Fallout 4 Best Perks – Top Picks for Combat & Survival
Fallout 4 doesn’t just drop you into a post-apocalyptic wasteland—it dares you to master it. From narrow alleys crawling with Raiders to Super Mutant strongholds built like bunkers, the Commonwealth rewards only those who come prepared. At the heart of that preparation? Perks. The right ones will turn you into a one-person army, while the wrong ones will leave you crawling through irradiated dirt with broken gear and no ammo.
But here’s the catch: Fallout 4 throws over 70 perks at you across its S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system. And while every build has its place, only a few rise above the rest when it comes to surviving brutal shootouts or enduring the harsh realities of Survival Mode. We’re not here to list every perk. We’re here to talk about the ones that matter.
Welcome to your ultimate Fallout 4 perks guide—combat-tested, survival-approved.
Combat Perks That Make You Unstoppable
Combat in Fallout 4 is chaotic, fast, and often deadly. The right perks don’t just give you a little edge; they stack the fight in your favor. Whether you prefer stealthy headshots or full-auto chaos, these are the perks that let you dominate.
1. Rifleman
Category: Strength
Why It Matters: If you're using non-automatic rifles, this is your bread and butter. Each rank boosts damage and begins to ignore enemy armor, turning your hunting rifle into a death sentence at range.
Perk Strategy: Ideal for stealth snipers, survivalists, and sharpshooters. Combine it with Ninja and Sneak for maximum output.
2. Commando
Category: Agility
Why It Matters: Spray-and-pray becomes spray-and-slay. Commando cranks up the damage of automatic weapons and improves hip-fire accuracy, a necessity when enemies rush your position.
Perk Strategy: Pair with Gun Nut and Bloody Mess for fast, lethal suppression fire.
3. Gunslinger
Category: Agility
Why It Matters: Pistol builds are lighter and more versatile, and this perk amplifies their damage while boosting limb crippling power.
Perk Strategy: Excellent for V.A.T.S. users and quick-draw combat. Combine with Action Boy/Girl.
4. Demolition Expert
Category: Perception
Why It Matters: If you’re playing with mines and grenades, this perk makes them worth every cap. Higher damage, better detonation, and a visible arc.
Perk Strategy: Build it out early if you use explosive weapons like the Fat Man or Missile Launcher.
5. Bloody Mess
Category: Luck
Why It Matters: A flat 5-15% increase in damage, no matter your weapon. The gore is extra, but the damage boost is what sells it.
Perk Strategy: It stacks nicely with any combat perk and is a solid choice across all builds.
Survival Perks That Keep You Alive
The Commonwealth is hostile even on Normal, but in Survival Mode, it’s downright cruel. Healing is slower, damage is punishing, and death comes quickly. These perks help you endure.
1. Lone Wanderer
Category: Charisma
Why It Matters: Without a companion, you take less damage and gain more carry weight. Perfect for players who prefer the lone wolf route.
Perk Strategy: Pair with Sneak and Rifleman for the ultimate silent hunter.
2. Medic
Category: Intelligence
Why It Matters: In Survival Mode, healing from Stimpaks is delayed. Medic speeds that up and boosts the healing amount.
Perk Strategy: Essential if you’re playing without heavy armor or high Endurance.
3. Lead Belly
Category: Endurance
Why It Matters: Radiation damage from food and drink adds up. Lead Belly reduces or eliminates it, meaning you can survive longer without purified resources.
Perk Strategy: Great early pick for Survival Mode, especially if you scavenge a lot.
4. Scrounger
Category: Luck
Why It Matters: Ammo is rare, especially in Survival. Scrounger gives you more chances to find it in containers.
Perk Strategy: Ideal for ballistic weapon users. Doesn’t affect energy weapons as much.
5. Local Leader
Category: Charisma
Why It Matters: If you’re building settlements, this perk lets you create crafting stations and supply lines, which are critical for survival logistics.
Perk Strategy: Combine with Cap Collector and Scrapper for full utility.
Table: Summary of the Best Perks
| Perk | Category | Best Use | Ideal Build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rifleman | Strength | Boost rifle damage and armor ignore | Stealth/Long-range |
| Commando | Agility | Amp up automatic weapons | Spray-and-pray builds |
| Gunslinger | Agility | Increase pistol damage & limb shots | V.A.T.S. or mobile builds |
| Demolition Expert | Perception | Lethal explosives & grenade arcs | Explosives-heavy loadouts |
| Bloody Mess | Luck | Flat damage boost | Universal/combat-heavy |
| Lone Wanderer | Charisma | Boost damage resist, carry weight | Solo Survival |
| Medic | Intelligence | Faster & more powerful healing | Survival & endurance builds |
| Lead Belly | Endurance | Reduce rad damage from food/water | Scavenger survival builds |
| Scrounger | Luck | More ammo found in containers | Ballistic weapon builds |
| Local Leader | Charisma | Build crafting/supply infrastructure | Settlement managers |
Bonus Picks: Underrated Perks Worth Considering
Action Boy / Action Girl
More Action Points and faster AP regen = more V.A.T.S., more survival.
Sneak
Vital for avoiding unnecessary fights. At max level, you won’t trigger mines.
Gun Nut & Science!
Not flashy, but mandatory if you want weapon mods or energy weapons.
Strong Back
Increases carry weight, and later levels let you fast travel when encumbered.
How to Build the Perfect Character
To truly get the most from these perks, start by planning your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stats. A good balance is key, but don’t spread too thin. Focus on three core stats depending on your playstyle:
Combat-Oriented: Perception, Agility, Luck
Survivor-Oriented: Endurance, Intelligence, Charisma
Mix and match depending on your build. For example, a sniper might prioritize Perception and Agility with Rifleman and Sneak. A tank could lean on Endurance and Strength with perks like Lifegiver and Pain Train.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best perks in Fallout 4?
The best perks depend on your playstyle, but universally strong picks include Rifleman, Commando, Bloody Mess, Medic, Lone Wanderer, and Scrounger. These perks offer raw damage, healing support, and long-term survival advantages.
What perks should I choose first in Fallout 4?
Start with your preferred weapon perk (Rifleman, Commando, or Gunslinger), then grab a utility perk like Medic or Lone Wanderer. If you're in Survival Mode, Medic and Lead Belly should be priorities.
Can I change my perks later in Fallout 4?
Not in the base game. However, mods on PC allow respec options using terminals or console commands.
Are Luck perks worth it?
Absolutely. Many Luck perks like Bloody Mess and Scrounger provide consistent benefits across all builds. If you plan to use V.A.T.S., perks like Critical Banker and Grim Reaper's Sprint are also solid choices.
Final Word
Fallout 4 rewards those who build smart. The game might not hold your hand, but with the right perks in your arsenal, you won’t need it to. Whether you're gunning through raider nests or scraping through the dirt for clean water, these perks shape your path to dominance.
Don’t just survive the Commonwealth. Own it.