Upon exiting Vault 111, the journey in Fallout 4 begins with a gradual orientation to the myriad complexities of the Commonwealth. As players venture beyond Sanctuary Hills, the challenges become increasingly formidable. While the game offers a plethora of straightforward side quests for those taking a break from the search for Shaun, there are also particularly daunting challenges that can surprise even seasoned players.
Interestingly, the difficulty curve in Fallout 4 increases as players head southward, presenting tougher enemies along the way. Though there are numerous engaging quests suitable for lower levels, a select few quests are notorious for their difficulty, warranting caution and preparation. Below is a list of some of the hardest quests players may encounter, which can vary in difficulty based on individual play styles and character builds.
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Hole In The Wall – Vault 81
Try Not To Get Bitten
“Hole in the Wall” is a quest that often frustrates players more than it challenges them. This quest, available in Vault 81 after a 24-hour in-game wait, requires the Sole Survivor to assist a gravely ill boy. While the task is straightforward—venturing into a hidden section of the Vault to secure a cure—the hidden location harbors dangerous infected mole rats. These creatures can inflict a permanent health debuff upon the Sole Survivor and their companions.
This particular quest also serves as the introduction to Curie, a valuable companion. To mitigate the difficulty of this quest, it is recommended that players tackle it solo, unaccompanied by the protectrons in the Vault, and save their progress frequently.
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Reunions – Fort Hagen
Don’t Fight Kellogg At Low Level
In pursuit of vengeance, the Sole Survivor will eventually confront Kellogg at his Fort Hagen hideout. This pivotal encounter not only propels the narrative into its second act but is also a challenging encounter. Kellogg possesses considerable hit points (330 base HP), which increases with the player’s level, and he is aided by several Synths during the showdown. The difficulty is heightened by Kellogg’s tactical use of Stealth Boys, Stimpaks, and grenades, making this fight a daunting task for unprepared players.
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Cappy In A Haystack – Nuka-World
Find All 10 Cappys In Nuka-World
Not all quests in Fallout 4 are about combat; some test players’ exploration skills. “Cappy in a Haystack” from the Nuka-World DLC requires the Sole Survivor to locate ten hidden Cappys among a large theme park filled with enemies. While the final stage of the quest brings a nostalgic character from Fallout 3, the real challenge lies in efficiently locating the small drawings scattered throughout Nuka-World. Many players find that although the quest can be rewarding, the process of tracking down the Cappys often becomes tedious in subsequent playthroughs.
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Out Of The Fire – Saugus Ironworks
Tough Boss Meets Tough Location
The Minutemen quest “Out of the Fire” includes a thrilling climax that culminates in a fierce battle against Slag, the formidable raider leader. Initiated by speaking with Abraham Finch near County Crossing, players are led to Saugus Ironworks for the encounter. Utilizing Slag’s Power Armor can either be pickpocketed or breached with stealth, which drastically changes the dynamics of the fight. Nevertheless, players must remain vigilant as they tackle this dense and chaotic battle, where multiple adversaries rally to assist Slag, who wields a Shishkebab sword.
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Taking Independence – The Castle
Defend The Castle From Mirelurks
As part of the endeavor to reclaim the Minutemen’s stronghold, the quest “Taking Independence” necessitates the removal of mirelurks from the Castle. Although players initially face lesser foes, the battle escalates when a mirelurk queen appears, introducing a new layer of difficulty. With her high resistance to various attacks and devastating acid attacks, defeating her requires strategy and powerful long-range weaponry. Many players recommend using the Castle’s architecture to create distance and avoid her deadly attacks.
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The Silver Shroud – Goodneighbor
Keeping Kent Alive Can Be Tough With Low Charisma
Engaging in “The Silver Shroud” quest offers a unique experience, as players assume the role of a superhero to rescue the character Kent Connolly. However, this quest becomes precarious when the antagonist Sinjin threatens Kent’s life. Players must navigate this critical scenario with care, as missteps can lead to Kent’s demise before combat even begins. Utilizing the Shroud costume, bringing a high charisma companion like Hancock, and using consumables to improve dialogue options are crucial tactics during this high-stakes mission.
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Restoring Order – Mechanist’s Lair
Surviving The Waves Of Robots Is Never Easy
When engaging in “Restoring Order,” players will face relentless waves of robots as they navigate the Mechanist’s Lair. Though it’s possible to avoid combat altogether, those who get swept up in the battle must exhibit sharp reflexes and optimal strategies, such as utilizing Power Armor, positioning themselves strategically, and deploying weapons designed for high impact against robotic foes.
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Best Left Forgotten – Far Harbor
Restoring DiMA’s Memories Is Tedious
In the intriguing Far Harbor DLC, the quest “Best Left Forgotten” stands out for its frustrating puzzles that require players to sift through DiMA’s memories. While the core storyline delivers a captivating experience, the key memory puzzles detract from the fun, with their tedious nature and lack of integration into the game’s overall feel. Completing these puzzles can become a laborious task, leading to player fatigue.
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Airship Down – Boston Airport
Survive The Full Power Of The Brotherhood Of Steel
“Airship Down” is a pivotal quest where tactical ingenuity is essential. Players must safeguard a Synth attempting to hack Liberty Prime while fending off the full force of the Brotherhood of Steel. This quest introduces numerous enemies, including Elder Maxson decked out in Power Armor, all attacking simultaneously. Preparation is key; players should stock up on healing items and explosives to navigate this intense scenario effectively.
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Open Season – Nuka-World
Kill All The Nuka-World Bosses
Arguably the most challenging quest in Fallout 4 is “Open Season.” This task tasks players with eliminating all gang leaders within the Nuka-World DLC. While the quest can be initiated at any point after becoming Overboss, managing this endeavor is no small feat due to the brazen nature of the bosses and their allies. Adequate player preparation and tactics are paramount, arguably best attempted after weakening rival gangs in preliminary quests to reduce overall enemy presence.