Introduction
Survival in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout four is a constant struggle. Between fending off raiders, scavenging for resources, and battling mutated creatures, even basic needs like finding reliable nourishment can become a daunting task. Neglecting your hunger can lead to detrimental effects, hindering your ability to explore, fight, and ultimately thrive in the Commonwealth. A rumbling stomach can sap your strength, slow your reflexes, and make you an easy target for the dangers lurking around every corner. Fortunately, there’s a sustainable solution: growing your own food.
At first glance, the prospect of becoming a wasteland farmer might seem tedious. Visions of back-breaking labor and endless hours spent tending to digital plants might conjure images of a less-than-thrilling gameplay experience. However, the benefits of establishing a thriving farm in Fallout four far outweigh the initial investment. Not only does it provide a consistent and reliable source of sustenance, it unlocks access to valuable crafting materials, boosts settlement happiness, and even contributes to the production of essential survival resources. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the essentials of Fallout four farming, covering everything from the basic principles to advanced techniques. Prepare to transform your settlements into flourishing oases, providing food, adhesive, and self-sufficiency within the heart of the Commonwealth.
The Basics of Fallout four Farming
Your journey to becoming a proficient wasteland farmer begins with the establishment of settlements. Settlements serve as the foundation for your agricultural endeavors, providing the necessary space, resources, and workforce to cultivate your own food. These havens offer protection from the harsh realities of the Commonwealth and offer places for settlers to call home.
Certain settlements are naturally better suited for farming than others. Sanctuary Hills, with its relatively flat terrain and pre-existing water source, provides an excellent starting point. The Slog, with its already present ghoul inhabitants, provides a decent population to help your farm thrive. Abernathy Farm is a good choice due to its large, open spaces, but it may require some initial clearing and infrastructure development. Consider factors such as available space, soil quality (though not explicitly a game mechanic, roleplay!), and proximity to other resources when choosing your farming settlements.
Once you’ve secured a suitable settlement, ensure you meet three essential requirements: water, beds, and defense. Water is crucial for crop growth and the overall health of your settlers. Construct water pumps, water purifiers, and other sources of clean water to keep your crops hydrated and your population satisfied. Beds are necessary to attract settlers to your settlement. Settlers are crucial for working your crops. If you just plant crops and leave them, nothing will happen. Lastly, defend your settlement against attacks from raiders and creatures. Neglecting these factors can lead to crop failure, settler unhappiness, and even settlement abandonment. As a general rule, aim for at least one water source for every five settlers, one bed for each settler, and a defense rating roughly equal to or greater than your settlement’s population.
With your settlement established, it’s time to get your hands dirty (figuratively, of course). Access the workshop mode by pressing the designated button (usually “V” on PC, “Circle” on PlayStation, or “B” on Xbox). Navigate to the “Resources” section, then select “Food.” Here, you’ll find a list of plantable crops. To begin, you’ll need to acquire seeds or whole crops. These can be found throughout the Commonwealth, often in the inventories of vendors, in abandoned farms, or growing wild in various locations. Some crops, like corn, can be purchased directly from farmers or found in food-related locations like cafeterias.
Once you have your desired crops, select them in the workshop menu and place them within the green borders of your settlement. Be mindful of spacing; plants require a certain amount of room to grow. Assign settlers to tend the crops by selecting a settler in workshop mode and interacting with the plants. A happy settler tending a healthy crop is the key to a thriving wasteland farm.
The Crops of the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth offers a diverse selection of plantable crops, each with its own unique nutritional value and culinary applications. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common and useful crops you’ll encounter on your farming journey:
Tato: This mutated potato-like vegetable is a staple crop, providing a moderate amount of food and water. They are easy to find and grow.
Corn: Another versatile crop, corn is a good source of carbohydrates and can be used in various cooking recipes.
Mutfruit: A sweet and juicy fruit, mutfruit provides a substantial amount of food and a minor health boost.
Melon: Similar to mutfruit, melons are hydrating and provide a decent amount of sustenance.
Gourd: Gourds offer a unique combination of food and water, making them a valuable addition to any farm.
Carrot: This familiar vegetable provides a small amount of food and a minor boost to perception.
Razorgrain: An essential ingredient for crafting beer and noodles. It is also a good source of fiber.
Perhaps the most valuable byproduct of farming in Fallout four is the ability to produce vegetable starch. Vegetable starch is a critical component in crafting adhesive, an essential resource for weapon and armor modifications. To craft it, you’ll need three ingredients: tato, corn, and mutfruit. These can be found in many places across the wasteland. Combine these in a cooking station to create this valuable resource. Adhesive is a key component of many upgrades to weapons and armor, so it is important to produce it.
The crops you grow can be used in cooking. Vegetable soup is a great way to provide a small boost in HP and provides water. Noodle cups are another great way to provide hydration and calories. Consider investing skill points into the cooking skill.
Advanced Farming Techniques
Beyond the basics, mastering a few advanced techniques can significantly enhance your farming operations and maximize your yields.
Settler happiness directly impacts their productivity. A happy settler is a more efficient farmer, producing more crops and requiring less supervision. To boost settler happiness, provide them with comfortable living conditions, adequate food and water, and plenty of recreational activities. Construct beds, furniture, and decorations to create a welcoming atmosphere. Build radios and televisions to provide entertainment. Assign settlers to guard posts to ensure their safety and security. A happy settlement is a productive settlement.
Fertilizer is a key ingredient in Jet. Brahim can automatically generate this for you, as well as some fertilizer can be found randomly throughout the wasteland.
While Fallout four doesn’t offer fully automated farming systems, you can leverage certain mechanics to streamline your operations. Assign robots to farming duties. Robots, like Codsworth, can be programmed to tend crops and defend settlements, freeing up your human settlers to focus on other tasks. Construct efficient irrigation systems to minimize the need for manual watering. Plan your crop layouts strategically to optimize space and resource utilization.
Troubleshooting Common Farming Problems
Even with the best planning, you may encounter some challenges on your farming journey.
Crop raids are a constant threat, as raiders and creatures seek to plunder your hard-earned harvests. To effectively defend your crops, invest in strong perimeter defenses, such as walls, fences, and turrets. Position settlers strategically to provide early warning and deter potential attackers. Establish clear lines of sight and fire to maximize the effectiveness of your defenses. Consider using companions as guards to provide additional firepower and tactical support.
In survival mode, there’s a risk of your crops succumbing to diseases or dying prematurely. To mitigate this risk, ensure your crops have adequate water and sunlight. Regularly check for signs of infestation or decay and take prompt action to eliminate any threats. Rotate your crops to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup. Use fertilizer to replenish essential nutrients.
Low settler productivity can be a frustrating problem, but it’s often easily resolved. Ensure your settlers have adequate food, water, and rest. Assign them to appropriate tasks based on their skills and abilities. Provide them with incentives, such as better living conditions or recreational opportunities. Address any underlying morale issues, such as unhappiness or dissatisfaction. A productive settler is a happy settler.
Conclusion
Growing your own food in Fallout four is more than just a means of survival; it’s a pathway to self-sufficiency, settlement prosperity, and a deeper connection to the wasteland. By mastering the basics of farming, experimenting with different crops and techniques, and overcoming common challenges, you can transform your settlements into thriving agricultural hubs, providing a sustainable food source, valuable crafting materials, and a much-needed sense of stability in the volatile world of the Commonwealth. Embrace the challenge, nurture your crops, and reap the rewards of a bountiful harvest. The wasteland awaits your green thumb!
