What Attracts Deathclaws in Fallout Shelter? A Comprehensive Guide
Deathclaws, the apex predators of the wasteland, are a terrifying threat in Fallout Shelter. These formidable creatures can decimate an unprepared vault, making understanding what attracts them crucial for survival. In short, Deathclaws are primarily attracted to your vault when it reaches a population of 60 or more dwellers. However, several other factors can significantly increase the likelihood and frequency of these attacks. These triggers revolve around activities that signal your vault’s presence and activity to the wasteland, making you an easier target. Specifically, opening the vault door frequently, broadcasting with a radio station, and sending dwellers out into the wasteland or on quests, especially in rapid succession, significantly increase the chances of a Deathclaw assault. Let’s break down these factors in more detail and delve into how you can better manage these dangerous encounters.
Understanding Deathclaw Aggression Triggers
The game mechanics are designed to progressively challenge players as their vaults grow. As you expand and attract more dwellers, your vault becomes a more appealing target to the dangers lurking outside. Here’s a closer look at the primary triggers:
Population Size: The Threshold for Terror
The most significant factor is your vault’s population. Once you reach 60 dwellers, Deathclaw attacks become a very real possibility. This is a fundamental mechanic in the game designed to increase the difficulty. You will need better preparation and stronger defenses to protect your growing vault. It is important to note that in Survival Mode, Deathclaws can start appearing when your vault reaches just 35 dwellers. This greatly increases the challenge, making early defenses and resource management even more critical.
Vault Door Activity: A Beacon in the Wasteland
Every time you open your vault door, you are, in a sense, announcing your presence to the dangers lurking outside. While not an immediate trigger, frequent opening and closing of the vault door increases the likelihood of a Deathclaw attack. The game seems to track these door activities, making it clear that constant wasteland expeditions and returns, even if they’re short, can attract the attention of Deathclaws.
Radio Station Broadcasting: An Open Invitation
A radio station can attract new dwellers to your vault, which is beneficial. However, it also acts like a beacon, drawing the attention of unwanted guests like Deathclaws. Actively broadcasting into the wasteland makes you a more noticeable target. The higher the charisma level of your dwellers in the radio room and the more time they are broadcasting, the more likely you are to experience a Deathclaw attack.
Wasteland and Quest Activity: A Vulnerable Moment
Sending dwellers out to the wasteland or on quests creates moments of vulnerability. Deathclaws are more likely to attack right after you dispatch a team. This might be a game mechanism to simulate the noise or activity of dwellers exiting the vault, thus drawing unwanted attention. Therefore, immediately after sending dwellers out is a vulnerable time, so you should make sure your defenses are ready.
Strategies for Mitigation
Understanding what attracts Deathclaws is only half the battle; the other half is knowing how to mitigate the risks. Here are some key strategies:
Population Management
While you cannot avoid reaching 60 dwellers eventually, be aware of this threshold. Ensure that your vault is adequately prepared with strong weapons, armor, and trained dwellers before exceeding this mark.
Radio Room Tactics
If Deathclaw attacks become too frequent, consider limiting your use of the radio station. Focus on other ways to attract new dwellers temporarily. If you do use it, train your dwellers with maximum Luck and place them in the radio room to help mitigate the attacks.
Vault Door Defense
Invest early in upgrading your Vault Door. A stronger door provides more time for your defenses to react and helps slow the incoming Deathclaws. Placing your strongest, best-equipped dwellers in the first few rooms by the vault door allows you to quickly engage threats upon arrival.
Careful Quest and Wasteland Deployment
Avoid sending multiple dwellers out simultaneously, especially if you have noticed an increase in attacks. Prepare to defend your vault each time you send out a team. This preparedness can save you crucial time and lives during attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs to further your understanding of Deathclaw attacks in Fallout Shelter:
1. Can Deathclaws attack before 60 dwellers?
Yes, but only in Survival Mode, where they can begin appearing at 35 dwellers.
2. Do Deathclaws drop loot?
No, Deathclaws defeated inside your vault only provide XP upon death.
3. What are the best weapons against Deathclaws?
High-damage weapons with armor-piercing capabilities are most effective. These include anti-material rifles, miniguns (especially the Avenger), and sniper rifles with AP rounds.
4. Are there any weaknesses of Deathclaws?
While they are tough, explosives, especially mines to cripple their legs, can significantly hinder their movement and effectiveness.
5. Can you get a Deathclaw companion in Fallout Shelter?
No, unlike some of the mainline games, there are no Deathclaw companions in Fallout Shelter.
6. Is there a way to trigger a Deathclaw attack?
Yes, you can send a dweller to the wasteland then immediately bring them back multiple times. This rapid opening and closing of the vault door often triggers an attack. However, make sure you are ready for it.
7. Does the level of my dwellers matter for Deathclaw fights?
Yes, higher level dwellers, especially those trained in combat, will perform better in Deathclaw encounters.
8. Does equipment matter in Deathclaw fights?
Absolutely, dwellers equipped with strong weapons and good armor will significantly increase your chances of defeating a Deathclaw assault.
9. How do I know if Deathclaws are coming?
A distinct alarm will sound just before a Deathclaw attack occurs giving you a heads up. Pay attention to the audio cues.
10. Does luck help against Deathclaws?
Luck can increase the critical hit chance in combat; however, it does not stop or deter Deathclaw attacks. It can help you defeat them when they do attack.
11. Do Deathclaws attack differently in different modes?
Yes, in Survival Mode, they appear more frequently and sooner and are generally more dangerous.
12. Is it possible to stop all Deathclaw attacks?
No, as long as your vault is over the population threshold, the game will always have a chance of sending a Deathclaw attack. However, you can significantly reduce the frequency by being mindful of the triggers.
13. How long do Deathclaw attacks typically last?
Deathclaw attacks often last longer than a raider attack, with more enemies, and will usually require more dwellers to defend against.
14. How do you find the Mysterious Stranger and does that affect Deathclaws?
The Mysterious Stranger is a random event. Using sound and then app switching can help. It does not affect Deathclaw attacks, but can be helpful for gaining caps during combat.
15. What is the “cruelest” vault in Fallout and how is it related to Deathclaws?
Vault 11 was one of the most cruel with enforced human sacrifice. Vaults have nothing to do with how Deathclaws are in fallout shelter.
By understanding what attracts Deathclaws and implementing the mitigation strategies provided, you will be better equipped to defend your vault and ensure the survival of your precious dwellers in the challenging world of Fallout Shelter.