If there’s one thing that still stands tall among the ruins of the Commonwealth (at least, the Fallout version), it’s power armor.
When everything outside a Vault is mostly rubble and jerry-rigged scrap, seeing power armor in action is enough to strike fear into the heart of any unlucky wastelander. And if you’ve ever stomped through Concord in your first set of T-45, you know that feeling from the other side.
The beauty of Fallout 4’s power armor is that it’s not just some one-off collectible — it’s a fully customizable system of perks, upgrades, and survival strategy. Some might even call it a way of life.
So let’s break it down: what power armor actually is, where to find it, how to upgrade it — and which suits are worth scavving, stealing, or sweet-talking your way into.
What Is Power Armor in Fallout 4?
At its core, power armor is a mechanized exoskeleton that turns your character into a walking tank.
Unlike regular armor — the kind you just throw on over a Vault suit — power armor completely changes how you play.
It soaks up serious damage, boosts your carry weight (because who doesn’t want to lug ten miniguns back to base?), and even protects you from brutal radiation storms.
Of course, nothing in the Wasteland is free. Power armor runs on fusion cores, and those things burn out fast — especially if you’re sprinting across the Glowing Sea. But the trade-off? Totally worth it.
Once you climb in, you’re not just another Vault Dweller with a pistol. You’re a tank on legs.
Types of Power Armor in Fallout 4
Throughout the game you’ll come across different types of power armor that provide you with different specs, increasing your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. limit, and can be modified around the Commonwealth in power armor stations.
In total, there are 11 power armor variants in Fallout 4. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Empty frame — a rare but valuable find. Empty frames can sometimes be discovered in the wild or scavenged from suits after removing the armor plates. Once you have one, you can build it out however you like.
- Raider power armor — cobbled together from scrap, it has limited upgrade potential — but it’ll do in a pinch.
- T-45 power armor — the first mass-produced military model and one of the most iconic suits in the series. Often the first full set players acquire.
- T-51 power armor — an improved version of the T-45, widely considered one of the most balanced combat suits.
- T-60 power armor — a late-pre-war model rolled out just before the bombs fell. Can be acquired during the “Shadow of Steel” quest.
- X-01 power armor — a rare and advanced model developed late in the pre-war era and later refined by the Enclave.
- X-02 power armor — successor to the X-01, introduced via the “Speak of the Devil” Creation Club quest. Heavy, intimidating, and top-tier in combat.
- Hellfire power armor — a prototype during the Great War, completed during the events of Fallout 3. Known for its resistance to fire damage and its menacing look.
- CC-00 power armor — a space-themed variant with a white-and-orange paint job and a Captain Cosmos logo. Weaker than the X-01 in damage resistance, but matches it in radiation protection.
- Horse power armor —created by the raider Scabby. While it shares the look of Raider armor, it offers superior jump height and nd a truly one-of-a-kind design.
Power Armor Locations Across the Wasteland?
Like many great games that keep us hooked, Fallout 4 doesn’t just hand you every shiny suit on a silver platter. Instead, it rewards exploration and bravery.
Your first taste of power armor comes during the quest “When Freedom Calls” in Concord. That iconic rooftop moment—grabbing a fusion core and tearing into raiders with a minigun—is unforgettable. But that’s only the beginning.
Scattered throughout the Commonwealth are numerous frames waiting to be claimed. Military checkpoints, abandoned Red Rocket stations, and even shipwrecks hide these treasures.
Places like the National Guard Training Yard and the South Boston Military Checkpoint practically beg you to poke around. Sometimes you’ll find a full set waiting, while other times you’ll stumble upon half-busted frames missing parts, daring you to hunt down replacements. That unpredictability is part of the thrill—you never know when you’ll turn a corner and spot that unmistakable silhouette.
Of course, the higher your level, the better the armor that spawns. Early on, you’ll mostly encounter the clunky but reliable T-45. As you level up and explore deeper into the Commonwealth, expect to find T-51, T-60, and eventually the monstrous X-01.
Building and Upgrading Your Armor
Finding a suit is just step one. To truly make your power armor your own, you’ll need to dive into the crafting system.
Head over to a power armor station (you’ve probably built one at Sanctuary by now), where you can repair, swap out, or upgrade parts. Modding lets you customize everything—from paint jobs to armor plating. Want a jetpack? You can slap one on there. Need to reduce radiation damage for a deep dive into the Glowing Sea? There’s a mod for that, too.
One of the most fun parts of upgrading your armor is the paint. Not only does it make your suit look incredible—whether you’re going for Brotherhood of Steel vibes or a slick hot-rod red—but it can also provide gameplay bonuses. Suddenly, your armor isn’t just protection; it’s a reflection of your wasteland personality.
And don’t forget maintenance. Keep an eye on the condition of each piece—power armor is tough, but not indestructible. It’ll take a beating from bullets, claws, and the occasional fall off a building when you forget you’re not in god mode. Eventually, repairs become necessary. Suddenly, scrapping junk for materials feels worthwhile when it means patching up your beloved frame after a messy fight.
The Best Power Armor in Fallout 4
While everyone has their favorite set for aesthetics, there’s nothing better than the X-01 Power Armor when it comes to stats and survivability. Sleek, intimidating, and unbelievably durable, it’s the kind of suit that makes even Deathclaws think twice.
Finding it isn’t easy — it tends to show up in high-level zones like the Custom House Tower in downtown Boston or Fort Strong. But oh man, when you finally climb into an X-01, it feels like you’ve shifted into a whole new gear.
That said, don’t sleep on the T-60, especially if you’re aligned with the Brotherhood of Steel. It’s sturdy, reliable, and more accessible than the elusive X-01 — which basically means it’s better to be in 75% badass armor than 0% badass armor.
Meanwhile, if you’re after a well-rounded set with solid defense and that classic Fallout look, the T-51 holds a special place in series history. And yes, even your scrappy T-45 deserves some love — it might not win the long run, but it’s the suit that started it all.
Why Power Armor Is More Than Just Gear
Here’s the thing: Bethesda is really good at storytelling. It’s the tiny bits of hilarious (or gut-wrenching) environmental lore, wit, and relatability that leave fans with genuine admiration for the Fallout series.
Few things compare to the thundering sound of your footsteps as you charge into a Super Mutant camp, laser fire bouncing off your steel shell. Fallout 4 without power armor would still be a great game, but playing with it turns the experience into something else entirely.
Power armor isn’t just another piece of equipment lying around—it’s a clue about the world you’re inhabiting. Abandoned military tech, signs of battles long past, or loot left behind by someone who never made it.
Power up Your Gaming Space
Power armor—along with so many other things—makes Fallout 4 unforgettable. It’s part of the thrill of discovery, the satisfaction of customizing, and the pure joy of stomping through the Wasteland.
But why leave that energy trapped on your screen? Bring it into your real-world gaming space with one of official licensed Fallout metal posters. We offer a huge collection of artwork from the series, plus stunning pieces from all your other favorite games. Our metal prints are frame-free, durable, and use a clever magnetic mounting system—making them easy to swap out whenever you want a seasonal refresh.
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