One of the hardest parts of Fallout: New Vegas is actually choosing what sort of character to play. There are so many basic archetypes to choose from and then there are almost infinite variations on exactly how you build your character that this game can be daunting to even start up. Here we have gathered up a bunch of basic character builds for the interested gamers to consult. Obviously we make no claims that these are “perfect” builds but they’re fairly well optimized to fit certain roles.

We’ve tried to include a fair variety of builds for players to choose from when picking from these but it’s very unlikely we’ve thought of everything. So just remember that the best build you can make in this game is the one you create especially for yourself. For example this writers’ personal build is something he jokingly refers to as “The Chatty Sniper” – it takes Small Frame, Trigger Discipline and Tags Guns, Sneak and Speech.

There are a few things to note about the builds listed below:

About laser builds: When making a laser using character it doesn’t necessarily require its own unique build. You can simply have the lasers replace the weapons from almost any other build. So a sniper type could take Energy Weapons and use those as his sniping instruments. But it does help to give yourself Science to aid in recharging energy cells. Barter is also arguably more helpful than Repair since you won’t find many laser weapons early on so you want to have enough money to pay for repairs.

Another important thing to take note of is Hardcore mode. Take note that it isn’t actually all that difficult, merely a bit more complicated. The trick here is that you must always be aware of the various extra stats in this mode. Sleeping, eating and drinking are constantly required but making sure you have the supplies when you need them can be quite tricky.

Lastly, be aware that you can always replace a suggested perk with a select few other perks: Swift Learner, Intense Training, Comprehension, Educated or Tag! The Perks listed are simply suggestions, and you can quite easily replace them with one of these. Also more than 15 of them are listed simply to show you which are suggested for the character build in question.

Check out the rest of our Fallout: New Vegasguides right here:

Fallout: New Vegas Super Review | Companion Character Guide | Snow Globe Guide

Melee Warrior

A melee character is definitely a heck of a challenge in the Fallout games. Many of the enemies are stronger and more dangerous in melee than you are, so it’s a risk every time you get near them; also, Deathclaws. The hard part to a melee character is that you must wear light armor if you wish to close in on enemies fast enough that their guns won’t tear you to shreds but when forced into a heads up battle against multiple foes with guns light armor won’t help you too much.

Playing this character can be somewhat difficult if you’re not good at the game. You’re going to need to use strong weapons, target enemies vital points and then slice away at them. Since VATs only allows you to target the enemy in general you’ll need to do things manually. Aim for enemy limbs or their head when slicing away so as to hamper their ability to fight back. When fighting other melee opponents be sure to use VATs since those attacks are unblockable and be sure to block often.

Strength: 7

Perception: 4

Endurance: 6

Charisma: 5

Intelligence: 6

Agility: 5

Luck: 7

Tagged Skills

Melee Weapons

Sneak

Medicine

Traits

Heavy Handed

Kamikaze

Perks

Hunter

Swift Learner

Black Widow / Lady Killer

Cherchez la Femme / Confirmed Bachelor

Travel Light (if using Light Armor)

Entomologist

Bloody Mess

Living Anatomy

Stonewall

Super Slam

Finesse

Fast Metabolism

Piercing Strike

Silent Running

Unstoppable Force

Ninja

Slayer

With this build we’re doing our best to do as much damage to enemies as quickly as possible. Most of the Perks we’re taking are giving us damage bonuses against particular types of enemies: Hunter and Entomologist will grant you damage bonuses on animals, notably against Geckos and Cazadors. Perks like Black Widow / Lady Killer and Cherchez la Femme / Confirmed Bachelor as well as Bloody Mess and Living Anatomy will get you up a very nice damage bonus against all humanoids.

The rest of the perks will grant you bonuses to damage or help you with penetrating enemy Damage Thresholds. Travel Light and Silent Running will make getting the jump on enemies a whole lot easier. When paired up with Heavy Hitter and Kamikaze you can easily get the jump on an enemy, hit them for a Sneak Attack critical and then use VATs to murder the crap out of them before they can fight back.

Partners: Since you’ll be in melee, Rex is somewhat redundant so you’ll want Ed-E instead. As for your humanoid companion, Boone is one of the best; his incredible sniper abilities will compliment you well. However going with Arcade Gannon will grant you extra healing from all sources (always helpful) and Raul the Ghoul will ensure that you spend less time worrying about equipment maintenance. Choose wisely.