MAIN SKILLS

Strength: Modifies carry weight, hit points, weapon handling, and some weapon skills. A Strength of 4 is sufficient when using Power Armor to offset penalties.

Perception: Modifies some skills and increases accuracy at range. A Perception of 6 allows for decent range shooting, and with Mentats, you can acquire the Sniper perk.

Endurance: Affects toughness, modifying some skills, hit points, and resistance to poison and radiation. An Endurance of 6 helps offset hit point penalties from low Strength.

Charisma: Influences speech, barter, and NPC (non-player character — anyone the game controls, not you) reactions. Dividing Charisma by two and rounding down determines the number of NPCs you can have, decreasing with second-level armor implants. A Charisma of 8 allows for 4 NPCs, dropping to 7 or 6 with implants.

Intelligence: Modifies dialogue options, skill points per level, and 'science' skills. High Intelligence is vital for completing most quests. An Intelligence of 9 enables completion of nearly all quests, though it may require multiple playthroughs to experience all faction outcomes.

Agility: Affects speed, many skills, armor class, and action points. It is a key combat skill. An Agility of 10 grants 10 action points, allowing two shots per round, potentially up to 5 with specific perks and traits.

Luck: Modifies critical chance, some skills, and game outcomes. A Luck of 5 is neutral and helps mitigate most random encounters.