I track my provisioners on the map?

No, the game does not provide a direct way to track provisioners on the map. However, you can often find them traveling along roads between settlements or resting in either of their assigned locations. Some mods offer tracking features.

8. What is the best way to protect my supply lines from attacks?

The best ways to protect supply lines are to establish strong defenses at each settlement (turrets, guard posts), patrol the roads with yourself or companions, and equip provisioners with better weapons and armor.

9. Can companions be assigned as provisioners?

No, companions cannot be assigned as provisioners. Only regular settlers can fulfill this role. Companions are better suited for combat and questing.

10. Does the Charisma stat affect supply lines in any way?

Yes, the Charisma stat directly affects supply lines. A higher Charisma stat allows you to have more settlers in each settlement, ultimately enabling more supply lines. The Local Leader perk (Charisma 6) is also required to establish supply lines.

11. Are supply lines affected by distance between settlements?

Yes, the distance between settlements affects the frequency of resource transfer. Longer routes mean provisioners take longer to travel, potentially reducing the rate at which resources are shared.

12. Can I establish a supply line between two settlements and then move the workshop location in one of them?

Yes, moving a workshop location will not break the supply line. The provisioner will automatically adjust their route to the new workshop location.

13. Do I need to be present in a settlement for a supply line to function?

No, you don’t need to be present. Supply lines operate independently, even when you are away from the connected settlements. Resources will continue to be shared.

14. What happens to the provisioner’s inventory before being assigned to the supply line?

Any items in the settler’s inventory will remain there after being assigned to a supply line. This is important because you can give them better armor and weapons to help them defend themselves.

15. How can I quickly tell which settler is assigned to a supply line?

Assigned Provisioners usually equip themselves with a Brahmin, so you can identify them at a distance by observing the unique Brahmin companion who travels with them. When you see a settler being assigned a task through the Workshop, the name of the Settler will appear with “Supply Line to [settlement name]” next to it.

Establishing and managing supply lines is a cornerstone of thriving in Fallout 4’s wasteland. By following these guidelines and frequently asked questions, you’ll be well-equipped to connect your settlements, share resources, and build a prosperous network of communities. Good luck, and may your supply lines run smoothly!