The Allure of the Stealthy Approach
The Commonwealth Wasteland of Fallout 4 is a dangerous place. Survival often depends on careful planning, skillful execution, and the right equipment. While a hulking suit of power armor and a minigun might seem like the obvious choice, there’s another path to dominance: stealth. And at the heart of any successful stealth build is a reliable, deadly weapon. Enter the Fallout 4 Deliverer, a pistol that has earned a legendary reputation among discerning players.
Found during the early missions associated with the Railroad faction, the Deliverer isn’t just another 10mm pistol. It’s a meticulously crafted tool of infiltration and assassination. With its superior accuracy, reduced Action Point cost in VATS, and incredibly effective customization options, the Fallout 4 Deliverer has earned its place as the best choice for anyone who wants to strike from the shadows and leave no trace. This isn’t just a good pistol; it’s the cornerstone of a lethal stealth character.
The Core Strengths of the Deliverer Pistol
Let’s dive into what makes this pistol stand out from the vast arsenal of weaponry in Fallout 4. At its core, the Deliverer is a 10mm pistol, chambered to fire the abundant and easily acquired 10mm rounds. Its base damage is comparable to other pistols, but that’s where the similarities end. What truly sets the Deliverer apart are its intrinsic qualities, the ones that can’t be replicated with random legendary effects.
The defining characteristic of the Fallout 4 Deliverer is its enhanced accuracy in VATS (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System). When targeting enemies in VATS, the Deliverer boasts a dramatically increased hit probability compared to standard pistols. This accuracy is critical for landing those crucial headshots from stealth, maximizing damage and often eliminating threats before they even know you’re there.
Another crucial benefit is the Deliverer’s reduced Action Point (AP) cost when used in VATS. In Fallout 4, AP governs the number of actions you can perform in VATS. By consuming less AP per shot, the Deliverer allows you to unleash a flurry of attacks, targeting multiple enemies or landing several critical hits on a single, heavily armored foe. This efficiency is a game-changer for stealth builds, allowing for strategic takedowns and conserving valuable AP for dodging or repositioning.
The Deliverer also boasts a faster reload speed than most other pistols in its class. This might seem like a minor detail, but in the heat of battle, a quick reload can be the difference between life and death. This faster reload combined with the reduced AP cost and improved accuracy, allows for the Deliverer to be the ultimate weapon for stealth and vats combat.
When you hold up the Deliverer to a standard pistol, such as the common 10mm pistol, it’s easy to see how the Deliverer shines. The standard 10mm is a good weapon for the early game, but loses efficiency in the late game. With its low stats and standard AP use, the 10mm just doesn’t hold up to the late-game challenges. On the other hand, the Deliverer pistol holds up to the end-game enemies. While the .44 Magnum packs a serious punch, its slow fire rate and heavy recoil make it a poor choice for stealth. Plasma Pistols offer energy damage, but they lack the accuracy and VATS efficiency of the Deliverer. The Deliverer is purpose-built for the shadows, and it excels in that role.
Unlocking the Deliverer’s Potential: Modifications and Customization
One of the defining features of the Fallout experience is the ability to customize and modify your weapons. The Fallout 4 Deliverer is no exception. Its modular design allows you to tailor it to your specific playstyle, further enhancing its strengths and compensating for any perceived weaknesses. The Commonwealth is your playground, and this pistol is your brush.
Available Modifications
The modification options for the Deliverer are extensive, offering a wide range of enhancements:
- Sights: Choose from a variety of sights, including iron sights, reflex sights, and scopes, each offering different levels of zoom and target acquisition. For stealth, a reflex sight is generally preferred, providing a clear field of view and quick target acquisition without sacrificing stealth.
- Muzzle: Suppressors are the name of the game for stealth builds. A suppressor dramatically reduces the noise generated by the Deliverer, making it far less likely to alert nearby enemies to your presence. This is essential for maintaining your cover and executing clean takedowns.
- Grips: Different grips offer varying bonuses to accuracy, recoil control, and handling. For stealth, a grip that enhances accuracy is paramount, as every shot needs to count.
