Should You Wear Armor Under Power Armor? The Ultimate Fallout Guide

So, you’ve stumbled upon the wasteland’s most coveted prize: a suit of Power Armor. The question now burning in your mind is: “Do I ditch my trusty leather armor or combat gear before climbing into this metal behemoth?” The short answer is a resounding NO. Wearing standard armor under your Power Armor in Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 provides absolutely no benefit and is therefore redundant. Let’s dive deep into why this is the case and explore everything you need to know about Power Armor.

The Mechanics of Power Armor: Stripped Bare

Power Armor functions as an entirely separate layer of protection. Think of it as piloting a vehicle, not wearing a very thick jacket. Once you enter the frame, your regular armor and clothing are effectively shelved, and their defensive stats and special effects are completely ignored. Any perceived benefit is purely placebo.

• Armor Deactivation: The moment you hop into your Power Armor, the game deactivates all equipped armor and clothing slots.
• Stat Override: Power Armor doesn’t add to your existing stats; it overrides them. It sets your base Strength to 10 (in most cases) and provides its own damage and radiation resistance.
• Mod Effects Nullified: Those sweet legendary effects on your armor pieces – the ones that make you move faster or increase your agility – vanish the instant you enter Power Armor.
• Weight Still Matters: While the protective qualities are nullified, the weight of your clothing and armor still contributes to your overall encumbrance. So, unless you want to be weighed down for no reason, shed the extra layers!

The Cons of Clinging to Your Undersuit

Beyond the obvious lack of benefit, there are subtle disadvantages to wearing armor beneath your Power Armor:

• Unnecessary Weight: As mentioned, extra weight slows you down, impacts your AP (Action Points), and reduces your carry capacity. This is especially crucial in Survival Mode.
• Visual Clutter: While not a game mechanic, it can be visually confusing to track your character’s status if you’re constantly switching between Power Armor and regular exploration.
• Missed Opportunities: Why lug around armor you’re not using? Store it at your base, trade it, or scrap it for resources.

Maximizing Your Power Armor Experience

Now that you know what not to do, let’s focus on maximizing your Power Armor potential:

• Focus on Fusion Cores: Power Armor needs juice, and that comes from Fusion Cores. Stock up, learn to conserve them (short bursts of sprint, strategic use of VATS), and consider perks that extend their lifespan.
• Regular Repairs: Your armor takes a beating, so keep it maintained. Regularly repair damaged pieces at a Power Armor station to ensure maximum protection.
• Mod It Up: This is where the real customization comes in. Jetpacks, calibrated shocks for increased carry weight, stealth boys – the possibilities are endless. Invest in Science! and Armorer perks to unlock the best modifications.
• Choose the Right Armor for the Job: Different Power Armor types excel in different areas. The X-01 is a tank, the T-60 is a versatile all-rounder, and the Raider Power Armor is… well, it’s better than nothing.

Beyond Protection: The Power Armor Advantage

It’s not just about the raw damage resistance. Power Armor offers unique advantages:

• Fall Damage Immunity: Leaping from buildings becomes a viable (and often hilarious) tactic.
• Carry Weight Boost: Even without calibrated shocks, the base Strength boost significantly increases your carry capacity.
• Environmental Protection: Complete immunity to radiation, poison, and other environmental hazards is invaluable in certain areas of the wasteland.
• Intimidation Factor: Let’s be honest, rolling up to a raider camp in a suit of Power Armor sends a message.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Power Armor

1. Does Power Armor make me invincible?

Absolutely not. While it provides significant damage resistance, you can still be killed, especially by energy weapons, critical hits, or overwhelming firepower. Always be vigilant!

2. What happens when my Power Armor breaks?

The individual pieces of your armor will become damaged and offer less protection. If a piece breaks completely, it offers no protection until repaired. You won’t be ejected from the armor, but you’ll be much more vulnerable.

3. Can enemies steal my Power Armor?

Most NPCs cannot use power armor but there are rare instances where you can encounter enemies that can enter power armor. To prevent this, always remove the Fusion Core. Without a core, no one can pilot it.

4. Does painting my Power Armor do anything?

Yes! Different paint jobs provide different bonuses, typically to Strength, Agility, or Charisma. Experiment to find the paint job that best suits your playstyle. Certain factions also offer unique paint schemes for aligning with them.

5. Which Power Armor is the best?

That depends on your priorities. The X-01 offers the highest overall protection, but the T-65 (Fallout 76) has incredible stats too. The Hellcat (Fallout 76) is very good as well and is obtainable through a quest line. Some players prefer the T-51 for its balanced stats and iconic look.

6. How do I find more Fusion Cores?

They can be found in generators, military installations, and purchased from vendors. Scavenge frequently and invest in perks like Scrounger to increase your chances of finding them.

7. Does my Strength stat matter outside of Power Armor if I plan to use it often?

Yes. Your Strength affects your carry weight, melee damage, and ability to equip certain weapons and armor when you are not in Power Armor.

8. Can I use Power Armor underwater?

Yes, but be mindful of your air supply (if applicable in your game version). Power Armor provides environmental protection, allowing you to explore underwater areas without taking radiation damage (if present).

9. Does Power Armor affect my stealth?

Yes, negatively. Power Armor is noisy, making it harder to sneak around. However, certain modifications (like Stealth Boy modules) can mitigate this.

10. Is there a weight penalty for wearing Power Armor?

No. Once you enter the armor, it negates the weight of the armor itself. However, it does not negate the weight of the armor and clothing you are wearing under the armor.

11. Can I fast travel in Power Armor?

Yes! As long as you have a Fusion Core and aren’t over-encumbered, you can fast travel.

12. What’s the deal with Underarmor in Fallout 76?

Unlike regular armor, Underarmor in Fallout 76 can provide benefits when wearing Power Armor. Underarmor can be upgraded and modified with linings for stat bonuses. It is worth investing time to find and improve this armor!

13. Is Power Armor air tight?

Yes, according to the lore. Electronic sealant strips and flexible joints ensure that power armour is fully enclosed for use in hazardous environments and even in the vacuum of space.

14. How does agility work in Fallout 4/76 power armor?

Wearing any type of power armor makes you move slightly slower, not only is it heavy but it reduces your agility.

15. What is the strongest Power Armour in Fallout 76?

Considering its attainability and utility, Hellcat is a strong contender for the best Power Armor in Fallout 76. The reason for this is that Hellcat is obtainable through a quest line and has an extra 12% ballistic damage reduction on top of the base 42%. Statistically, the most powerful Power Armor is T-65.

The Verdict: Embrace the Naked Truth (Underneath Your Armor)

Leave your regular armor at home when you’re rocking the Power Armor. Focus on managing your Fusion Cores, upgrading your suit, and using it strategically to dominate the wasteland. Remember to visit the Games Learning Society to explore ways to make learning as fun as gaming! You can find out more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.