Character creation (Fallout 3)

To browse specific character builds or to contribute one of your own, please visit the Forum:Fallout 3 character builds page.

In Fallout 3, the creation and development of your character is under your control. The decisions you make at character creation and at level-ups, as well as the gameplay choices you make, contribute to your specific character build.

Maximum level

 * In Fallout 3, level 20 is the maximum level attainable for any character.
 * With Broken Steel installed, the maximum level is raised to 30.

SPECIAL
During the quest Baby Steps, you will choose your initial primary statistics, which have a direct effect on
 * your starting skill levels.
 * which perks will become available to you at level-ups.
 * your derived statistics.

SPECIAL stats can be raised during the game by
 * collecting bobbleheads.
 * the quest reward for Those! includes either +1 strength or +1 perception depending on the player's choice of reward
 * wearing clothing and armor items.
 * choosing perks.

The maximum value for a SPECIAL stat is 10.

Skills
Initial skill levels are determined by your primary stats. During the quest Future Imperfect, you will choose three skills to receive a one-time boost of 15 points.

Skills can be raised during the game by
 * distributing points at level-ups.
 * collecting bobbleheads.
 * choosing perks.
 * reading skill books.
 * wearing clothing and armor items.

Each skill book, when read, raises the corresponding skill by one point (two points with the Comprehension perk). There are 25 skill books for each skill.

The maximum value for a skill is 100.

Perks
Some perks directly affect your primary stats and skills. Others have a variety of gameplay effects.

Which perks become available to you depends on
 * your level.
 * your SPECIAL stats.
 * your skills.
 * your gameplay choices.
 * your installed expansion packs, for instance see Broken Steel perks.

You get to choose one perk at every level-up.

Bobbleheads
There are 20 bobbleheads to be found in-game - one for each of the 7 SPECIAL stats and one for each of the 13 skills. Once picked up, each bobblehead permanently raises a SPECIAL stat by one point or a skill by 10 points.

Equipment
Clothing and armor can have a direct effect on your SPECIAL stats and skills.