The Ultimate Guide to Elder Maxson’s Coat: Can You Steal It?
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The burning question on every Fallout 4 player’s mind: Can you steal Elder Maxson’s battlecoat? The short answer is a resounding no. Traditional methods like pickpocketing are completely ineffective against the stalwart leader of the Brotherhood of Steel. Obtaining this iconic piece of apparel requires a far more… direct approach.
Why Can’t You Pickpocket Maxson?
Fallout 4, for all its open-world freedom, still has its limitations. Key characters and items are often protected by the game’s mechanics to preserve narrative integrity or prevent exploits. Elder Maxson, being a pivotal figure in the Brotherhood of Steel storyline, falls squarely into this category. Even with a level 4 Pickpocket perk, which normally allows you to steal equipped items, Maxson’s coat remains stubbornly glued to his person. The game simply doesn’t allow it.
The Only Way: Embracing the Inevitable
So, if subtlety is out of the question, what’s the alternative? There’s only one: eliminate Elder Maxson.
This isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. Killing Maxson will, understandably, turn the entire Brotherhood of Steel hostile towards you. This can significantly impact your gameplay experience, especially if you were planning on siding with them.
Here’s the process, boiled down:
- Choose a Faction: To access the questlines where Maxson can be confronted, you’ll need to align yourself with either the Institute or the Railroad. The Minutemen can also be used, but this is a much longer route.
- Progress Through the Questline: Advance far enough in the chosen faction’s questline until you receive a mission that directly involves attacking the Brotherhood of Steel and confronting Maxson.
- Face Maxson: The encounter typically occurs during missions like “Airship Down” (Railroad) or “The Nuclear Option” (Institute). Be prepared for a challenging fight. Maxson is a formidable opponent, usually accompanied by heavily armed Paladins.
- Loot the Body: Once Maxson is defeated, loot his corpse. You’ll find his battlecoat, along with his unique Gatling laser, the Final Judgement.
What Makes Maxson’s Battlecoat So Desirable?
Beyond its iconic appearance, Maxson’s battlecoat is a highly desirable piece of apparel due to its stats and customization options. It offers decent base damage and energy resistance. However, the real draw is its compatibility with ballistic weave. This modification allows you to significantly boost the coat’s damage resistance, making it one of the best non-armor outfits in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elder Maxson and His Coat
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of acquiring Maxson’s coat:
1. Can you get Maxson’s coat after blowing up the Prydwen?
No. Without using mods, obtaining the coat requires confronting and eliminating Maxson before destroying the Prydwen. If you destroy the Prydwen before dealing with Maxson, you’ll miss your chance.
2. Can you get Elder Maxson’s coat without killing him?
Again, the answer is no. There is no known method, exploit, or workaround to acquire Maxson’s coat without taking his life. The game is designed to ensure that direct confrontation is the only path to obtaining it.
3. How to get Maxsons Outfit-Fallout 4-Glitch Tutorial?
There may be specific glitch tutorials floating around online, but these are often unreliable, patched quickly by the developers, or may corrupt your save game. It’s best to stick to the intended game mechanics, which means facing Maxson directly.
4. Can you get Final Judgement without killing Maxson?
Unfortunately, no. Just like his battlecoat, the Final Judgement Gatling laser is exclusively lootable from Maxson’s corpse after defeating him during specific faction-related quests.
5. What happens if you bring X6-88 to the Prydwen?
Bringing the Institute synth X6-88 to the Prydwen can trigger hostilities. The Brotherhood’s automated defenses may target him, and dismissing him on the Prydwen will almost certainly lead to a firefight.
6. Can you put ballistic weave on Maxson’s battlecoat?
Yes! This is one of the main reasons why Maxson’s battlecoat is so sought after. Its compatibility with ballistic weave allows you to greatly enhance its defensive capabilities.
7. How do you get Maxson’s power armor?
You can obtain a unique power armor frame called “Elder Maxson’s Power Armor” by strategically targeting and shooting the fusion core out of his power armor during the “Airship Down” mission. This will force him out of the armor, allowing you to claim it.
8. What does Elder Maxson drop?
Upon death, Elder Maxson will drop his battlecoat and the unique Final Judgement Gatling laser. He may also have other standard loot on his person, like ammunition and consumables.
9. Is Elder Maxson in Fallout Shelter?
Arthur Maxson, in various iterations, appears in multiple Fallout games, including Fallout 3, Fallout 4, Fallout: Wasteland Warfare, and Fallout Shelter Online.
10. Can you convince Elder Maxson to let Danse live?
You can persuade Maxson to spare Danse’s life during the quest “Blind Betrayal”. However, Danse will be exiled from the Brotherhood, and both Danse and you (if you remain associated with him) will be considered enemies by the Brotherhood.
11. Can you pickpocket Elder Maxson in Fallout 4?
To reiterate, no. Pickpocketing is not an option for acquiring Maxson’s gear.
12. Is Elder Maxson evil?
Whether Maxson is considered “evil” is a matter of perspective. His actions are driven by his unwavering belief in the Brotherhood’s ideals and his desire to protect humanity from perceived threats. Depending on your chosen faction and moral alignment, you might view him as a misguided zealot or a necessary force for order. Delve deeper into the world of gaming at the Games Learning Society to understand moral complexities in video games.
13. What is the best armor in Fallout 4?
“Best” is subjective and depends on your playstyle. However, Elder Maxson’s Battlecoat (enhanced with ballistic weave) is definitely among the top choices for non-armor apparel. Other contenders include the Heavy Trapper Armor, Nuka-Girl Space Suit, and various sets of Power Armor.
14. Can the Minutemen general outfit be upgraded?
Yes, the Minutemen general outfit can be upgraded with ballistic weave, making it a viable option for players who prefer a more civilian look. It also allows for all armor pieces to be equipped.
15. Is Nick Valentine a synth?
Yes, Nick Valentine is a Synth, a second-generation prototype. He is a detective operating out of Diamond City.
The Moral Implications of Taking Maxson’s Coat
Deciding to kill Elder Maxson is not merely a matter of acquiring a cool coat and a powerful weapon. It’s a pivotal decision that shapes your character’s story and their relationship with the Fallout 4 world. Consider the consequences carefully before embarking on this path. Are the stats and aesthetics worth the cost of alienating the Brotherhood of Steel? Only you can decide. Learn more about the educational aspects of gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue Maxson’s coat is a personal one, deeply intertwined with your character’s motivations and the narrative you wish to create. Choose wisely, and may your journey through the Commonwealth be filled with memorable moments, both triumphant and tragic.