Waiting in Fallout 4 might seem like a simple mechanic, but understanding its nuances can significantly impact your gameplay experience. This guide covers everything you need to know about utilizing the wait function effectively, from managing your character's needs to strategically planning your in-game activities.
Understanding the Wait Function
The wait function in Fallout 4 allows you to skip time, ranging from a few minutes to a full 24 hours. This can be crucial for several reasons:
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Regenerating Health and Action Points: Waiting allows your character to naturally heal and recover action points, eliminating the need for constant stimpak usage.
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Managing Needs: If you're playing with the survival mode enabled, waiting becomes essential for managing your character's hunger, thirst, and sleep needs. Ignoring these can lead to debilitating debuffs and even death.
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Triggering Events: Some events and quests only occur at specific times of day or after a certain amount of in-game time has passed. Waiting can be crucial to progressing these storylines.
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Enemy Resets: Enemies often respawn after a certain amount of time. Strategic waiting can allow you to farm resources or experience from respawning enemies (though this can also make the game too easy depending on your play style).
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Farming Crops: If you've set up a settlement with crops, waiting allows your crops to grow, providing you with essential food and resources.
How to Wait in Fallout 4
Waiting in Fallout 4 is straightforward:
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Open your Pip-Boy: Press the designated button (usually 'B' on Xbox, 'Circle' on PlayStation, or the 'Tab' key on PC) to open your Pip-Boy menu.
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Navigate to the 'Wait' Option: The 'Wait' function is usually found in a readily accessible location within the Pip-Boy menu, though its exact location may vary slightly depending on your installed mods.
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Select the Duration: You will be given a range of options for how long you want to wait, from a few minutes to 24 hours. Select your desired time.
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Confirm: Confirm your selection, and the game will fast-forward the time you specified.
Advanced Waiting Techniques
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Waiting in Specific Locations: The location where you choose to wait can impact your gameplay. Waiting in a safe location ensures you won't be attacked while your character passively regenerates.
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Using the Wait Function for Resource Management: Remember to utilize the wait function strategically, to allow for efficient resource management, like growing your crops or allowing your companions to heal.
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Experiment with Waiting During Quests: Certain quests might require you to wait for specific events to transpire. Experimenting with different wait times during quests can aid in finding the solution.
Optimizing Your Waiting Strategy
For optimal gameplay, consider:
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Balancing Regeneration and Risk: Longer waits offer greater regeneration but increase the risk of unforeseen events.
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Monitoring your Character's Needs: In survival mode, carefully track your character's needs to prevent negative effects.
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Strategic Use During Combat: Waiting can give you a chance to recover after tough battles.
Understanding and effectively using the wait function in Fallout 4 is key to a successful and well-managed playthrough. By strategically utilizing this tool, you'll optimize your character's health, resources, and overall progress in the Commonwealth.
