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Where Should I Leave My Power Armor in Fallout 4? A Comprehensive Guide

The Commonwealth wasteland is a dangerous place, and power armor is your best friend when things get hairy. But lugging it around everywhere can be a pain. So, where’s the best place to stash your metal behemoth when you want to travel light? The short answer: your settlements, specifically Red Rocket Truck Stop or Sanctuary Hills, or any well-defended base of operations, as long as you take the proper precautions! Let’s dive into the details.

Safe Havens: Settlements are Key

Your settlements offer the most secure locations for storing your power armor. Why? Because you can control access, build defenses, and, most importantly, implement theft-prevention measures. Here’s a breakdown of why settlements are superior and how to make them even safer:

Prioritize Well-Defended Settlements

Red Rocket Truck Stop and Sanctuary Hills are popular choices due to their early availability and easily defensible positions. But any settlement can work if you invest in its security.

High Walls and Guard Posts: Enclose your settlement with sturdy walls. This slows down attackers, giving your settlers time to react and you time to suit up. Position guard posts at strategic locations for maximum coverage.
Turrets, Turrets, Turrets: Load up on turrets. Missile turrets, heavy laser turrets, and machine gun turrets will shred most attackers. Place them along your walls and in open areas for overlapping fields of fire.
Enough Settlers: A well-populated settlement is a well-defended settlement. Settlers can act as a first line of defense, and more hands mean more help repairing damaged defenses after a fight.

The Fusion Core Dilemma: Key to Security

The biggest risk to leaving power armor unattended is theft. Both hostile NPCs and even your own settlers will hop into your precious armor if given the chance, especially during an attack. The solution? Remove the fusion core!

The Fusion Core is the Key: Without a fusion core, the power armor is essentially a giant metal statue. No one can activate it, preventing theft.
Store Fusion Cores Securely: Don’t just drop your fusion cores on the ground. Store them in a container near your power armor station for easy access when you need them.

Power Armor Stations: Organization and Repair

Power armor stations are a must-have for any power armor enthusiast. They allow you to:

Repair Damaged Armor: Maintain your armor’s integrity by repairing damaged pieces. This ensures maximum protection in combat.
Customize and Upgrade: Modify your power armor with new paint jobs, mods, and armor pieces to improve its performance.
Organized Storage: Keep your power armor components neatly organized and easily accessible.
Easy Access for Companions: It is an easy access point when you are traveling with a companion.

Displaying Multiple Suits

If you’re a collector, you’ll want to display multiple suits of power armor. Here are some tips for creating a power armor garage:

Dedicated Space: Designate a specific area for your power armor, preferably indoors to protect them from the elements.
Strategic Placement: Position your power armor stations in a visually appealing arrangement.
Lighting: Use good lighting to showcase your collection. Spotlights and ambient lighting can add a dramatic effect.

When NOT to Leave Your Power Armor

While settlements are generally safe, there are a few situations where leaving your power armor is a bad idea:

Unsecured Locations: Don’t leave your power armor in random locations in the wasteland. It will eventually despawn, and even if it doesn’t, it’s an easy target for thieves.
Areas with Frequent Hostile Encounters: If you know you’ll be fighting a lot in a particular area, keep your power armor with you. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Diamond City: While NPCs won’t steal it if you remove the fusion core, it is an unnecessary risk. You have no control over the area’s security.

Alternate Storage Options (Use with Caution)

While settlements are the best option, here are some alternative, riskier options:

Red Rocket Truck Stop Workbench Storage: While mentioned in the game, relying solely on the workbench’s “near-infinite” storage for power armor pieces is generally not recommended. While the workbench itself is safe for items, the power armor frame still needs to be secured by removing the fusion core.
Commanding Companions: You can order a companion to enter power armor. This effectively stores it on their person, but be aware that companions can die in combat, potentially losing your armor.

Ultimately, prioritize the safety and security of your power armor by keeping it in a well-defended settlement with the fusion core removed. This ensures your metal friend will be waiting for you when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding power armor storage and usage in Fallout 4:

Can NPCs take my power armor? Yes, both in your settlements and in the open world, NPCs (both friendly and hostile) can enter your power armor if a fusion core is inserted. Removing the fusion core is the key to preventing this.
Does power armor stay in your camp? Unattended power armor will eventually despawn if left in the open world. Always store it at a power armor station in a well-defended settlement.
Can I leave my power armor in Diamond City? Yes, you can technically leave it in Diamond City (minus the fusion core). However, it’s not recommended due to lack of control over the area’s security. Settlements are far safer.
What happens if I lose my power armor? If lost due to a bug or despawning, it’s usually gone for good. This is why storing it securely is crucial. If a hostile NPC takes it, the frame is lost forever but you can recover the pieces.
How many power armor suits are in Fallout 4? There are four main types: T-45, T-51, T-60, and X-01. You can find multiple suits of each type throughout the Commonwealth.
Can you make a settler wear power armor? Without mods, only you and your companions can directly wear power armor. Settlers will only enter it during an attack if a fusion core is present.
What’s the best power armor in Fallout 4 without DLC? The X-01 is generally considered the best power armor in the base game, offering superior damage resistance.
What is the weakness of power armor? The fusion core is the primary weakness. Removing it disables the armor. Additionally, sustained damage can break individual pieces, reducing its effectiveness.
How long does a fusion core last? In Fallout 4, fusion cores deplete relatively quickly, especially when sprinting or using VATS. Conserve them by using regular weapons for weaker enemies and only deploying power armor when needed.
Is power armor waterproof? While not explicitly stated in Fallout 4, power armor provides significant radiation resistance, suggesting a degree of environmental sealing.
What is the rarest power armor in Fallout 4? The X-01 power armor, especially with a full set of matching Mk. VI parts, is considered the rarest due to its high level requirement and somewhat random spawn locations.
What is the strongest armor in Fallout 4? The Marine Armor (from the Far Harbor DLC) is considered the strongest non-power armor, offering exceptional damage and radiation resistance.
Do settlers have unlimited ammo when using weapons? Yes, settlers only need one round of ammunition per weapon to fire it indefinitely. This applies to weapons you give them, but not to missile launchers or Fat Mans.
How do I get Maxson’s power armor? Maxson’s T-60 power armor can only be obtained by siding with the Institute and then using console commands on PC. It is not obtainable through normal gameplay with the Brotherhood of Steel storyline.
Can power armor fly? With the jetpack mod installed, power armor can fly, but it consumes fusion core power at an accelerated rate. It also drains Action Points.

Remember, responsible power armor ownership is key to survival in the Commonwealth. Keep your metal suit safe, secure, and ready for action!

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Where should I leave my power armor?