THE BROTHERHOOD OF STEEL KNIGHT (FALLOUT 4 CHARACTER BUILD)

The Knight of the Commonwealth build is designed for players who want to embody the disciplined, technology-driven ethos of the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 4. As a Knight of the Commonwealth, you will wield the most powerful heavy weaponry and don the most advanced power armor, becoming an unstoppable force dedicated to eradicating all threats to humanity. This build focuses on heavy firepower, superior defense, and advanced technical skills, ensuring you are prepared for any challenge the wasteland throws your way. By following this guide, you will create a character that excels in combat and leadership, making you a true protector of the Commonwealth.

Pros and Cons of the Brotherhood of Steel Knight Build

The Brotherhood of Steel Knight build in Fallout 4 offers a powerful and resilient gameplay experience, emphasizing heavy firepower, advanced technology, and robust defense. Here’s a detailed list of the pros and cons of this build:

Pros

Exceptional Firepower

• High Damage Output: With perks like Heavy Gunner and Nuclear Physicist, the Brotherhood Knight can deal massive damage with heavy and energy weapons, making them formidable in any combat scenario.
• Explosive Strength: The build includes powerful weapons like the Big Boy and Ashmaker, perfect for dealing with large groups of enemies or heavily armored foes.

Superior Defense

• Power Armor Mastery: The Knight excels in using power armor, particularly the BoS T-60, which offers excellent protection and can be heavily modified for increased durability and functionality.
• High Endurance: With increased Endurance stats and perks like Pain Train, the Knight can withstand significant damage and maintain high health levels during prolonged battles.

Technical Proficiency

• Advanced Crafting Skills: Perks like Science! and Armorer allow for advanced modifications to weapons and armor, ensuring the Knight is always equipped with the best gear.
• Energy Weapon Expertise: The build leverages high-tech energy weapons, which align with the Brotherhood’s theme and provide additional tactical advantages in combat.

Efficient Resource Management

• Scrounger Perk: Ensures a steady supply of ammunition for heavy weapons, reducing the need for constant scavenging.
• Strong Back: Increases carrying capacity, allowing the Knight to carry more gear, loot, and supplies without being over-encumbered.

Companion Synergy

• Beneficial Companion Perks: Companions like Paladin Danse and Codsworth provide perks that complement the Knight’s combat and technical skills, enhancing overall effectiveness.

Cons

Lower Agility

• Reduced Stealth and Speed: With lower Agility, the Knight is less effective at stealth and may struggle with tasks that require quick, agile movements.

Limited Charisma

• Fewer Dialogue Options: A low Charisma stat may limit the ability to pass certain speech checks, potentially missing out on unique quest interactions and outcomes.

Resource-Intensive

• Need for Ammunition and Fusion Cores: The build’s effectiveness depends on a steady supply of ammunition for heavy weapons and Fusion Cores for power armor, requiring regular scavenging and resource management.

Heavy Reliance on Power Armor

• Power Armor Dependency: The Knight relies heavily on power armor for maximum effectiveness. Without it, their defense and combat capabilities are significantly reduced.

Complex Playstyle

• Tactical Gameplay: Requires careful planning and strategic execution. Players must balance heavy weapon use, power armor management, and resource gathering to navigate missions successfully.

The Brotherhood of Steel Knight build combines exceptional firepower, superior defense, and advanced technical skills to create a character that embodies the Brotherhood’s ideals. By leveraging the pros and managing the cons, players can ensure their Knight is a powerful and resilient force in the wasteland.

STARTING S.P.E.C.I.A.L. ALLOCATION

• Strength (9): High Strength is crucial for wielding heavy weapons effectively and increasing your overall damage output. It enhances your melee combat abilities and carrying capacity, which is essential for a heavily armed and armored Knight.

Note: Use the “You’re SPECIAL” book found early in the game to increase your Strength to 10. This maximizes your physical power and carrying capacity, which is crucial for a Brotherhood of Steel Knight.

