Unearthing the Best Crops in the Wasteland: A Fallout 4 Farming Guide

So, you’re wandering the Commonwealth, dodging Deathclaws and Super Mutants, and thinking, “There’s gotta be a better way to survive than scavenging dirty water and expired Salisbury steak.” You’re absolutely right! Farming in Fallout 4 isn’t just a side activity; it’s a cornerstone of settlement building, resource management, and overall wasteland survival. And the question on everyone’s mind is: What’s the best thing to grow in Fallout 4?

The short answer? It depends. But if you’re going for sheer profitability, Mutfruit is king. But let’s dig deeper (pun intended!).

Mutfruit: The Wasteland’s Cash Crop

Mutfruit stands out as the most lucrative crop you can cultivate in Fallout 4 for a variety of reasons:

• High Value: Mutfruit fetches a higher price than other common crops like Corn, Tatos, and Carrots. This means more caps in your pocket, which is crucial for buying supplies, gear, and even expanding your settlements.
• Lightweight: Mutfruit is remarkably light for its value. This is a game-changer if you plan on transporting large quantities for sale. The article mentioned that it weighs considerably less than Tato and Melons.
• Settlement Happiness: Assigning settlers to grow Mutfruit contributes to their happiness. Happy settlers are more productive and less likely to cause trouble. A thriving farm translates directly into a thriving community.
• Adhesive Potential: While Corn, Tatos, and Mutfruit form the adhesive trifecta, Mutfruit’s higher base value makes it a more attractive option for those prioritizing caps over pure adhesive production.
• Food Units: Each Mutfruit plant counts as 1.0 food unit, allowing you to get more bang for your buck when assigning settlers.

While Mutfruit is the best choice for settlement health and economy, a balanced farm is best to maximize the benefits that you can get.

The Adhesive Trifecta: Corn, Tatos, and Mutfruit

Although Mutfruit reigns supreme in terms of value, it’s crucial to remember the importance of adhesive. Adhesive is essential for crafting weapons, armor, settlement structures, and countless other items. The key ingredients for crafting vegetable starch, a vital component for making adhesive, are:

• Corn
• Tatos
• Mutfruit
• Purified Water

This is why many players advocate for a diversified farm that includes all three crops. While you might prioritize Mutfruit for caps, don’t neglect Corn and Tatos, especially in early to mid-game. Purified water can be made very easy.

Beyond the Basics: Other Viable Crop Options

While Mutfruit, Corn, and Tatos are the staples, other crops can contribute to your settlement’s well-being and your character’s survival:

• Carrots: Provide a small amount of health and radiation resistance.
• Melons: Offer good hydration and a slight health boost.
• Gourds: Similar to melons, provide hydration and some nourishment.
• Razorgrain: Used in various cooking recipes and as an ingredient in beer.

Ultimately, the “best” crop for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.

Setting Up Your Farm: Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips to maximize your farming efficiency in Fallout 4:

• Fertilize: Use fertilizer to improve plant growth.
• Acquire Crop Seeds: Visit the Abernathy Farm for crops.
• Planters: Use planters to allow you to grow crops anywhere, including inside.
• Adequate Water: Use plenty of water to improve the quality of the crop.
• Water Source: Ensure your settlement has a reliable water source (wells, purifiers) to keep your crops healthy.
• Fertilizer: Use fertilizer to boost crop yields.
• Defense: Protect your crops from raids by building walls, turrets, and guard posts.
• Automatrons: Build and program robots to perform farming tasks.
• Supply Lines: Establish supply lines between settlements to share excess food and resources.

Farming for Experience

For those looking to level up quickly, farming can provide a surprising amount of experience. Planting, harvesting, and crafting food items all grant XP. A large, well-managed farm can be a valuable tool for character progression.

The Role of Food in Survival Mode

In Survival Mode, food and water become even more critical. Hunger and thirst meters deplete rapidly, and neglecting these needs can lead to penalties to your stats and even death. Farming becomes essential for maintaining your character’s health and well-being. Noodle cups provide hunger, and a Mutfruit should do the trick to survive.

The Psychological Benefits of Farming

Finally, let’s not forget the psychological benefits of farming. In the bleak wasteland, a thriving farm can be a symbol of hope and resilience. It provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, reminding you that even in the face of adversity, life can still flourish.

For those interested in exploring the educational applications of games like Fallout 4, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They’re doing fascinating work on how games can be used as tools for learning and social change.

Ultimately, the best crop in Fallout 4 is the one that best suits your needs and playstyle. Experiment, diversify, and most importantly, have fun! Now get out there and start planting!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information for Fallout 4 farmers:

1. How many crops can one settler farm in Fallout 4?

A single settler can effectively manage 6 food units of crops. This translates to 12 Corn/Tatos/Carrots (0.5 food units each) or 6 Mutfruit (1.0 food units each), or any combination that totals 6 units.

2. Where can I find seeds or starter crops in Fallout 4?

You can purchase starter crops from various vendors, including those at Abernathy Farm. Exploring settlements and scavenging can also yield seeds and usable crops.

3. Do crops grow automatically in Fallout 4?

Yes, crops will grow without you actively tending to them. However, you need to assign settlers to harvest the crops and ensure they are collected regularly. Otherwise, the crops will just sit there fully grown.

4. Do I need to water my crops in Fallout 4?

No, the watering of crops is not a mechanic in Fallout 4. The game only requires a source of water if you plan on filtering it.

5. How do supply lines affect food distribution in Fallout 4?

Supply lines allow you to share excess food and water between connected settlements. If one settlement has a surplus, it will be distributed to settlements that are lacking. This is best done with a provisioner.

6. What is the best way to defend my farm from raids in Fallout 4?

Build walls, turrets, and guard posts around your farm to deter raiders and other hostile creatures. A strong defense is crucial for protecting your crops and settlers.

7. Can robots farm in Fallout 4?

Yes, with the Automatron DLC, you can build robots and assign them to farming tasks. This can significantly increase your farm’s efficiency.

8. What is the best food to craft for healing in Fallout 4?

The best food for healing often depends on what you have available. However, cooked meats generally provide more health restoration than raw foods. Experiment with different recipes to find what works best for you.

9. How do I make adhesive in Fallout 4?

Adhesive is crafted at a cooking station using Corn, Tatos, Mutfruit, and Purified Water. Combining these ingredients creates vegetable starch, a key component for crafting adhesive.

10. Is it worth building indoor farms in Fallout 4?

Indoor farms can be useful in settlements with limited outdoor space. They also provide protection from the elements and potential raiders.

11. What is the purpose of fertilizer in Fallout 4?

Fertilizer can be used to boost the growth rate and yield of your crops. However, it’s not essential for farming.

12. Can my crops be damaged or destroyed in Fallout 4?

Yes, crops can be damaged or destroyed during raids. That’s why a strong defense is important.

13. Are there any perks that benefit farming in Fallout 4?

While there aren’t any perks directly related to farming, perks that improve your crafting, settlement building, and defense capabilities will indirectly benefit your farm.

14. What do I do with excess crops in Fallout 4?

You can sell excess crops to vendors for caps, use them in cooking recipes, or store them for future use.

15. How do I know if my settlement has enough food in Fallout 4?

Check the settlement’s stats in the workshop menu. The food stat should be equal to or greater than the number of settlers in the settlement. If it’s lower, you need to increase your food production.