How Many Fusion Cores Can You Find in Fallout 4? A Wastelander’s Guide

The simple answer? Limitless. You can find them in various locations, enemies wearing power armor, and even ammo boxes. As a seasoned wanderer of the Commonwealth, I’ve made it my business to hoard these vital energy sources. Forget scrounging for caps; a true survivor knows the value of a fully charged fusion core. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of how to amass a veritable fortune in fusion cores in Fallout 4.

Understanding the Fusion Core Economy

Before we get into specific locations, let’s discuss how fusion cores function within the game’s ecosystem. These glowing cylinders are the lifeblood of power armor, providing the energy needed for movement, V.A.T.S., and the use of certain modifications like the jetpack. Understanding their usage and drain rate is crucial for efficient resource management. Factors such as running, using V.A.T.S., and certain weapon mods contribute to faster core depletion.

Prime Locations for Fusion Core Hunting

Now for the fun part: where to find these coveted power sources. The Commonwealth is littered with potential sources if you know where to look:

• Nuka-World Junkyard: As mentioned, Nuka-World, the final big DLC for Fallout 4, is a treasure trove for fusion cores, especially if you are favoring power armor. The Nuka-World junkyard stands out as a prime location.

• Power Plants: A cornerstone of sustainable fusion core acquisition is the Power Plant. There are three in the game, and they feature Fusion Core Processors. Restore power, and these processors will churn out a fully charged core roughly every seven minutes. This method requires significant investment in power generation but offers a steady, reliable income.

• Robotics Disposal Ground: Conveniently located east of Vault 111, this area provides an early game opportunity to snag some cores alongside a Fat Man. A great way to get an early advantage!

• Super Duper Mart: Found northeast of Lexington, the Super Duper Mart hides a fusion core amongst its ruined shelves.

• Vault 81: The area known as Vault 81 is a Vault Location in the central area of The Commonwealth. You can obtain access to the Vault with three fusion cores as a means of payment. Alternatively, the Sole Survivor may pass a Hard Charisma check.

The Art of Acquisition: Thievery and Combat

Finding cores is only half the battle. Often, you’ll need to acquire them through less-than-savory means. But hey, it’s the apocalypse, right?

• Pickpocketing Power Armor: This is arguably the most consistent method. Every enemy or even ally wearing power armor has a fusion core powering their suit. With the right perks and a bit of stealth, you can swipe that core right out of their back, leaving them stranded and vulnerable.

• Looting Enemies: Especially in areas with high concentrations of raiders or Gunners, you’ll often find enemies wearing power armor. Defeat them and loot the fusion core from their inventories. Areas like the Glowing Sea or fortified raider camps are prime hunting grounds.

Exploiting Game Mechanics

Fallout 4, like many Bethesda games, has quirks that can be exploited for personal gain. Keep in mind that these may be patched out in future updates, but for now, they’re fair game.

• The Prydwen Glitch: On the Prydwen, the Brotherhood of Steel’s airship, you can steal fusion cores from NPCs walking around in power armor, providing a potentially infinite supply.

• Companion Exploitation: While companions require a fusion core to enter power armor, they don’t actually consume them. This means you can equip them with power armor and never have to worry about replacing their core. It is also recommended to remove the Fusion Core when you dismiss them since there have been instances where the companion will wonder back to their home location.

Crafting and Manufacturing

While you cannot craft fusion cores in the vanilla game, the Workshop system offers a viable alternative:

• Fusion Core Processors: As mentioned earlier, establishing a well-defended workshop near a power plant and investing in the Fusion Core Processor is a sustainable long-term solution.

Fusion Core: Additional Notes

Here is a quick guide with additional information about fusion cores:

• Crafting fusion cores: Fusion cores may be crafted at chemistry stations. Crafted Gatling lasers and ultracite Gatling lasers will also produce 1 fusion core.
• Workshops: Providing 100 power to a fusion core processor will generate 1 fusion core at 100% charge every 7.5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Finding fusion cores in Fallout 4 is a matter of exploration, strategic planning, and, sometimes, a little bit of thievery. With a combination of these methods, you can ensure you always have a fully charged suit of power armor ready for any challenge the wasteland throws your way. Remember to optimize your playstyle, consider relevant perks, and utilize available resources to maximize your fusion core acquisition. Good luck out there, and stay powered up!