• Perception (1): While Perception is useful for V.A.T.S. accuracy, this build focuses more on heavy weaponry and power armor, which rely less on precision and raw power. We can afford to keep this stat low and compensate with gear and perks later on if necessary.
• Endurance (4): A balanced level of Endurance ensures you have enough health and resistance to face tough battles confidently. It perfectly balances durability and the ability to take hits, preparing you for frontline combat.
• Charisma (1): Charisma is kept low as this build focuses on combat proficiency rather than dialogue and settlement management. This allows us to allocate points to more critical combat-related stats.
• Intelligence (9): High Intelligence is vital for accessing and maximizing the benefits of Science! and Nuclear Physicist perks. It also increases the rate at which you gain experience points, allowing you to level up faster and unlock essential perks more quickly.
• Agility (2): Agility is kept low because this build prioritizes heavy weaponry and power armor, which do not rely heavily on stealth or V.A.T.S. action points. The focus is on brute force and resilience.
• Luck (2): Luck is kept at a moderate level to occasionally benefit from critical hits and the Scrounger perk, ensuring a steady supply of ammunition. However, it is not the primary focus of this build.

Perk Progression Levels 2-10

This tier focuses on ensuring a steady supply of ammunition, boosting damage with heavy weapons, and laying the groundwork for future upgrades with essential crafting perks.

2. Scrounger 1

• Effect: You find more ammunition in containers.
• Rationale: Heavy weapons consume a lot of ammo, and this perk ensures a steady supply, ensuring you’re always ready for battle.

3. Heavy Gunner 1

• Effect: Heavy guns do 20% more damage.
• Rationale: Increases the damage output of your primary weapons, immediately making you more effective in combat.

4. Steady Aim 1

• Effect: Hip-fire accuracy is improved when firing any gun.
• Rationale: It improves your accuracy when firing heavy weapons without aiming, which is helpful in close-quarters combat.

5. Basher 1

• Effect: Gun bashing does 25% more damage.
• Rationale: It provides a valuable melee attack option when enemies get too close without needing to switch weapons.

6. Nuclear Physicist 1

• Effect: Radiation weapons do 50% more damage, and Fusion Cores last 25% longer.
• Rationale: Enhances the effectiveness of energy weapons and extends the duration of Fusion Cores, which are critical for power armor usage.

7. Scrounger 2

• Effect: You find even more ammunition in containers.
• Rationale: Further increases the supply of ammunition, ensuring you never run out during critical moments.

8. Basher 2

• Effect: Gun bashing now does 50% more damage and has an increased chance to cripple your opponent.
• Rationale: Increases the effectiveness of melee attacks with your guns, providing a reliable close-combat option.

9. Armorer 1

• Effect: Access to base level and Rank 1 armor mods.
• Rationale: It allows you to craft and upgrade armor, increasing your overall defense and survivability.

10. Blacksmith 1

• Effect: Access to base level and Rank 1 melee weapon mods.
• Rationale: Enables you to improve your melee weapons, making your close-quarters combat more effective.

Perk Progression Levels 11-20

This tier focuses on maximizing damage with heavy weapons, enhancing crafting abilities for advanced armor and weapons, and improving combat effectiveness.

11. Heavy Gunner 2

• Effect: Heavy guns now do 40% more damage.
• Rationale: Further increases the damage output of your heavy weapons, making you more effective in combat.

12. Science! 1

• Effect: Access to Rank 1 high-tech mods.
• Rationale: Essential for crafting and upgrading energy weapons and power armor, fitting the high-tech theme of the Brotherhood.

13. Armorer 2

• Effect: Access to Rank 2 armor mods.
• Rationale: It allows for better armor upgrades, increasing your defense and survivability.

14. Basher 3

• Effect: Gun bashing now does 75% more damage and has a chance to cripple your opponent or knock them down.
• Rationale: Maximizes the effectiveness of your melee attacks with guns, providing a reliable close-combat option.

15. Nuclear Physicist 2

• Effect: Radiation weapons do double damage, and Fusion Cores last 50% longer.
• Rationale: Enhances the effectiveness of energy weapons and further extends the duration of Fusion Cores.

