Fallout 4 Ballistic Weave: The Ultimate Guide to Armor Upgrading

Introduction

Fallout four, a sprawling post-apocalyptic adventure, offers players immense freedom in shaping their character and playstyle. Beyond weapon customization and perk selection, the game features an intricate armor system. Among the countless modifications available, one stands out as a game-changer for survivability in the Commonwealth: Ballistic Weave. This modification allows you to turn ordinary clothing into incredibly resilient armor, making you significantly harder to kill. This article will guide you on how to unlock and utilize Ballistic Weave in Fallout four, maximizing your defensive capabilities and transforming your wasteland wanderer into a walking tank.

What is Ballistic Weave?

Ballistic Weave is an armor modification in Fallout four that can be applied to a limited selection of clothing items. Unlike traditional armor pieces that you equip in separate slots, Ballistic Weave directly enhances the protective qualities of clothing, providing a substantial boost to both Damage Resistance and Energy Resistance. Imagine turning a simple newsboy cap or a worn-out set of fatigues into armor rivaling even the best metal plating. That’s the power of Ballistic Weave. The real appeal lies in its ability to transform everyday outfits into powerful defensive options, allowing you to maintain your preferred aesthetic while significantly improving your survivability. It can be applied to a wide range of under-armor clothing, like military fatigues, army fatigues, and even hats, offering surprising defensive boosts in unlikely places.

How to Unlock Ballistic Weave (The Road to the Weave)

Unlocking Ballistic Weave isn’t simply a matter of finding a schematic or buying a plan. It requires dedication, a little bit of espionage, and aligning yourself with a particular faction within the Commonwealth: The Railroad.

Joining the Railroad Faction

The Railroad, a clandestine organization dedicated to helping synths escape the clutches of the Institute, holds the key to unlocking Ballistic Weave. To begin your journey, you must first locate their headquarters, hidden deep within the Old North Church. This isn’t as simple as stumbling upon it; you must follow the Freedom Trail, a series of markers scattered throughout Boston. Look for the Freedom Trail markers (they look like circles with the word “Freedom” and an arrow). Follow these markers, painting the path in red, until you reach the Old North Church. Once inside, you’ll need to decipher a puzzle to unlock the Railroad’s hidden entrance. This involves rotating a series of rings until the word “Railroad” is spelled out. Successfully completing the puzzle will grant you access to the Railroad HQ, and allow you to meet its members, including Deacon and the enigmatic leader, Desdemona. Speak to Desdemona to formally join the Railroad and begin your journey towards unlocking Ballistic Weave.

Completing Railroad Quests

Gaining access to Ballistic Weave requires earning the trust and admiration of the Railroad. This is achieved by undertaking and completing a series of quests for the faction. Most notably, you will need to work with Tinker Tom. Tinker Tom is an eccentric member of the Railroad who specializes in technological tinkering. He offers radiant quests, meaning they are repeatable and randomly generated, providing a continuous stream of opportunities to increase your standing with the Railroad. Examples of these quests include “Boston After Dark,” where you help synths escape to safety, and “Mercer Safehouse,” where you secure and maintain safehouses for the Railroad’s operations. Persistence is key; you’ll need to complete a significant number of these quests to unlock the secrets of Ballistic Weave.

Reaching a Certain Affinity Level

As you complete quests for the Railroad, your affinity with the faction will gradually increase. Ballistic Weave isn’t unlocked immediately; it becomes available as you progress through the ranks. Each rank of weave requires you to complete more quests, and reach a higher level of affinity. Keep completing missions, and improving the Railroad’s standing in the Commonwealth, and you will learn the secrets of this technology.

Tinker Tom as a Vendor

While not directly related to unlocking the modification, Tinker Tom also serves as a vendor, selling various items including unique weapons and clothing. While his inventory might not always be directly relevant to Ballistic Weave, he’s a valuable resource for other gear and supplies that can aid you on your journey.

Using Ballistic Weave (Applying the Weave)

Once you’ve earned the Railroad’s trust and unlocked the ability to craft Ballistic Weave, the real fun begins. You can now apply this powerful modification to your clothing, transforming it into protective armor.

Crafting Requirements

Crafting Ballistic Weave requires specific perks and materials. First, you’ll need the “Armorer” perk, which increases your ability to modify armor. The higher the rank of Ballistic Weave you wish to craft, the more ranks of the Armorer perk you’ll need. You will also need materials like cloth, and the all-important Ballistic Fiber. Ballistic Fiber is the most crucial (and often the most scarce) ingredient in Ballistic Weave. Scavenging becomes essential for acquiring this valuable resource.