- Receivers: The receiver determines the Deliverer’s damage output and fire rate. While you might be tempted to crank up the damage, remember that stealth is about precision, not brute force. A balance of damage and control is key.
- Magazines: Extended magazines allow you to fire more shots before reloading, which can be useful in certain situations. However, for stealth, a quick-eject magazine might be more beneficial, allowing for faster reloads and minimizing your exposure.
Recommended Stealth Setups
When it comes to crafting the perfect stealth setup for your Deliverer, here are a few highly recommended combinations:
For maximum stealth effectiveness, prioritize a suppressor, a reflex sight, and a grip that enhances accuracy. These modifications will make you a ghost in the Commonwealth, capable of taking down enemies without raising suspicion. To maximize VATS effectiveness, choose mods that reduce AP cost and increase critical hit chance. This will allow you to unleash a devastating barrage of attacks in VATS, crippling or eliminating enemies before they can react.
Resource Gathering
To get these upgrades, the basic materials needed are steel, adhesive, screws, aluminum, and plastic. Steel is common and can be found in junk items throughout the world. Adhesive can be found in glue, duct tape, or vegetable starch. Screws can be found in toy cars and fans. Aluminum can be salvaged from trays, cans, and circuit boards. Plastic can be found in combs, cutlery, and lab equipment. These materials can be scavenged from abandoned buildings, raider camps, and even from the bodies of fallen enemies.
Mastering the Art of Stealth with the Deliverer
The right weapon is only half the battle. To truly unlock the potential of the Fallout 4 Deliverer, you need to embrace the art of stealth. This means understanding the game’s stealth mechanics, choosing the right perks, and adopting effective combat tactics.
Perks for Stealth
The “Sneak” perk is a must-have for any stealth build. It makes you harder to detect, allowing you to move through enemy territory with ease. The “Mister Sandman” perk increases your sneak attack damage with silenced weapons, making the Deliverer even more lethal. The “Ninja” perk further amplifies your sneak attack damage, turning you into a one-hit-kill machine. The “Gunslinger” perk increases the damage and range of your pistols, making the Deliverer even more effective at long range.
Armor and Companions
Your armor choice plays a crucial role in stealth. Look for armor pieces with the “shadowed” modification, which further reduces your visibility. A full set of shadowed leather armor can make you virtually invisible in the shadows. A companion with the stealth affinity is helpful. They can act as a scout and will follow your lead in stealth.
Stealth Tactics
When engaging enemies, always prioritize stealth attacks. Position yourself carefully, use cover to your advantage, and aim for headshots. VATS is your friend. Use it to target enemies from a distance, line up critical hits, and unleash a barrage of attacks.
Acquiring the Deliverer: A Journey into the Shadows
Now, you are likely wondering where to obtain this weapon. The Fallout 4 Deliverer is not found randomly in the wasteland. You can acquire the weapon early in the game if you follow the freedom trail to the Old North Church, where the Railroad reside. Working through the Railroad mission “Tradecraft” will require the player to go into a pre-war storage facility. After clearing the area, the Deliverer will be available for the player to collect.
The Railroad
This mission is a critical turning point, you must make the decision to align with the Railroad, which supports synths in their journey to independence. While you don’t necessarily have to commit to the Railroad fully, completing this questline will secure you the Deliverer.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Shadows
The Fallout 4 Deliverer is more than just a pistol; it’s a symbol of stealth, precision, and tactical mastery. Its unique modifications, superior accuracy, and VATS efficiency make it the best choice for stealth-oriented players. In a wasteland filled with danger and uncertainty, the Deliverer offers a path to survival, a way to strike from the shadows and emerge victorious. This pistol has helped me survive many encounters in the Commonwealth, and I strongly encourage you to try the build out. Whether you’re a seasoned stealth veteran or a newcomer to the art of infiltration, the Deliverer is a weapon that will empower you to conquer the Commonwealth on your own terms. I encourage you to share your favorite Deliverer builds and stealth strategies in the comments below!