Fusion Core FAQs: All You Need to Know

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about fusion cores in Fallout 4, answered with the expertise of a seasoned wasteland survivor.

1. Do fusion cores respawn in Fallout 4?

Fusion Cores are static so unless you see them in power armor being used by enemies then you won’t find them randomly. The guide tells you where you will find them.

2. Are there any fusion cores in Sanctuary?

Yes, there is a fusion core near Sanctuary. The first core is hidden in a cave directly beneath the Red Rocket outside Sanctuary. The cave is protected by Molerats. You’ll find the core on the rightmost of the three branches after entering the cave, on the floor next to the ruined reactor.

3. Can you craft fusion cores in Fallout 4?

No, in the vanilla game, you cannot craft or “charge” Fusion Cores, but that is hardly an issue as they are quite plentiful. You can however, craft Gatling lasers and ultracite Gatling lasers at the chemistry station that will produce 1 fusion core.

4. Can you pickpocket fusion cores in Fallout 4?

Absolutely! As already mentioned, fusion cores power up power armors, which means that any enemies or even allies who happen to be wearing a power armor will be carrying one in their inventory.

5. Do companions run out of fusion cores in power armor?

Companions require a power core in the armor to use it, but do not consume the power cores. So companions have unlimited power armor time.

6. Are there any fusion cores in Lexington in Fallout 4?

Yes, there is a fusion core in Lexington! The Super Duper Mart is located on the northeastern side of Lexington, South of Concord. There are 2 Locked Safes, 1 Fusion Core, and 1 Book in this location.

7. What depletes a fusion core the fastest in Fallout 4?

Using a jetpack, running, and holding your breath when sniping all deplete fusion cores faster. Anything that uses your action points will cause a drain on fusion cores.

8. What’s the fastest way to get fusion cores in Fallout 4?

The “best way” is probably to produce jet and sell it and just buy them from merchants – don’t have to fight anybody for them or do much exploring. If you have Automatron installed, there are a lot more robots running around, and many of the higher-end ones have fusion cores. Otherwise, just do a lot of exploring.

9. Can you use power armor without a fusion core in Fallout 4?

Yes, power armour does NOT need a fusion core to be used. It is still extremely beneficial to use power armor in areas with high enemy density, even if it is not powered!

10. Where is Vault 81 located in Fallout 4?

The area known as Vault 81 is a Vault Location in the central area of The Commonwealth. It is located to the South of Oberland Station along the train tracks and just West of Chestnut Hillock Reservoir.

11. Can you get into Vault 81 without fusion cores?

Yes, McNamara will advise the player character that if they want to enter the Vault, they need to bring three fusion cores as a means of payment. Alternatively, the Sole Survivor may pass a Hard Charisma check. If the choice is made to part with the cores, they will be compensated with 100 bottlecaps by the overseer.

12. How do you get unlimited fusion cells in Fallout 4?

With patch 1.4, fusion cells can be found with the Scrounger perk. By doing the Call to Arms quest, it is possible to potentially get an infinite amount of fusion cells. At the end of the quest, one must press a button to stop the waves of synths attacking Paladin Danse.

13. Can you build fusion core generators in Fallout 4?

Yes, unlike the fusion generators found around the wasteland, fusion generators built by the player do not have a light above the main control panel. Fusion generators can be shut down and powered back up by pressing upon the fusion core in the main panel. Workshops: Providing 100 power to a fusion core processor will generate 1 fusion core at 100% charge every 7.5 minutes.

14. What is the secret gun in Vault 111?

In Vault 111 there is a locked container that hold the Cryolator ultimate weapon. You passed it while exiting the Vault with the character commenting on it. Normally you wouldn’t have access to the weapon until much later in the game. But there is a way to obtain the Cryolator once you have Dogmeat as a companion.

15. What is the secret loot in Vault 111?

Two security batons and two 10mm pistols can be found in Vault 111. What makes these weapons unique is that they will always automatically be equipped when picked up, even if they are modified and renamed at a weapon modding station. Four stimpaks can be found in Vault 111. You should also explore the area thoroughly to not miss any hidden loot.

Fallout 4 offers a vast and engaging experience, encouraging players to explore, strategize, and adapt to the challenges of the wasteland. Understanding the game’s mechanics and economy, like the significance of fusion cores, can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. For more insights into the intersection of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Gaming is more than just entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for education and skill-building.