How to Deal with Deathclaw Attacks: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Deathclaws. The name alone strikes fear into the hearts of wasteland wanderers. These hulking, reptilian predators are notorious for their immense strength, vicious claws, and incredible durability. Whether you’re facing them in the vault, exploring the open world, or managing a settlement, knowing how to handle a Deathclaw encounter is essential for survival. This guide will provide you with a multi-faceted approach to dealing with these terrifying beasts, along with frequently asked questions to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Understanding the Deathclaw Threat
Before we delve into tactics, it’s crucial to understand what makes Deathclaws so dangerous. They possess incredibly thick hides, making them resistant to many types of damage. Their razor-sharp claws can tear through armor, and their powerful jaws can crush bones. Deathclaws are also incredibly fast and agile, capable of closing distances quickly. Their aggressive nature means they will relentlessly pursue you, making them a formidable foe.
Core Strategies for Surviving Deathclaw Encounters
The key to surviving a Deathclaw attack is a combination of preparation, strategic engagement, and knowing when to disengage. Here’s a breakdown of core strategies:
1. Fortification and Preparation (Vault Defense)
- Armed to the Teeth: If you are dealing with a Deathclaw attack on a vault, ensure all dwellers in the upper levels are equipped with the best weapons and armor you can muster. This creates a layered defense. The first line of defense should be your strongest team.
- Strategic Room Placement: Post your strongest dwellers as guards near the vault entrance. The idea is to weaken the Deathclaws as they progress deeper into the vault. The rooms on the first floor should be designed to funnel the attackers into areas where your defenders are ready.
- Endurance Training: Dwellers on the first floor should have high endurance to withstand significant damage. This will buy time for other dwellers to arm themselves or relocate.
- Staggered Engagement: The idea isn’t to kill a Deathclaw with a single room. Instead, each room should weaken the threat so that the next room has an easier time dealing with them.
2. Combat Tactics (Open World Encounters)
- Crippling Limbs: Aiming for the legs is a critical strategy. By crippling a Deathclaw’s legs, you significantly reduce their speed, making them easier to manage and hit.
- Headshots and Weak Points: Once crippled, focus on headshots and the Deathclaw’s unarmored belly. These areas are less protected and take more damage. However, due to their posture, the belly can be hard to hit.
- Range is Your Friend: Avoid close-quarters combat at all costs unless absolutely necessary. Use high-powered, medium-to-long range weapons, such as sniper rifles, anti-material rifles, or miniguns with armor-piercing (AP) rounds.
- Armor Penetration: Normal rounds will often glance off Deathclaw hides. Prioritize weapons that use AP rounds to bypass their natural armor.
- Use the Environment: Utilize any natural cover to your advantage. This gives you time to aim and provides a barrier against their attacks.
3. Evasive Action (Vault and Open World)
- Run and Reposition: Don’t get caught in a slugfest. Sometimes, the best tactic is to retreat and find a better position.
- The “Runaway” Method: In a vault setting, the mentioned method of running to the bottom when they reach the top, and then back up when they get to the bottom, can buy time or allow for better placement of your dwellers. This method works well in early stages of the game.
- Stealth: While Deathclaws have high perception, stealth can still be useful for setting up ambushes or repositioning. A stealth boy helps, but don’t rely on it too much, as they will still be very aware of your presence.
4. Prevention and Risk Management
- Radio Station Management: A radio room actively broadcasting can attract Deathclaw attacks. If you can’t handle a raid, avoid using the radio room.
- Wasteland Activities: Sending dwellers into the wasteland or on quests can also trigger Deathclaw encounters. Be prepared before sending out any explorers.
- Vault Door Awareness: Leaving vault doors open increases the likelihood of attacks. Keep them closed unless absolutely necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about dealing with Deathclaws, addressing various concerns and scenarios:
1. What is the best weapon against Deathclaws?
The most effective weapons are those that can pierce their armor. The anti-material rifle, minigun (especially the Avenger), and sniper rifles, all equipped with armor-piercing rounds, are excellent choices. High-damage, ranged weaponry is your best bet.
2. What are Deathclaws weaknesses?
Deathclaws are resistant to damage on their dark, scaled parts. Their belly is a weak spot that takes increased damage, but it’s difficult to hit due to their hunched posture. Crippling the legs is crucial to slow them down.
3. Do Deathclaws ignore Damage Threshold (DT)?
Yes, under certain conditions. Vanilla Deathclaws can bypass DT if the player has a very high damage resistance (DR), dealing a fixed amount of damage. This makes DR stacking a risky strategy as DR over a certain amount won’t do anything against their attacks.
4. Can you pacify a Deathclaw?
Yes, you can. With the Wasteland Whisperer perk at level 3, you can pacify a Deathclaw and even give it commands. This is a late-game strategy in certain situations.
5. Are there friendly Deathclaws?
Yes, a **scripted Deathclaw** in the quest "The Devil's Due" will remain friendly to the player if its nest is not disturbed after returning a certain egg. This makes a single friendly deathclaw.
6. How do you survive early Deathclaw attacks?
In the early stages, your best bet is to run and reposition. Use the vault’s layout to your advantage and equip the best weapons available for your dwellers. The “runaway” method, as described above, can help you until you are prepared for a direct fight.
7. Why am I getting so many Deathclaw attacks?
Frequent attacks can result from using the radio room, sending dwellers to the wasteland, leaving vault doors open, and other activities that increase your vault’s visibility. This is a major risk and should only be attempted once you are confident in your vault’s defense systems.
8. Can Deathclaws turn invisible?
While Deathclaws themselves cannot turn invisible, certain high-tier enemies in some versions of the game, like the **Sentry Bot Eradicator**, may have that ability. Don't expect to see it from a regular Deathclaw.
9. How tough are Deathclaws?
They are extremely tough, with **thick hides** that resist blunt and edged weapons. They have **high resistance to physical and energy damage**, especially on their scaled parts. This is why armor piercing weapons are so important.
10. Are Deathclaws blind?
No, most Deathclaws have **limited vision**. However, a variant called the **Blind Deathclaw** has no vision at all. Blind Deathclaws rely on other senses but are typically weaker than other variants.
11. Can Deathclaws talk?
Yes, some intelligent Deathclaws exist due to Enclave experiments in New California. These are capable of higher thought and the ability to speak. However, this is not common, and these are rare.
12. Which Deathclaw is the strongest?
The **Mythic Deathclaw** from Fallout 4 is considered the strongest variant, boasting a massive 1,360 hit points. This is generally the most powerful variant that you will face.
13. Should I return the Deathclaw egg?
Returning the Deathclaw egg is generally the best course of action, as it maintains a friendly relationship. Taking the egg after returning it will lead to hostility, so only do this if you're ready for a fight.
14. Can you get a Deathclaw companion?
Yes, although it is uncommon. Goris is a canonical Deathclaw companion. Other non-canon titles contain other deathclaw companions. You can also tame a Deathclaw in some titles.
15. What is the best armor against Deathclaws?
Armor with a **high damage resistance (DR)**, especially ballistic resistance, is best. However, due to the conditions described in question 3, very high DR might not help. Combining **physical damage reduction and AP rounds** on your weapons is the best approach to take.
Conclusion
Deathclaws are undoubtedly one of the most challenging enemies in the wasteland. However, with proper preparation, the right weapons, and strategic thinking, they can be overcome. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and implementing the tactics outlined above, you’ll significantly increase your chances of surviving, whether you’re defending your vault or exploring the wilds. Stay vigilant, and always be ready for a Deathclaw encounter.