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When Should I Start Fallout DLC? A Wastelander’s Guide

So, you’ve braved the wasteland, leveled up your character, and maybe even started building a settlement or two. The siren song of downloadable content (DLC) is calling, promising new lands, challenging enemies, and shiny loot. But when is the right time to dive in? The answer, like most things in the Fallout universe, is: it depends. However, a good rule of thumb is to wait until you are around level 20-30 and have a decent understanding of the core gameplay mechanics. Jumping in too early can lead to frustration, while waiting too long might make the DLC feel trivial. Let’s delve into the specifics.

Understanding the DLC Difficulty Curves

Each Fallout DLC is designed with a specific level range in mind. While you can technically start some earlier, you’ll likely find yourself facing enemies that can one-shot you, and quests that are significantly more challenging than anything you’ve encountered in the main game.

Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage can be started relatively early, but The Pitt and Point Lookout are best tackled around level 20 or higher. Mothership Zeta is the toughest and rewards a higher level character, perhaps around level 25-30.
Fallout: New Vegas: Dead Money is notorious for its difficulty and resource scarcity, making it best suited for characters around level 20. Honest Hearts is slightly easier and can be attempted a bit earlier, around level 15-20. Old World Blues is full of challenging enemies and intricate quests, recommending a level around 25-30. Lonesome Road is intended as a grand finale and should be played near the end of your playthrough, ideally around level 30+.
Fallout 4: Automatron can be started relatively early, around level 15, as it introduces crafting mechanics. Wasteland Workshop doesn’t have a level recommendation as it’s purely settlement-based. Far Harbor is best experienced around level 25-30 due to its challenging enemies and complex storyline. Contraptions Workshop and Vault-Tec Workshop are also settlement-focused and do not require a specific level. Nuka-World is designed for high-level characters, ideally level 30+, as it presents significant combat challenges.

Considering Your Playstyle and Build

Your character build also plays a crucial role in determining when you should start a Fallout DLC. A well-rounded character with decent combat skills will fare better than a character who has focused solely on, say, crafting or speech.

Melee Builds: DLCs like The Pitt (Fallout 3) and Dead Money (Fallout: New Vegas), which often force you into close-quarters combat, can be particularly challenging for melee-focused characters at lower levels. Ensure you have adequate armor and weapon skills.
Stealth Builds: DLCs like Honest Hearts (Fallout: New Vegas), which offer opportunities for stealthy approaches, can be more forgiving for characters who prioritize sneaking and critical hits.
VATS Builds: If you rely heavily on VATS, make sure you have a good supply of Action Points and the appropriate perks before venturing into DLC territories.
Crafting/Settlement Builds: While DLCs like Automatron (Fallout 4) provide crafting opportunities, they also require you to face enemies. Don’t neglect your combat skills entirely.

Progression of Difficulty Within the DLC

It’s also crucial to understand that the difficulty within each DLC can fluctuate. Some DLCs, like Dead Money (Fallout: New Vegas), start off challenging and gradually become easier as you acquire better equipment and skills. Others, like Lonesome Road (Fallout: New Vegas), ramp up the difficulty as you progress through the storyline. Understanding the difficulty curve within each DLC can help you prepare accordingly.

Benefits of Starting DLCs Early

While caution is advised, there are some benefits to starting DLCs early, especially on subsequent playthroughs:

Unique Gear: Some DLCs offer powerful and unique weapons and armor that can significantly boost your character’s capabilities early on.
Early Perks: Some DLCs provide access to valuable perks that can enhance your build.
A Change of Scenery: If you’re feeling burnt out on the main game, DLCs offer a fresh perspective and a new environment to explore.

Thematic Considerations

Beyond just the gameplay implications, consider the thematic fit of the DLC with your current playthrough. Are you playing a morally grey character? Nuka-World might be a natural fit. Are you roleplaying as a survivalist? Honest Hearts could be a great choice. Integrating the DLC into your character’s story can enhance your overall experience. It can also show you some of the concepts that games can be great tools for social change, as demonstrated by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

FAQs: Your DLC Questions Answered

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you further decide when to start your Fallout DLC:

1. Can I start Fallout DLC at level 1?

Technically, yes, but it’s generally not recommended. You’ll likely be overwhelmed by the difficulty and lack of resources.

2. Does the order of DLC matter?

For Fallout 3 and 4, the order doesn’t matter too much. For Fallout: New Vegas, there is a narrative connection between Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Old World Blues, and Lonesome Road, with Lonesome Road intended as the final chapter.

3. Will DLC enemies scale to my level?

Some DLCs have level scaling, but it’s not always consistent. High-level players may still find some enemies challenging, while low-level players may struggle regardless of scaling.

4. What happens if I’m overleveled for a DLC?

The DLC might feel less challenging, but you can always increase the difficulty setting to compensate.

5. Can I return to the main game after starting a DLC?

Yes, you can typically travel back and forth between the main game and the DLC areas freely (though Dead Money in Fallout: New Vegas restricts you until you finish the questline).

6. How long does each DLC take to complete?

It varies, but most Fallout DLCs offer around 10-20 hours of gameplay, depending on your playstyle.

7. Which DLC has the best loot?

Each DLC offers unique and powerful gear. Nuka-World (Fallout 4) is known for its unique weapons and armor, while Old World Blues (Fallout: New Vegas) provides access to advanced technology.

8. Which DLC is the most challenging?

Dead Money (Fallout: New Vegas) and Point Lookout (Fallout 3) are generally considered the most difficult due to their resource scarcity and challenging enemies.

9. Do I need to complete the main story before starting DLC?

No, you can start DLCs at any point in the main story.

10. Will DLC progress affect my main game?

Yes, any items, levels, or perks you gain in a DLC will carry over to the main game.

11. How do I access the DLC?

DLCs are usually accessed through radio signals, quest markers, or travel options that appear on your map after installation.

12. Are there any missable items or quests in the DLCs?

Yes, some DLCs contain missable items or quests. It’s always a good idea to consult a walkthrough or guide if you want to ensure you don’t miss anything.

13. Which DLC has the best story?

Far Harbor (Fallout 4) and Old World Blues (Fallout: New Vegas) are often praised for their compelling storylines and memorable characters.

14. Can I play the DLC with mods installed?

Yes, but some mods may conflict with the DLCs. It’s always a good idea to test your mods before starting a DLC to ensure compatibility.

15. Should I play the DLCs on my first playthrough?

Yes, absolutely! Experiencing the DLCs enhances the overall Fallout experience and provides valuable content and challenges. Just make sure you’re prepared for the difficulty.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best time to start Fallout DLC is when you feel ready. Consider your level, build, and preferred playstyle, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The wasteland awaits!

When should I start Fallout DLC?