Taming the Beast: Can You Tame a Deathclaw in Fallout?
Yes, you absolutely can tame a Deathclaw in some Fallout games! However, the conditions for doing so are very specific and depend on the game in question. Generally, it’s not as simple as befriending your neighbor’s dog. It requires specific perks, random encounters, and a lot of luck. So, while the answer is yes, be prepared for a challenging (and potentially deadly) endeavor.
Taming Deathclaws Across the Fallout Universe
The possibility of taming a Deathclaw varies greatly depending on which Fallout game you are playing:
Fallout 4: Wasteland Workshop DLC
In Fallout 4, with the Wasteland Workshop DLC, you can capture various creatures, including Deathclaws, and pit them against each other in arenas or keep them as camp guardians. This is arguably the closest you can get to “taming” a Deathclaw in this game. You’ll need to build cages using the DLC’s workshop menu and lure Deathclaws into them. Once captured, they can be released within your settlement. However, they aren’t exactly friendly pets; they still require careful management and can turn hostile if not properly handled.
Fallout 76: A Chance Encounter
Fallout 76 offers a more traditional taming experience, but it’s heavily reliant on chance. The game’s system involves finding random encounter spawns of animals that can be tamed. Not all Deathclaws are eligible. The tamable ones are specifically those that spawn during these random encounters.
To successfully tame a Deathclaw in Fallout 76, you’ll need the Animal Friend perk at Rank 3, and potentially also the Wasteland Whisperer perk. When you encounter a tamable Deathclaw, you’ll need to approach it with your weapon aimed. This should give you a prompt to “Tame?” If successful, the Deathclaw will be sent to your camp and act as a defense. The level of Deathclaw you can tame is dependent on your level and can result in a powerful camp protector.
Other Fallout Games: A No-Go Zone
In other Fallout games, such as Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and the original Fallout titles, taming a Deathclaw is simply not an option. These games do not feature mechanics for capturing or befriending these deadly creatures.
Understanding the Taming Mechanics
Whether it’s building cages in Fallout 4 or relying on random encounters and perks in Fallout 76, understanding the mechanics is crucial:
- Fallout 4 (Wasteland Workshop): Requires resources, patience, and a strategy for luring Deathclaws into traps. Managing your captured creatures requires building appropriate structures and keeping them happy (or at least contained).
- Fallout 76: The perks Animal Friend and Wasteland Whisperer are essential. Your character level determines the maximum level of the creature you can tame. Additionally, your camp must have available build space.
Deathclaw Lore and Biology
The origin of Deathclaws is fascinating. Originally created as experimental weapons based on Jackson’s chameleons, these creatures escaped military control and evolved into apex predators. Their physiology includes incredibly strong claws, tough hides, and heightened senses, making them formidable opponents.
Deathclaw Weaknesses
Despite their power, Deathclaws are not invincible. In most Fallout games, they are vulnerable to certain weapons and tactics.
- V.A.T.S. targeting: Using the V.A.T.S. system (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System) to target specific body parts can be effective. Targeting the head or torso often deals the most damage. Crippling their limbs can also reduce their mobility.
- Armor-piercing weapons: Given their natural armor, weapons with armor-piercing capabilities are highly effective against Deathclaws.
- Critical Hits: Deathclaws are generally susceptible to critical hits, greatly increasing the damage you inflict.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Deathclaws
Can you tame a Deathclaw in Fallout 4 without the DLC?
No, you cannot tame a Deathclaw in Fallout 4 without the Wasteland Workshop DLC. The ability to build cages and capture creatures is exclusive to this add-on.
Where can I find tameable Deathclaws in Fallout 76?
Tameable Deathclaws in Fallout 76 spawn as random encounters. There’s no guaranteed location, so you’ll need to explore frequently and hope for the best. Popular locations include the Mire, the Savage Divide and The Forest.
What level do I need to be to tame a Deathclaw in Fallout 76?
The level of the Deathclaw you can tame in Fallout 76 depends on your character level. Higher-level characters can tame higher-level Deathclaws.
Do I need both Animal Friend and Wasteland Whisperer to tame a Deathclaw in Fallout 76?
While some players have reported success with just Animal Friend, many find that having both Animal Friend and Wasteland Whisperer at Rank 3 increases the chances of successfully taming a Deathclaw in Fallout 76.
Can I tame any Deathclaw I find in Fallout 76?
No, only Deathclaws that spawn as random encounters are tameable in Fallout 76. Deathclaws in fixed locations, such as the Deathclaw Island, cannot be tamed.
What happens if my tamed Deathclaw dies in Fallout 76?
If your tamed Deathclaw dies in Fallout 76, it will not respawn. You’ll need to find another tamable Deathclaw through a random encounter.
Can I trade or sell tamed Deathclaws in Fallout 76?
No, tamed Deathclaws in Fallout 76 are bound to your account and cannot be traded or sold to other players.
Are Deathclaws harder to tame at higher levels in Fallout 76?
No, Deathclaws aren’t harder to tame at higher levels in Fallout 76. However, the Deathclaws that spawn at your level are more challenging, hence need the right perks to tame.
Is there a way to guarantee a Deathclaw spawn in Fallout 76?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to guarantee a Deathclaw spawn in Fallout 76. The taming mechanic relies on random encounters.
What is the best strategy for taming a Deathclaw in Fallout 76?
The best strategy is to equip both Animal Friend and Wasteland Whisperer at Rank 3, regularly explore potential spawn locations, and approach cautiously with your weapon aimed when you encounter a Deathclaw.
Can I name my tamed Deathclaw?
No, you cannot name your tamed Deathclaw in Fallout 76.
Can Deathclaws breed in Fallout 4 or Fallout 76?
No, Deathclaws cannot breed in either Fallout 4 or Fallout 76.
Do Deathclaws have any unique attacks or abilities in Fallout 4 or Fallout 76?
Yes, Deathclaws have unique melee attacks, including powerful claw swipes and lunging attacks. Their resistance to damage and high health pool make them formidable opponents.
What is the Mythic Deathclaw?
The Mythic Deathclaw is the strongest Deathclaw variant in Fallout 4. It has significantly more health and damage resistance compared to other Deathclaw types.
How do I defend my vault from Deathclaw attacks in Fallout Shelter?
To defend your vault from Deathclaw attacks in Fallout Shelter, ensure your vault doors are well-defended and manned, keep your dwellers equipped with strong weapons and armor, and train their stats to improve their combat abilities. Deathclaws will start to attack when the vault has 60+ dwellers.
Final Thoughts
While taming a Deathclaw may not be possible in every Fallout game, the allure of having one of these fearsome creatures as an ally is undeniable. Whether you’re building cages in Fallout 4 or relying on luck and perks in Fallout 76, the challenge and reward of taming a Deathclaw make for a unique and memorable Fallout experience. Explore the immersive world of games and learning at the Games Learning Society website GamesLearningSociety.org.