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Fallout: New Vegas

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Level 18 Perks

By
Nathan Garvin

Computer Whiz

Requirements Ranks
Level 18 1
Intelligence 7
Science 70

Fail a hack attempt and get locked out of a computer? Not if you’re a Computer Whiz! With this perk, you can attempt to re-hack any computer you were previously locked out of.

Words can hardly describe how useless this perk is. Okay, yes they can. This perk is damn near worthless. A 10 skill point perk seems fantastic by comparison. Here’s a way to get the benefits of this perk without wasting your perk pick on it: before you hack a computer, save. If you get locked out, reload. Bam, no need for this perk. And considering 90% of the computers you encounter in this game lock a door (which you can pick) or disable turrets (which you can destroy) there’s no great fear of getting locked out of a terminal in any case. Don’t waste your perk.

Concentrated Fire

Requirements Ranks
Level 18 1
Energy Weapons 60
Guns 60

With Concentrated Fire, your accuracy to hit any body part in V.A.T.S. increases slightly with each subsequent hit on that body part.

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that most of the time taking more shots in V.A.T.S. at one time is a bad thing. You know, the sitting duck thing? This isn’t an issue if you’re up on a ledge sniping, but then again, you don’t really need that much accuracy in that case. Point is, you won’t be taking as many consecutive shots in V.A.T.S. in this game, meaning you don’t need this perk, even if you use a fast weapon. Also, the accuracy percentage in V.A.T.S. is a filthy stinking liar in this game, so much so that you can become accustomed to sniping enemies from long distances and popping their heads with a 20%~ or lower accuracy.

Infiltrator

Requirements Ranks
Level 18 1
Energy Weapons 60
Lockpick 70

With Infiltrator, if a lock is broken, and can’t normally be picked again, you can attempt to pick it again one more time. This includes locks previously broken by a “Force Lock” attempt.

This perk sucks for the same reason Computer Whiz sucks. Why anybody would be forcing locks in the first place is a mystery, and if you are going to bother forcing locks, why wouldn’t you save first? Save and reload, and save a perk.

Paralyzing Palm

Requirements Ranks
Level 18 1
Unarmed 70

With Paralyzing Palm, you will sometimes perform a S.P.E.C.I.A.L. V.A.T.S. palm strike for 30 seconds. Note that in order to perform the Paralyzing Palm, you must be completely unarmed.

Paralyzing Palm was the great unequalizer in Fallout 3… but that was back when V.A.T.S. kept you safe from reprisal. In Fallout: New Vegas, running into a pack of Deathclaws and hoping for a Paralyzing Palm to even the odds is tantamount to committing suicide. Also, in New Vegas, enemies just don’t have as much health… most critters you’ll fight won’t take that much abuse, unlike the absurdly strong Super Mutant Overlords from the last game. In the end… it’s just not necessary, even if you are going for a melee-strong build.

Walker Instinct

Requirements Ranks
Level 18 1
Survival 50

Your sense have become so keen that you can feel the slightest vibration in the ground. You gain +1 Perception and Agility attributes while outside.

…Or you can pick Intensive Training and have one of those attributes all the time. Perception and Agility aren’t hugely important SPECIAL Attributes, and with this guide’s suggested build you’ll start out with as much as you’ll ever need.

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Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Bethesda Softworks
  • Platforms,
    PC, PS3, XB 360
  • Genre
    RPG
  • Guide Release
    1 November 2015
  • Last Updated
    7 December 2020
  • Guide Author
    Nathan Garvin

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The year is 2281 - two hundred years after the old world was eradicated by nuclear fire - and now the New California Republic has become powerful along the western coast of what used to be the United State of America. They’ve expanded east into Nevada, but across the Colorado river to the east a united army of tribals - Caesar’s Legion - have been organized under the guise of ancient Rome. War never changes, and impending conflict looms between the two sides, the prize being the Hoover Dam and control over the Mojave. Stuck in the middle are the residents of Nevada and the jewel in the desert; the city of New Vegas. But the mysterious overlord of New Vegas has his own plans for the future of the Mojave…

You are Courier six, an employee of the Mojave Express who has been entrusted with delivering a mysterious Platinum Chip. The delivery goes horribly awry, however, and after you are robbed and nearly killed for the package you were carrying, you must set out in pursuit of your attackers. Along the way you’ll have to navigate the political struggles between factions both large and small, making friends and enemies between the various groups as your actions in the Mojave influence your reputation. Ultimately, a new overlord of the Mojave will be crowned… but will you place that crown upon the brow of Caesar, the New California Republic, the mysterious ruler of New Vegas… or yourself?

  • Character creation strategies including a run-down of SPECIAL attributes, Skills and Perks.
  • An ideal chronological order of events walkthrough that will take you through the entire Mojave.
  • Complete walkthrough of all the main quests and side quests, including faction quests and endings.
  • A power-gamey New Vegas Medical Center run, for those gamers who want to get off to a great start.
  • Information about factions and reputation.
  • The locations of stat-boosting Skill Books, unique weapons and armor and collectible Snowglobes.
  • A Trophy Guide including detailed information (when necessary) about how to obtain all the game’s trophies.
  • Old World Blues DLC.

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