Just got Fallout 3. Any advice?

[GonzoGamer]

Never put more than 75% into Lockpicking or Science (I never took science as it's kinda meh imo). After 75% you can unlock anything and futher points wont make it any easier.

This is terrible advice, honestly.

You're right actually. Not that you give a reason why you're right, but you are.

I had forgotten about Very Hard locks/terminals which require 100.

True. The reason would be the one you just stated, because some very cool loot is hidden behind Very Hard locks. I would agree with you though that Science ain't all that important. I usually max it around level 18 when I've spare points.

I wasn't trying to mean though... sorry if it came across that way.

It's important if you have Mothership Zeta; that can get you the best vats gun in the game.

But you don't need to spend too many points to max it out. Just go to Shalebridge (is that the right place? the one with the anthills on the West side of the map) and in the "friendly" anthill, you'll find an "ant researcher" who you can kill and loot for a science book. He respawns (with is skill book) every three days.

Same thing with Big Guns and a raider who has a BG skill book in Bethesda Ruins. He respawns with the book every three days.

I know a lot of these suggestions have been made but I would like to concur with:

Really the only skills that every player needs no matter what way they're playing are lockppick, science, and repair. The other skills you should concentrate on if it's your style.

Always loot ammo meds, and bobby pins. Even if it's ammo and meds you never use. They don't weigh anything.

Try to do the Reily's Rangers mission early, it can score you some of the best armor in the game.

Save a lot and make new files. Trust me.

 

[Zackary Yakumo]

first level the speech, lockpick, science, and repair. those are the most important skill and you use them a lot.

 

[Conman94]

Be a total douche to everyone and you'll never be starved for money.

 

[Altorin]

start with 9 intelligence, and while I won't tell you to get to Rivet City before doing anything on your first game (as it's a dangerous trip, and you'll probably get lost/die lots), try and follow the story mission TO rivet city before doing any real exploring or side-questing. In the Science Lab there will be an Intelligence Bobblehead which will increase your intelligence to 10.

There, now you can level up at your leisure and pretty much max any skill you want no problemo. Also, pick up the Educated perk as soon as it's available (level 4 I think), as it is one of those awesome perks that is much better if you get it early.

Apart from that, have fun

 

[AMMO Kid]

High intelligence means more skill points per level.
Repair is a great way to break the economy.
Do all the side quests, and go into every building you can*. Explore!


*Except the Dunwhich building, unless you like shitting yourself.

Agree!

Except, being a hardened S.T.A.L.K.E.R veteran, Dunwhich was no problem for me.. but i would suggest avoiding it.

I couldn't remember what building that was, so I looked it up. I get chills just thinking about that building. I didn't get more than 20 feet in before I turned around and sprinted for the door. I marked that building on my map as a reminder to never ever enter it again.

So is that all there is in that building? are there any good items? where is it?
Why? What's in that building?

I remember hearing some crazy noises. The building was completely dark, everything was trashed, and something really sounded like it wanted to eat me.

Feral ghouls. They freak me out. One second you're walking, and they next you've got this super fast, crazy thing on you.

 

[Zackary Yakumo]

Be a total douche to everyone and you'll never be starved for money.

lol, very true. but youll also get plenty more than raiders to worry about. although everyone seems weak as hell when you get the gatling laser or Fat man.

 

[Doctor VonSexMachine]

[spoiler alt="Because..."]You end up being asked to clear the ghouls out of the nearby dungeon tunnels. When I completed the mission, I received a ghoul mask that made it so all ghouls ignored me when the mask was equipped. Because of this, I got all the way through Dunwich without firing a shot or having to sneak.[/spoiler]

It wasn't even the enemies in the building, it was the building itself, if you know what I mean...

ETA: With the alien blaster, you should be able to waltz into the death claw sanctuary. There is a pretty neat treasure in there...

Also, you should be able to pick up two packs of mentats in the vault, and disarm that bomb and get a house by the time you are level 3. I usually let the sheriff die so that I can get his sweet hat, though.

 

[xbeaker]

Save early, save often.

Heavy weapons should be sold, not used. I stockpiled mini-nukes and missles expecting to need them later in the game. I beat the game and never encountered anything that required the heavy artilery.