Can You Make a Settler Wear Power Armor in Fallout 4? A Definitive Guide

Yes, you can make a settler wear power armor in Fallout 4. However, there are nuances to this mechanic that every Wasteland leader should understand. It’s not as simple as just handing them a set of armor. Let’s dive into the details of how to get your settlers suited up, the benefits and drawbacks, and some helpful tips to maximize your settlement’s defenses.

Understanding Settler Armor and Power Armor Mechanics

First, let’s clarify the general armor mechanics for settlers. You can equip settlers with standard armor pieces (leather, metal, combat armor, etc.) by trading with them and giving them the desired gear. This directly increases their damage resistance and energy resistance, making them slightly more durable in a fight. However, settlers have a near-immortality trait. They cannot die. That armor you gave them will allow them to stay up during a fight longer. Once their health drops to zero, they take a knee and return to the fray later in the fight.

Now, for power armor. The process is slightly different. Settlers will only enter power armor if it’s left with a fusion core installed near them and the settlement is under attack. Think of it as an emergency measure. The settler recognizes the immediate threat and utilizes the best available defense: your precious power armor.

It is important to note that if you are in the armor and command them into it, they will enter the armor.

Key Steps to Equipping Settlers with Power Armor

1. Acquire Power Armor: You’ll need a suit of power armor. T-45, T-51, T-60, X-01 – any type will do. The better the armor, the more protected your settler will be.

2. Place the Power Armor Strategically: Position the power armor in a location accessible to your settlers. Common areas include near guard posts, entrances to the settlement, or high-traffic zones.

3. Insert a Fusion Core: This is crucial. Without a fusion core, settlers will ignore the power armor, even during an attack.

4. Trigger an Attack: Defenses need testing. Initiate a raid by neglecting your settlement’s defenses or intentionally provoking nearby enemies. Observe your settlers springing into action.

Important Considerations: Fusion Core Usage and Theft

While settlers will use power armor during attacks, they will not drain the fusion core. This is a significant advantage. However, there’s a downside: anyone (settlers, raiders, even Brahmin) can potentially enter power armor with a fusion core inside. To prevent unwanted “borrowing,” always remove the fusion core when you’re not actively using the armor. Keep your fusion cores locked away.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Settler-Piloted Power Armor

• Benefits:
  • Increased Defense: Settlers in power armor become formidable defenders, able to withstand significant damage.
  • Improved Morale: A well-defended settlement is a happy settlement. Settlers are more content when they feel safe.
  • Visual Deterrent: A heavily armored settler makes raiders think twice before attacking.
• Drawbacks:
  • Theft Risk: As mentioned, anyone can pilfer your power armor if a fusion core is present.
  • Maintenance: While settlers don’t drain fusion cores, power armor still requires repairs after taking damage.
  • Resource Intensive: Acquiring and maintaining multiple sets of power armor can be expensive.

Maximizing Your Settlement’s Defenses: Beyond Power Armor

While power armor is a fantastic addition to your settlement’s defenses, it’s not the only option. Here are some other strategies:

• Weapon Upgrades: Give your settlers better weapons. Rifles with scopes are particularly effective, as settlers will utilize the improved accuracy.
• Strategic Placement of Turrets: Position turrets in key locations to provide overlapping fields of fire.
• Building Walls and Barriers: Fortify your settlement with walls and fences to funnel enemies into kill zones.
• Recruiting Strong Companions: Some companions make excellent settlement guards, providing unique skills and abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I directly assign a specific settler to a specific suit of Power Armor?

No, you cannot directly assign a specific settler to a specific suit of power armor. The settler who enters the armor during an attack is usually the one closest to it and best positioned to react. You can command them into it though, if you’re in the armor and command the settler to enter.

2. Will settlers use different types of Power Armor based on availability?

Yes, settlers will use whichever power armor is available and has a fusion core installed. They don’t discriminate between T-45 and X-01.

3. Do settlers benefit from Power Armor mods?

Yes, settlers benefit from the modifications applied to the power armor. Increased carry weight, enhanced strength, and improved damage resistance will all apply to the settler using the armor.

4. Can hostile NPCs steal Power Armor from my settlement?

Absolutely. If raiders or other enemies breach your settlement’s defenses and find power armor with a fusion core, they will use it against you.

5. How can I prevent settlers from taking Power Armor?

The most reliable method is to always remove the fusion core from any power armor you leave in your settlements. Without a fusion core, the armor is just a harmless metal frame.

6. Do settlers need ammo for the weapons I give them?

No, settlers do not consume ammo for the weapons you equip them with. Once they have at least one bullet, they will have infinite ammo for that weapon.

7. Are settlers invincible in Fallout 4?

Settlers are effectively immortal. They can be knocked down during combat, but they will always recover and continue fighting. Armor only keeps them up fighting longer.

8. Does equipping settlers with armor actually help them?

Yes, equipping settlers with armor provides them with increased damage resistance and energy resistance, making them more resilient in combat.

9. Can companions wear Power Armor indefinitely without fusion cores?

Companions don’t need a core. Settlers do. Neither will drain it.

10. Will settlers take weapons from workshops if I leave them there?

Yes, Settlers will 100% take things from workshops too.

11. Can any companion use Power Armor?

Any companion can use power armor, yes.

12. Which Power Armor is the best in Fallout 4?

The Overboss Power Armor Set is generally considered the best due to its unique modifications and high damage resistance. But the fully upgraded X-01 is a close 2nd.

13. Can Power Armor protect against radiation?

Yes, power armor provides significant radiation resistance, making it useful in irradiated areas.

14. How do I get an NPC out of Power Armor?

Walk up to him. Interact. Select talk. Then tell him to get out of the power armor.

15. Is it safe to leave Power Armor at Red Rocket?

Yes, you can leave it at Red Rocket if you’d like. So long as you don’t enter another suit of power armor, the game will leave a marker on your map showing where it is.

Conclusion: Arming Your Settlers for Success

While managing settler armor and power armor in Fallout 4 requires some effort and planning, the benefits are well worth it. A well-equipped and defended settlement is a thriving settlement. So arm your settlers, build your defenses, and prepare for whatever the Wasteland throws your way. Remember, the most important resource is ingenuity and the willingness to adapt. Also consider looking into the impact of games and learning through organizations such as Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org. This can help you improve your strategies not just in games, but also in real-world problem-solving. Now go forth and conquer!