16. Blacksmith 2

• Effect: Access to Rank 2 melee weapon mods.
• Rationale: Enables further improvement of your melee weapons, making your close-quarters combat more effective.

17. Science! 2

• Effect: Access to Rank 2 high-tech mods.
• Rationale: Allows for advanced upgrades to energy weapons and power armor, improving overall combat effectiveness.

18. Gun Nut 1

• Effect: Access to base level and Rank 1 gun mods.
• Rationale: Essential for crafting and upgrading ballistic weapons, ensuring all your weaponry is up to standard.

19. Medic 1

• Effect: Stimpaks restore 40% of lost health, and RadAway removes 40% of radiation.
• Rationale: Increases the effectiveness of healing items, improving your survivability in combat.

20. Gun Nut 2

• Effect: Access to Rank 2 gun mods.
• Rationale: Allows further improvements to ballistic weapons, enhancing your overall firepower.

Perk Progression Levels 21-30

This tier further enhances heavy weapon damage, improves healing and melee capabilities, and advances crafting skills for power armor and weapons.

21. Heavy Gunner 3

• Effect: Heavy guns now do 60% more damage.
• Rationale: Significantly boosts the damage output of your heavy weapons, making you even more formidable in combat.

22. Medic 2

• Effect: Stimpaks restore 60% of lost health, and RadAway removes 60% of radiation.
• Rationale: Further increases the effectiveness of healing items, ensuring better survivability in intense battles.

23. Pain Train 1

• Effect: While wearing power armor, sprinting into enemies hurts and staggers them.
• Rationale: Adds a powerful offensive ability when using power armor, fitting the aggressive combat style of a Brotherhood Knight.

24. Scrounger 3

• Effect: You find even more ammunition in containers.
• Rationale: Ensures a consistent and abundant ammo supply for your heavy weapons.

25. Armorer 3

• Effect: Access to Rank 3 armor mods.
• Rationale: Allows for advanced armor upgrades, maximizing your defensive capabilities.

26. Basher 4

• Effect: Gun bashing now does double damage and has an increased chance to cripple your opponent.
• Rationale: Maximizes the effectiveness of your melee attacks with guns, making close-quarters combat even more lethal.

27. Nuclear Physicist 3

• Effect: Radiation weapons do triple damage, and Fusion Cores last 100% longer.
• Rationale: Maximizes the effectiveness of energy weapons and ensures your Fusion Cores last as long as possible, which is critical for extended power armor use.

28. Steady Aim 2

• Effect: Improved hip-fire accuracy with all guns.
• Rationale: Enhances your accuracy when firing heavy weapons without aiming, applicable in high-intensity combat situations.

29. Blacksmith 3

• Effect: Access to Rank 3 melee weapon mods.
• Rationale: Allows for the highest melee weapon upgrades, ensuring your melee attacks are as powerful as possible.

30. Science! 3

• Effect: Access to Rank 3 high-tech mods.
• Rationale: Ensures you can craft the most advanced upgrades for your energy weapons and power armor, maximizing their effectiveness.

Perk Progression Levels 31-40

This tier focuses on maximizing weapon damage, enhancing healing and power armor capabilities, increasing carrying capacity, and ensuring a steady supply of ammunition.

31. Gun Nut 3

• Effect: Access to Rank 3 gun mods.
• Rationale: It allows for advanced ballistic weapon upgrades, improving your overall firepower.

32. Medic 3

• Effect: Stimpaks restore 80% of lost health, and RadAway removes 80% of radiation.
• Rationale: Further increases the effectiveness of healing items, ensuring maximum survivability.

33. Pain Train 2

• Effect: While wearing power armor, sprinting into enemies causes more damage and knocks them down.
• Rationale: Adds a powerful offensive ability when using power armor, fitting the aggressive combat style of a Brotherhood Knight.

34. Strong Back 1

• Effect: Gain +25 to carry weight.
• Rationale: It increases your carrying capacity, allowing you to carry more gear and loot.

35. Heavy Gunner 4

• Effect: Heavy guns now do 80% more damage.
• Rationale: Further boosts the damage output of your heavy weapons, making you even more formidable in combat.

