Getting stronger fast is the key to success in Fallout 4. Leveling up plays a huge part in this game, shaping your character and making them a force to be reckoned with. But let’s face it, the leveling process can sometimes feel slower than a sloth on a Sunday stroll. Fear not, fellow Vault Dwellers, because there are tricks up our sleeves to speed things up.

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Allocation and Perks:
Before you even step foot into the Commonwealth, you’ve got decisions to make. Where do you put those precious points in your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. categories? Here’s the scoop:
- Rest Up: Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Find a bed, any bed (though a comfy one in your settlement is best), and catch some Z’s. You’ll wake up with the Well Rested perk, giving you a 10% XP boost for 8 in-game hours.
- Intelligence Matters: Pump up that Intelligence stat. It directly affects how much XP you earn. Aim for around 5 points here. And here’s a tip: keep it low early on to make the most of the Idiot Savant perk.
- Idiot Savant FTW: Speaking of which, grab the Idiot Savant perk as soon as you can (level 5 Luck). It might sound counterintuitive, but lower Intelligence means better chances of scoring 3x or even 5x XP for your actions. It’s like hitting the jackpot in the wasteland lottery.
- Befriend Piper: Hang out with this journalist in Diamond City and max out her affinity. You’ll unlock the Gift of Gab perk, doubling the XP you earn for discovering new places of interest.
Exploration and Gameplay:
The world of Fallout 4 is vast and teeming with XP opportunities. Here’s how to milk it for all it’s worth:
- Go Exploring: Wanderlust isn’t just for wanderers. Discovering new places dishes out XP like candy on Halloween. And with a high Intelligence, you’ll be raking in even more.
- Master Lockpicking and Hacking: If it’s locked, crack it open. Chests, toolboxes, terminals—anything with a lock or a password is fair game. Perception and Intelligence are your friends here. Invest in Lockpicking (Perception) and Hacking (Intelligence) to get to those sweet, sweet treasures.
- Fight, Fight, Fight: Sometimes you’ve gotta crack a few skulls to level up. Take on enemies wherever you find them. Every kill counts.
Crafting and Camp-Building:
Crafting isn’t just for making pretty things. It’s also a sneaky way to earn XP on the side:
- Build, Scrap, Repeat: Camp-building is like a mini XP factory. Build stuff, scrap it, then build more stuff. Rinse and repeat. And hey, the more you build, the more chances you have to trigger Idiot Savant and score bonus XP.
- Think Cheap and Easy: Stick to simple items like floors, walls, and stairs. They’re quick to build and even quicker to scrap, giving you a steady stream of XP without breaking a sweat.
Intelligence and XP Boosting Items:
Boost your brainpower and watch the XP roll in:
- Wear Smart Clothes: Look for clothing and armor that boost your Intelligence stat. The Sharp perk is your best friend here. Stack that INT and watch the XP climb.
- Chem it Up: Temporary boosts from chems like Mentats can give you a quick INT boost. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll be paying the price later.
- Cook Up Some Squirrel Stew: It might sound like a weird recipe, but Squirrel Stew gives you a tasty 2% XP boost for 2 hours. Combine it with other strategies for maximum effect.
Using Mods:
If all else fails, there’s always mods:
- Mod Magic: Mods aren’t just for fancy graphics. Install the Cheat Room mod and give yourself all the XP you could ever want. It’s like cheating, but without the guilt.
So there you have it, wasteland wanderers. With these tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be leveling up faster than you can say “War. War never changes.” So get out there and show the Commonwealth what you’re made of!