Applying the Modification at a Workbench

To apply Ballistic Weave, locate an armor workbench. Interact with the workbench and select the clothing item you wish to modify. If you’ve unlocked Ballistic Weave and possess the necessary materials, the modification will appear as an option. Select it, and watch as your clothing transforms. There are multiple ranks of Ballistic Weave, each offering increased Damage Resistance and Energy Resistance. Higher ranks require more materials and a higher rank of the Armorer perk. Experiment with different clothing options to see what works best for your playstyle. Some clothing items, like military fatigues and army fatigues, can be worn under other armor pieces, allowing you to stack defenses for maximum protection. Other options, like the newsboy cap, provide a surprising defensive boost in an otherwise vulnerable area.

Clothing Restrictions

It’s important to note that not all clothing can be modified with Ballistic Weave. Only a select few items are compatible. These typically include under-armor clothing, such as the aforementioned military fatigues and army fatigues, as well as some hats and other accessories. Power Armor cannot be modified with Ballistic Weave, nor can most standard armor pieces. This limitation encourages strategic gear choices, forcing you to consider which clothing items will provide the greatest defensive benefit.

Best Clothing Options for Ballistic Weave

Choosing the right clothing for Ballistic Weave is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. Here are a few recommended options:

• Army Fatigues: A classic choice, providing decent base stats and the ability to be worn under armor.
• Military Fatigues: Similar to army fatigues, offering a versatile defensive option.
• Tattered Rags: A surprisingly good early-game option, providing some protection before you find better alternatives.
• Green Shirt and Combat Boots: Another good choice that can be worn under other armor.
• Newsboy Cap: Provides a surprising amount of head protection when modified with Ballistic Weave.
• Battered Fedora: Another hat option that provides a good defensive boost.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Mastering Ballistic Weave involves more than just unlocking and applying the modification. Here are some advanced tips to help you get the most out of this powerful defensive tool:

Farming Ballistic Fiber

Ballistic Fiber is the lifeblood of Ballistic Weave, and you’ll need a steady supply to keep your gear upgraded. Fortunately, there are several locations where you can reliably find it. Military bases, like the National Guard Training Yard, are a good source. Police stations, often containing duffel bags and military-grade equipment, are also worth checking. Don’t forget to check dead bodies, as they sometimes carry Ballistic Fiber scraps. For a more reliable supply, consider buying shipments of Ballistic Fiber from vendors. Kleo in Goodneighbor and Proctor Teagan on the Prydwen are two vendors known to carry shipments of this valuable material. Investing in the Scrounger perk can also increase your chances of finding Ballistic Fiber in containers.

Combining Ballistic Weave with Other Armor Pieces

One of the greatest strengths of Ballistic Weave is its ability to be combined with standard armor pieces. By layering Ballistic Weave-modified clothing under your armor, you can create a truly formidable defense. This approach allows you to benefit from the Damage Resistance and Energy Resistance of both your clothing and your armor, providing unparalleled protection against the dangers of the Commonwealth. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle and character build.

Ballistic Weave Builds

Ballistic Weave is particularly beneficial for stealth-based builds, which often rely on agility and evasion rather than brute-force defense. By enhancing the protection of clothing items like military fatigues and a newsboy cap, you can significantly improve your survivability without sacrificing your stealth capabilities. The extra defense afforded by Ballistic Weave allows you to take a few more hits, giving you a better chance of escaping or repositioning in case you’re detected. Furthermore, Ballistic Weave complements builds that emphasize VATS and critical hits, as it allows you to stay alive longer while lining up your shots.

Conclusion

Ballistic Weave is an essential tool for survival in the harsh and unforgiving world of Fallout four. It’s a modification that can transform your character from a vulnerable wanderer into a well-defended survivor, capable of withstanding even the most punishing attacks. By joining the Railroad, completing their quests, and mastering the art of crafting, you can unlock this powerful modification and dramatically improve your chances of survival in the Commonwealth. Remember to experiment with different clothing combinations, farm Ballistic Fiber diligently, and tailor your build to take full advantage of the benefits that Ballistic Weave provides. Ballistic Weave provides a unique way to customize your character and significantly enhance your defenses in the dangerous world of Fallout four. Unlock it, utilize it, and thrive in the Commonwealth!