36. Strong Back 2

• Effect: Gain +50 to carry weight.
• Rationale: It further increases your carrying capacity, allowing you to carry even more gear and loot.

37. Scrounger 4

• Effect: You find even more ammunition in containers.
• Rationale: Ensures a consistent and abundant ammo supply for your heavy weapons.

38. Strong Back 3

• Effect: When over-encumbered, you can use Action Points to run.
• Rationale: It allows for more mobility even when carrying a lot of gear, fitting the heavy combat style of the Brotherhood Knight.

39. Armorer 4

• Effect: Access to Rank 4 armor mods.
• Rationale: Allows for the highest armor upgrades, maximizing your defensive capabilities.

40. Gun Nut 4

• Effect: Access to Rank 4 gun mods.
• Rationale: Ensures you can craft the most advanced upgrades for your ballistic weapons, maximizing their effectiveness.

Perk Progression Levels 41-50

This tier focuses on maximizing weapon damage, improving carrying capacity and Endurance, and finalizing critical crafting skills to make the Brotherhood Knight a formidable battlefield force.

41. Science! 4

• Effect: Access to Rank 4 high-tech mods.
• Rationale: Ensures you can craft the most advanced upgrades for your energy weapons and power armor, maximizing their effectiveness.

42. Strong Back 4

• Effect: When over-encumbered, you can fast travel.
• Rationale: Provides ultimate mobility and convenience, allowing you to carry more without being hindered.

43. Endurance +1

• Effect: Increases Endurance by 1.
• Rationale: Enhances your overall health and resistance to damage, making you more resilient in combat.

44. Strong Back 5

• Effect: Carry weight is further increased.
• Rationale: Maximizes your carrying capacity, fitting the heavy combat style of the Brotherhood Knight.

45. Endurance +1

• Effect: Increases Endurance by 1.
• Rationale: Further enhances your overall health and resistance to damage.

46. Endurance +1

• Effect: Increases Endurance by 1.
• Rationale: Improve your survivability by boosting your health and damage resistance.

47. Heavy Gunner 5

• Effect: Heavy guns now do double damage.
• Rationale: Fully maximizes the damage output of your heavy weapons, making you a true powerhouse on the battlefield.

48. Endurance +1

• Effect: Increases Endurance by 1.
• Rationale: Ensures maximum health and damage resistance for peak survivability.

49. Steady Aim 3

• Effect: Further improves hip-fire accuracy with all guns.
• Rationale: Enhances your accuracy when firing heavy weapons without aiming, applicable in high-intensity combat situations.

50. Pain Train 3

• Effect: While wearing power armor, sprinting into enemies causes massive damage and knocks them down.
• Rationale: Adds a powerful offensive ability when using power armor, making you unstoppable in close-quarters combat.

With the addition of the increased Endurance, the final level of Heavy Gunner, and the last upgrade to Science!, the Brotherhood Knight becomes a formidable battlefield force.

Recommended Gear and Weapons for the Brotherhood of Steel Knight

Primary Weapons

1. Gatling Laser (Aeternus or Final Judgment)
   • Aeternus: If you have the Nuka-World DLC, Aeternus is a unique Gatling Laser with unlimited ammo capacity, making it perfect for sustained heavy fire.
   • Final Judgment: If you don’t mind murdering Elder Maxon, Final Judgment is another powerful Gatling Laser that offers increased fire rate and damage.
2. Ashmaker
   • Effect: A powerful heavy weapon with a high fire rate and explosive rounds. Ideal for taking down groups of enemies quickly.
   • Location: Acquired from the quest “The Big Dig” by siding with Fahrenheit.
3. Big Boy
   • Effect: A modified Fat Man launcher that fires two mini-nukes simultaneously, providing massive damage for those critical moments when you need to clear out an area.
   • Location: This can be purchased from Arturo in Diamond City.

