Fallout 4: Claiming Your Power Armor Throne Back From NPCs

So, you’ve found yourself in a pickle. An NPC, be it a friendly settler or a wasteland raider, has decided to take your prized Power Armor for a joyride (or, more likely, a firefight). Don’t panic! Getting it back is usually straightforward, though the method depends on the circumstances.

The most direct and effective way to reclaim your Power Armor is to pickpocket the fusion core powering it. When the core is removed, the NPC will be forced to exit the suit immediately. Alternatively, if stealth isn’t an option, focus fire on the fusion core on the back of the armor to force the NPC out. Talking to your companions, if they are the ones using it, will give you an option to get them out of the Power Armor immediately.

Understanding Power Armor and NPCs in Fallout 4

Before diving deeper into retrieval methods, let’s establish some fundamental truths about Power Armor and NPC behavior in Fallout 4. Power Armor requires Fusion Cores to operate. Without a Fusion Core, it’s just a very heavy, immobile suit of metal. NPCs, both friendly and hostile, are programmed to enter Power Armor if it’s readily available (meaning a Fusion Core is inserted) and they perceive a threat. This is especially true during settlement attacks or when traveling with companions. Your companions won’t leave until you tell them to.

Methods for Retrieving Your Power Armor

Here’s a breakdown of the most common scenarios and how to get your Power Armor back:

• The Pickpocketing Ploy: This is the most discreet and often the easiest solution. Maximize your Pickpocketing skill (and maybe pop a Stealth Boy for good measure). Sneak behind the NPC in your Power Armor and attempt to steal the Fusion Core. With a high enough skill and perhaps some stat-boosting gear, you should succeed. Once the Fusion Core is gone, they’ll exit the armor.

• The Fusion Core Shot: This is a much more direct approach and requires a decent weapon and accuracy. Target the Fusion Core on the back of the Power Armor in VATS or manually. Shooting the Fusion Core will cause it to explode, ejecting the NPC and damaging them. However, it will also damage the Power Armor frame, so use this method with caution.

• The Companion Request: If a companion is wearing your Power Armor, simply talk to them. There will be a dialogue option to request they exit the armor. They’ll comply immediately. This option usually replaces the relationship dialogue option.

• Commanding Settlers: During settlement attacks, settlers might jump into your Power Armor to defend the settlement. You can command them to exit the armor in the same way you assign them jobs.

• The Brute Force Method (Last Resort): If all else fails, you can try killing the NPC piloting your Power Armor. This is a drastic measure, especially if it’s a friendly settler, and will negatively impact your relationship with your settlement. Only resort to this if the Power Armor contains rare modifications or if it’s absolutely critical to your survival and other methods have failed.

Preventing Power Armor Theft in the First Place

Of course, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to minimize the risk of NPCs pilfering your Power Armor:

• Remove the Fusion Core: This is the golden rule. Always remove the Fusion Core from your Power Armor when you’re not using it, especially when leaving it in a settlement. Without a Fusion Core, NPCs can’t enter it.

• Store Power Armor in a Secure Location: Placing your Power Armor on a Power Armor Station offers a small degree of protection. While it doesn’t prevent theft entirely, it makes it slightly less accessible to NPCs.

• Be Mindful of Combat Situations: During settlement attacks or prolonged firefights, NPCs are more likely to seek out Power Armor. Be extra vigilant in these situations and keep your Fusion Cores locked away.

• Strategic Placement: Try placing your Power Armor in areas less frequently patrolled by settlers. A dedicated garage or workshop area can help keep it out of sight.

Dealing with Disappearing Power Armor

Sometimes, the problem isn’t theft, but simple disappearance. Don’t worry! Power Armor that’s been left unattended for an extended period will automatically despawn and return to your inventory as a Power Armor Chassis. Check the Apparel section of your Pip-Boy to find it.

Conclusion

Losing your Power Armor to an NPC can be frustrating, but it’s usually a temporary setback. By understanding how NPCs interact with Power Armor and employing the strategies outlined above, you can minimize the risk of theft and reclaim your metal behemoth whenever necessary. Now get back out there and dominate the Commonwealth! For more in-depth insights into the mechanics of Fallout 4 and other games, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society website. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I can’t pickpocket the Fusion Core?

If your Pickpocketing skill isn’t high enough, improve your skill by leveling up and allocating points to the Pickpocket perk. You can also temporarily boost your Pickpocketing with clothing or chems that increase your Agility. If that fails, resort to shooting the Fusion Core on the back, but be aware that it will damage the armor.

2. Will NPCs steal my Power Armor even if it’s damaged?

Yes, NPCs will enter Power Armor regardless of its condition, as long as it has a Fusion Core.

3. Can I repair Power Armor taken by an NPC?

Yes, you can repair Power Armor after retrieving it from an NPC. Use a Power Armor Station to repair any damaged parts.

4. Does the type of NPC affect their likelihood of stealing Power Armor?

Any NPC, friendly or hostile, can take Power Armor if the opportunity presents itself. Hostile NPCs are more likely to do so during combat.

5. Can companions permanently damage my Power Armor?

Companions can damage Power Armor during combat, just like you can. However, they won’t intentionally damage it or use it recklessly.

6. Is there a way to lock Power Armor to prevent theft?

Unfortunately, there’s no built-in game mechanic to lock Power Armor. The best prevention is removing the Fusion Core.

7. Do different types of Power Armor attract NPCs more?

No, NPCs are equally likely to enter any type of Power Armor as long as a Fusion Core is present.

8. Will a settler return my Power Armor after using it in a settlement defense?

Sometimes settlers will return your Power Armor to where they found it after a settlement defense, but don’t count on it. It’s safer to command them out of it or remove the Fusion Core.

9. How can I quickly level up my Pickpocketing skill?

Pickpocketing is best leveled by pickpocketing. Increase the difficulty of your theft by stealing more valuable items, saving beforehand in case of failure.

10. Can I use the “Pacify” perk to get an NPC out of my Power Armor?

The Pacify perk can potentially stop an enemy from attacking, but it won’t force them out of Power Armor.

11. Do mods exist to prevent Power Armor theft?

Yes, several mods on platforms like NexusMods address this issue. Some prevent NPCs from entering Power Armor altogether, while others add locking mechanisms.

12. Can I give Power Armor to specific settlers permanently?

Yes, you can assign Power Armor to specific settlers by commanding them to enter it and then ensuring they always have a Fusion Core. However, they might still leave it if the Fusion Core runs out or if you command them to exit.

13. What happens if a hostile NPC in my Power Armor leaves the area?

If a hostile NPC wearing your Power Armor wanders too far, they might despawn along with the armor. In this case, the Power Armor should eventually return to your inventory.

14. Is there a console command to retrieve stolen Power Armor?

Yes, you can use console commands to teleport the Power Armor to your location or to remove the NPC from the armor. However, using console commands can disable achievements.

15. What’s the best Power Armor to have in Fallout 4?

The best overall Power Armor is often considered the X-01 Power Armor, due to its high damage and energy resistance. The Overboss Power Armor set is also a great option.