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.

Considerations for building a character
Building a character is largely a matter of mathematics. Consider each of the following factors, and then crunch the numbers in order to achieve your desired build.

One way to ensure the perfect character is to wait until all game add-ons have been released, as they contain perks that may render your earlier choices obsolete if taken. One example is "Almost Perfect" as opposed to "Intense Training." The increased level cap is yet another reason, so you can refuse to take certain skill-boosting perks, e.c.: Gun Nut or Size Matters., and instead get something more useful. Do not forget that you still need to calculate how to become perfect.

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.
 * acquiring certain quest rewards.
 * 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.

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

Bobbleheads
There are 20 bobbleheads in the game. Each one permanently raises either a specific 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.