Summary
TheFalloutfranchise has a number of iconic characters, locations, and weapons. Still, perhaps the most iconic of them all is the various models of power armor featured in the games (and now the series). Power armor has become synonymous withFallout, i.e. it’s not aFalloutgame if it doesn’t feature power armor!
With that being said, it’s often difficult to choose which power armor players should take with them on their travels. With each new entry in the franchise, there’s an increasing number of options to choose from. Some of these sets carry over from game to game, while others are only featured in a single entry. At the end of the day, which model of power armor is best for a player comes down to a matter of opinion… but fans all know there are right and wrong answers!
The T-45 power armor is perhaps the most iconic suit from the entireFalloutfranchise, as it appears on multiple box art. It was one of the first power armor models designed by West Tek and serves as the original precursor to later, more advanced models. In mostFallouttitles, the T-45 power armor is the first set players obtain.
While not overly powerful, the T-45 is a reliable and upgradable set that still offers many advantages. It boosts the player’s health and defense as well as offering increased radiation resistance. The downsides lie in the fact that it’s a very basic model, serving more as an introduction to power armor for the player.
The CC-00 power armor is modeled after the iconic “Captain Cosmos,” an in-game television show character. It’s one of the most unique and coolest looking models in the entire franchise as it references classic sci-fi films likeForbidden PlanetorThe Day the Earth Stood Still. It’s one of the best choices for any sci-fi fan.
The CC-00 power armor can be obtained in bothFallout 4andFallout 76. InFallout 4, this iconic model was originally introducedthrough the Creation Cluband was added as an obtainable suit in Hub 360, in a room above the scaffolding, beside the film set. InFallout 76, the CC-00 can be obtained as a paint scheme, which can be unlocked through progression in The Legendary Run. The paint set is unlocked at level 88, while the jetpack is unlocked at level 96.
A clear upgrade from the T-45, the T-60 is an enhanced power armor model with heightened defense stats. Primarily used by the United States military before the war, the T-60 was one of the most advanced power armor models of its time and proved a great addition to the US military due to its innovative defensive plates.
The T-60 power armor model can be easily obtained inFallout 4as it’s the most common power armor model forBrotherhood of Steel faction members. Players can either steal suit parts from lootingBrotherhood of Steel basesor by defeating their soldiers. InFallout 76, the T-60 model can be found in a variety of power armor spawn locations, including The Forest, Toxic Valley, Savage Divide, and Ash Heap.
The Scorched Sierra power armor is a unique model which serves as a modification of the Remnants power armor, worn by leading NCR members. It combines scorched, NCR military aesthetics with a worn metal appearance and is certainly one of the coolest power armor models in the franchise.
In theLonesome RoadDLC forFallout: New Vegas, the Scorched Sierra power armor can be obtained as a reward from Ulysses towards the end of the main storyline, making it relatively easy to obtain. It doesn’t require fusion cores to power, which is always a welcome bonus. However, it does utilizeFallout: New Vegas’power armor training feature.
The Hellfire power armor isdirectly linked to the Enclave, a highly advanced faction in theFalloutuniverse. It features a bulky design, with menacing and glowing amber eyes that almost resemble lava. It’s aesthetically very striking, and one of the most intimidating models in the franchise.
InFallout 3the Hellfire power armor can be looted from Enclave Hellfire Troopers in the DLCBroken Steel. InFallout 4, it’s a little easier to obtain from Pyro, a member of the Forged Raider gang. This is located during theFallout 4creation clubcontent quest, “Pyromaniac.”
This is a unique model of the standard T-51 power armor line, featured in theOperation: AnchorageDLC fromFallout 3.Designed for freezing situations, the Winterized T-51 can withstand some of the harshest weather conditions and features a unique white and gray color scheme. Due to its nature, the Winterized T-51b features one of the best durability capabilities of all the power armor models in the franchise.
Players can obtain this great power armor model as they progress through theOperation: Anchoragestory. After completing a virtual reality simulation of the Sino-American war, players are given the model as a reward and can use it throughout the game world.
Unsurprisingly, the Overboss power armor is worn by the Overboss inFallout 4’s Nuka-WorldDLC. The Overboss is the leader of thecentral group of raiders. This power armor model draws clear inspiration from the many pieces of raider armor found in theFalloutfranchise, with bulky and spikey designs looking to spark fear upon sight.
With high damage resistance from the start and offering good protection against ballistic, energy, and explosive damage - the Overboss is a great pick for players. It can be obtained by defeating the Overboss once and for all in the “Taken for a Ride” quest in the DLC.
The X-01 is one of the best power armor models found inFallout 4, if not THE best. It’s not necessarily everyone’s favorite, but it’s objectively one of the most powerful as it’s the strongest tier armor in the game. It boosts the player’s HP massively and gives them an extremely high defense boost. The only major downside is that it’s expensive to maintain.
The easiest way to acquire this powerful suit of armor inFallout 4is to infiltrate Fort Hagen and head for the hangar where a full suit can be located. Players should be aware of the numerous rust devils nearby when attempting this feat. InFallout 76, players will need to join the Enclave and rank up to General. The X-01 plans can be downloaded from the archival terminal in the Enclave Bunker Armory.
