How to Play a Sneak Build in Fallout 4

[Synetik]

Hey everyone

So, I have been browsing the forums of late and see alot of people here complaining about the stealth mechanics in Fallout 4. I have to admit that I was one of these when I first loaded it up since I was far more used to Skyrim's stealth system where you could basically just sit on top of someone.

For those of you that play with the "Duel" mod on Skyrim, it seems as if the system is modeled closely to same as used in the mod. So without furthur ado I will try to my best ability to explain each of the mechanics that contribute or detract from that oh so satisying stealth experience.

--Weight of Armor--
This seems to have a HUGE impact on your ability to sneak. Even with some of the armor that has the "shadowed" mod, I feel as if I dont sneak nearly as well as if I'm only wearing an outfit with 2 or less weight.
-------------This I believe is where the risk, reward comes from. You get caught, you die. As I am playing on very hard right now, there have been countless times where I get spotted and wrecked.

--Lighting--
Pretty self explanatory here, stick to the shadows as best you can, I have noticed even if you stealth boy and sit under a light the NPC's can see your reflection and will open fire.

--Companions--
Leave at your outpost, there's no place in the world of assassins and thieves for your buddy Dogmeat to be running around with you. Even though they can sneak it seems as if you get spotted 1000 times faster when you have your BFF with you.

--Weapons--
Okay so here is a big one, EVEN if you shoot someone with a supressed weapon, any enemies in the area will try and look for you coming from where the sound originated. Some mobs will go into search patterns.
As stated previously in the article it seems that this is very much like the "Duel" mod for Skyrim, enemies don't just watch their buddy die, shrug it off then go back to their cup of joe.
I also have noticed that performing a stealth kill with a melee weapon is almost silent and doesn't alert others unless right on top of them. Those with the "Mister Sandman" perk, can perform a takedown even if they are right next to each other in the same bed.

--Movement--
Here is the mother of all mothers. Movement. If you are trying to play a sneak/assassin build and you are just using Ctrl to sneak around you are going to have a bad time. The key here is to diable auto run, CAPSLOCK, by default. This will bring you into a much slower form of sneak.
I could be mistaken but I believe at level 4 of sneak or can ignore this aspect of gameplay since it allows you to use the "run" version of sneak. So my advice to all my fellow killers out there is go SLOW, take it SLOW.


Thank you for taking the time to read this guide, it was the first one I have ever written, so forgive me for the jumbled mess it may be at times. If you guys want to I can also post Perks, starting SPECIAL allotments, and loadouts/mods I think can enhance your gameplay.

Thanks again and happy stabbing,
Vytal

[Synetik]

Reserved for perks

[Synetik]

Reserved for loadouts/mods

[Ferrus]

Nice guide for those not in the know. Funny thing is though, all those factors you listed were presant in the previous versions of Fallout (3, NV) the mechanics really arent that differant so I really dont know what people are complaining about. Also an addition to what you have already listed: Radio, make sure to turn it off when sneaking. I mean it is a no brainer but you know what some people are like

[Synetik]

Originally posted by Ferrus:

Nice guide for those not in the know. Funny thing is though, all those factors you listed were presant in the previous versions of Fallout (3, NV) the mechanics really arent that differant so I really dont know what people are complaining about. Also an addition to what you have already listed: Radio, make sure to turn it off when sneaking. I mean it is a no brainer but you know what some people are like

Yeah, this is mostly aimed at individuals coming from Skyrim or haven't played this type of playstyle before. Most people I see are claiming it's broken or bugged atm, which I don't believe it's either.

[Dandy]

Heyo, thanks for the info, quick question though. Happen to know exactly what attacks/weapons "Mister Sandman" affects? I use a various amount of weapons for my sneaky murder and I don't wanna spend a perk point on it if it only affects my suppressed pistol.

[PDX MM]

When shooting someone from sneak you can get away with it if it is a one shot kill. It can even be done in view of others but honestly I am not sure why I get away with it this time but not the other. Sometimes they come take a look at the dead guy then go back to normal. It isn't always the same.

[Synetik]

Originally posted by DapperStache:

Heyo, thanks for the info, quick question though. Happen to know exactly what attacks/weapons "Mister Sandman" affects? I use a various amount of weapons for my sneaky murder and I don't wanna spend a perk point on it if it only affects my suppressed pistol.

Dapper, Mister Sandman only affects Silenced weapons, so the 10mm, Sniper Rifle, Combat Rifle, Pipe Gun, Assault Rifle ( I think), and Gauss Rifle ( I think). The real benefit is using [R] to dispatch someone that is sleeping, I hardly play with guns in Survival right now, after I picked up Pickman's Blade it's pretty much pure stab stab for me.

[Synetik]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S21-CRV-YkM

This is a video of me on Survival using my assassin/blitz build against a Behemoth. Sorry for my friend, I fraps'd this on the fly.

[ZeratulR]

Originally posted by Vytal:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S21-CRV-YkM

This is a video of me on Survival using my assassin/blitz build against a Behemoth. Sorry for my friend, I fraps'd this on the fly.

Incredible!

I think I'll go for some timid ranged sneaking after I get my criticals.

Thanks for the tips!

[Zourin]

nice knife.