Apparel and Armor

1. Commando Legendary Combat Armor and Destroyer’s Armor
   • Effect: Offers balanced protection and fits the Brotherhood of Steel theme. The legendary effects provide additional bonuses that enhance combat effectiveness.
2. Brotherhood of Steel T-60 Power Armor
   • Effect: Provides maximum protection and can be heavily modified for increased durability and functionality. Progress through the Brotherhood of Steel storyline to receive your set of T-60 Power Armor and, eventually, Danse’s power armor.
   • Customization: Apply the Brotherhood of Steel paint for added faction bonuses and aesthetic appeal.
3. Brotherhood of Steel Uniform
   • Effect: Provides a balanced base for additional armor pieces. The uniform can be worn under the power armor for extra protection and fits the Brotherhood of Steel theme.

Companion Perks for the Brotherhood of Steel Knight

These companions fit the theme of the build, as the Brotherhood tends to not work well with Super Mutants, Synths, or Ghouls.

1. Codsworth: Robot Sympathy
   • Perk Effect: Grants a 50% damage resistance against robot energy attacks.
   • Strategic Importance: Provides significant resistance to robot attacks, which is crucial since many of the Brotherhood’s enemies are robotic. Codsworth’s loyalty and mechanical expertise make him a valuable ally in combat.
2. Paladin Danse: Know Your Enemy
   • Perk Effect: Increases damage dealt to Super Mutants, Synths, and Feral Ghouls by 20%.
   • Strategic Importance: Enhances combat effectiveness against common enemies, particularly Synths and Super Mutants. Danse’s Brotherhood allegiance and combat prowess make him an ideal companion for a Brotherhood Knight. Be sure to acquire this perk before progressing too far into the Brotherhood storyline, as Danse’s availability as a companion might change.
3. Piper: Gift of Gab
   • Perk Effect: Earns double XP for speech challenges and discovering new locations.
   • Strategic Importance: Boosts experience gain, allowing the Brotherhood Knight to level up more quickly, which is crucial for unlocking advanced perks and abilities. Piper’s journalistic skills and charisma can also provide valuable insights and support.
4. Preston Garvey: United We Stand
   • Perk Effect: Increases damage dealt by 20% and damage resistance by 20 when facing three or more enemies.
   • Strategic Importance: Provides a significant combat boost when outnumbered, fitting the Brotherhood Knight’s role as a frontline defender. Preston’s leadership and dedication to protecting the Commonwealth align well with the Brotherhood’s mission.

Required Bobbleheads for the Brotherhood of Steel Knight

Collecting these specific bobbleheads will significantly enhance the Brotherhood of Steel Knight’s proficiency in crucial areas:

1. Repair Bobblehead
   • Effect: Fusion cores last 10% longer.
   • Strategic Importance: Enhances the duration of Fusion Cores, is critical for extended power armor use, and is a staple for the Brotherhood of Steel Knight.
2. Big Guns Bobblehead
   • Effect: Permanently gain +25% critical damage with heavy weapons.
   • Strategic Importance: Increases the damage output of heavy weapons like the Gatling Laser and Ashmaker, making the Knight even more lethal in combat.
3. Energy Weapons Bobblehead
   • Effect: Permanently gain +25% critical damage with energy weapons.
   • Strategic Importance: Boosts the effectiveness of energy weapons, fitting the Brotherhood’s high-tech theme and ensuring maximum damage output in battles.
4. Explosives Bobblehead
   • Effect: Permanently gain +15% damage with explosives.
   • Strategic Importance: Enhances the effectiveness of explosives, which help deal with groups of enemies or heavily fortified positions, adding versatility to the Knight’s arsenal.

By prioritizing these bobbleheads, the Brotherhood of Steel Knights will be well-equipped to handle various combat scenarios, leveraging advanced technology and heavy firepower to dominate the battlefield.

Gameplay Strategy and Tips for the Brotherhood of Steel Knight

Adapt to Situations

• Switch Between Weapons: While the Gatling Laser is perfect for sustained heavy fire, always be ready to switch to the Ashmaker or Big Boy for dealing with larger groups or heavily armored enemies. The ability to adapt quickly between these powerful weapons is crucial.

