As you explore the post-apocalyptic Mojave Wasteland in Fallout New Vegas, having the right protective gear can mean the difference between life and death. With threats around every irradiated corner, arming your Courier with the best armor available is essential.
But with so many options to choose from, what is truly the best armor in Fallout New Vegas? I‘ve compiled this definitive guide breaking down the top armors based on stats, damage resistance, effects, weight, value, and more. Read on vault dweller!
Why Armor Matters in Fallout New Vegas
Armor serves a vital role in keeping your character alive by absorbing or deflecting incoming damage. The higher the Damage Threshold (DT) of your gear, the more attack damage it negates.
Additionally, many armors provide special resistances and stat boosts that enhance your Courier‘s capabilities. These effects range from increased critical hit chance to better sneaking ability and more.
With so many lethal enemies and environmental hazards in the Mojave Wasteland, wearing durable, high DT armor improves survivability dramatically. Don‘t head into the desert without it!
Hazmat Suit and Cowl – Best Light Armor
Damage Threshold: 11
Item HP: 150
Weight: 18
Effects: +85 Poison Resistance, Night Vision (with Cowl)
When it comes to effective low weight armor, the Hazmat Suit and Cowl combo delivers excellent poison resistance perfect for exploring irradiated areas.
The suit alone provides a beefy 11 DT at just 18 weight, but adding the 2 DT hazmat cowl helm grants night vision capabilities to navigate dark interior spaces.
You can find the suit at Hazmat Testing Ground in a pod and the cowl on a shelf at the nearby Z-43 Innovative Toxins Plant. Not too shabby for low level wanderers!
Explorer‘s Gear – Well-Rounded Starter Armor
Damage Threshold: 8
Item HP: 3000
Weight: 35
Effects: +1 Charisma, +2 Guns, +2 Melee Weapons
Ideal for beginning couriers, the Explorer‘s Gear duster offers a nice blend of damage resistance and special skill boosts.
The +2 improvements to Guns and Melee Weapons gives your Sole Survivor an early game combat edge. A Charisma bump assists speech attempts as well.
You can obtain Explorer‘s Gear off the corpse of retired soldier Orion Moreno at the NCR Sharecropper Farms. But be sure to finish his quests first for full rewards!
87th Tribe Power Armor – Best Heavy Armor
Damage Threshold: 22
Item HP: –
Weight: –
Effects: +1 Charisma, +3% Critical Chance
When maximum damage resistance is the goal, the 87th Tribe Power Armor fits the bill perfectly. With a whopping 22 DT, this set can take a savage beating, buying you precious time against the Mojave‘s strongest foes.
In addition to its sheer stopping power, the armor also raises Charisma by 1 for dialog boosts and critical hit chance by 3% to help finish battles.
This rare suit parts are found near Cottonwood Cove after finishing the Lonesome Road DLC content. Visit Gaius Magnus‘ corpse to collect them.
Blackjack Courier Duster – High Utility Armor
Damage Threshold: 13
Item HP: 800
Weight: 3
Effects: +1 Luck, +30% Poison Resistance
Attainable by completing the Lonesome Road DLC main questline, Blackjack‘s duster offers outstanding utility for its ultra light 3 weight class.
The stylish longcoat better protects against toxin damage while simultaneously increasing luck for more critical hits to cash in during battle.
After speaking with Ulysses, check the footlocker near his throne to claim this unique armor with handy poison and crit perks.
Mark 2 Combat Armor – Best Medium Grade Protection
Damage Threshold: 20
Item HP: 650
Weight: 25
Effects: +2 Guns, +2 Melee Weapons
When seeking the best medium-class defensive option, look no further than the Reinforced Mark 2 Combat Armor.
Boasting 20 total DT and 650 HP, this durable mid-grade suit brings a sizable boost in battle damage resistance over basic armor.
It also enhances your equipped guns and melee weapons by +2, upping their effectiveness notably.
You can purchase the armor from select vendors or collect a free set east of Ranger Station Foxtrot stashed in a duffle bag.
Stealth Suit Mk II – Top Sneaking Gear
Damage Threshold: 14
Item HP: 500
Weight: 25
Effects: +15 Sneak, +1 Perception, +1 Agility, +20% Crouched Movement Speed
Sneak characters require armor that won‘t sabotage their stealthiness while still retaining defensive abilities.
The Stealth Suit Mk II expertly fits this role with its generous +15 Sneak boost and light weight allowing greater crouched movement speed.
Its array of enhanced agility, perception, DT, and HP attributes bolster its viability further.
The suit can be obtained within Big MT‘s X-13 Research Facility during the Old World Blues DLC content.
Gannon Family Tesla Armor – Best Faction Power Armor
Damage Threshold: 26
Item HP: 640
Weight: 35
Effects: +10 Energy Weapons, +20 Radiation Resistance
This brilliant set is a rare gift from Arcade Gannon after finishing his companion quest For Auld Lang Syne.
Based on Father Elijah‘s technology, Gannon‘s intricate Tesla Armor wields the highest Damage Threshold outside the iconic T-51b Power Armor set.
In addition, it provides superb Energy Weapons attack bonuses alongside increased radiation protection – a perfect match for energy weapons users.
As your reward from Arcade, be sure equip this special Power Armor and utilize its electrical superiority!
T-51b Power Armor – Strongest Damage Resistance
Damage Threshold: 31 (Standard Helmet + Mask)
Item HP: 2000
Weight: 40
Effects: +1 Strength, +25 Radiation Resistance, +1 Charisma
And finally we arrive at Fallout New Vegas‘s best armor: The fabled T-51b Power Armor.
This pinnacle suit offers superior protection over all other sets providing an exceptional 31 DT, just shy of 2000 HP, 1+ Strength for melee damage, and ample radiation shields.
A +1 Charisma buff improves bartering prices as the icing on top.
The armor can be found on dead BOS Paladins, purchased through faction vendors, or nabbed off dead prospector‘s corpses near cliffs.
For surviving the Mojave Wasteland‘s post-apocalyptic threats in style and safety, accept no substitutes – T-51b Power Armor is the ultimate wasteland gear.
In Summary: Ideal Protection for Any Wanderer
I hope this guide has shed light helping you equip the best armor for your needs in Fallout New Vegas. Whether preferring matchless power suits or lighter versatile outfits, options exist improving damage resistance substantially.
Outfit your Courier wisely and watch them fearlessly conquer the dangers of New Vegas‘s desert landscape. Thanks for reading and enjoy your armored adventures in the Mojave Wasteland!