Choose Your Battles

• Engage Strategically: Use your superior firepower and defense to engage enemies when you have a clear advantage. Avoid unnecessary fights, especially when low on ammunition or Fusion Cores. Always prioritize mission objectives and clear threats that are critical to your success.

Upgrade and Customize

• Regular Upgrades: Regularly upgrade your weapons and armor. Use the Science!, Armorer, and Gun Nut perks to keep your gear in top condition. This ensures you always have the upper hand in heavy combat and defensive situations.
• Power Armor Maintenance: Keep your power armor in top shape by repairing and upgrading it frequently. The BoS T-60 Power Armor should be your go-to for the highest level of protection and functionality.

Utilize Your Environment

• Strategic Positioning: Plan your attacks using cover, high ground, and fortified positions. Your power armor allows you to withstand significant damage, but strategic positioning can minimize unnecessary risks.
• Environmental Advantages: Leverage the environment to your advantage by using chokepoints, elevated positions, and defensible locations to maximize your heavy weapons’ effectiveness. Use the Pain Train perk to knock down enemies and create openings for powerful attacks.

Resource Management

• Ammo and Fusion Cores: Ensure a steady supply of ammunition and Fusion Cores by regularly scavenging and using the Scrounger perk. Efficient resource management is vital to maintaining your combat effectiveness.
• Stimpaks and RadAway: Keep a good stock of Stimpaks and RadAway, and use the Medic perk to enhance their effectiveness. This will ensure you can recover quickly and sustain health during prolonged engagements.

By following these strategies and tips, you’ll ensure that your Brotherhood of Steel Knight remains a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of handling any threat the wasteland throws your way.

Backstory of the Brotherhood of Steel Knight: Axel Ironheart

In the ravaged landscape of the post-apocalyptic Commonwealth, Axel Ironheart symbolizes hope and resilience. Born Axel Callahan, his journey from an orphaned survivor to a revered Knight of the Brotherhood of Steel is a tale of unwavering determination, honor, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Early Life

Axel’s early years were marked by hardship and loss. Born into a world already scarred by nuclear devastation, he was raised in the shadow of the ruins of Boston. His former soldier father instilled in him the values of discipline, duty, and survival. These lessons became even more crucial when Axel’s mother succumbed to radiation sickness when he was still a child. With his father as his only guide, Axel learned to navigate the harsh realities of the wasteland, developing his combat skills and a deep sense of purpose.

Discovery by the Brotherhood of Steel

The turning point in Axel’s life came when he encountered a Brotherhood of Steel patrol while scavenging for supplies in the dangerous Glowing Sea. The patrol, impressed by his combat prowess and unyielding spirit, saw potential in the young survivor. They offered him a place within their ranks, promising survival and a chance to fight for a more significant cause. Axel accepted, seeing in the Brotherhood a reflection of his father’s teachings and a mission that resonated with his desire to protect and restore order to the world.

Training and Rise

Axel thrived within the Brotherhood, quickly rising through the ranks due to his exceptional skills and dedication. He mastered using heavy weapons and power armor, becoming known for his effectiveness in battle. The Gatling Laser became his weapon of choice, earning him a reputation as a fearsome combatant capable of turning the tide in the most dire of conflicts. His unwavering resolve and combat effectiveness earned him the nickname “Ironheart” among his peers—a testament to his strength, resilience, and unbreakable spirit.

Legacy

Axel Ironheart’s name became synonymous with courage and honor as a Knight of the Brotherhood of Steel. He led numerous missions against raiders, mutants, and rogue factions, constantly emerging victorious and stabilizing the regions he protected. Yet, despite his successes, Axel remained driven by a personal code of honor—to uphold the values instilled in him by his father and to protect the remnants of humanity from the chaos that threatened to engulf them.

Axel Ironheart’s story is transformed from a boy struggling to survive in a broken world to a knight who stands as a beacon of hope and strength. His legacy within the Brotherhood of Steel is not just one of victories won but of the enduring spirit of a man who, against all odds, became a protector of the Commonwealth and a true embodiment of the Brotherhood’s ideals.