Waiting in Fallout 4 is a seemingly simple action, but it's surprisingly useful and can significantly impact your gameplay. Knowing how and when to wait can be the difference between survival and… well, becoming another radroach snack. This guide will cover all the methods for waiting, and strategize the best times to use them.
Why Wait in Fallout 4?
Before we dive into how to wait, let's understand why you might want to. Waiting isn't just about passing the time; it's a strategic tool within the game:
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Regenerating Health and AP: Waiting allows your health and Action Points (AP) to fully replenish, giving you a tactical advantage in combat situations.
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Progressing Time: This is crucial for various game mechanics. Need a certain time of day for a quest? Want to see if a specific NPC will show up? Waiting can help you manipulate the game's schedule.
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Respawning Enemies and Resources: Some enemies and resources will respawn after a certain period. Waiting can be a good way to farm resources or repeatedly fight enemies for loot.
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Managing Your Pip-Boy: Check your Pip-Boy, adjust your inventory, or craft items without the distractions of the wasteland.
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Gameplay Variety: The simple act of waiting adds a touch of realism and strategic depth to an otherwise action-packed game.
How to Wait in Fallout 4
There are two primary methods for waiting in Fallout 4:
1. Using the Pip-Boy Menu
This is the most common and convenient method:
- Open your Pip-Boy: Press the "B" button (on Xbox) or the corresponding button on your platform.
- Navigate to the "Data" tab.
- Select "Wait."
- Choose the duration: You can wait for anywhere from one hour to 24 hours.
2. Using the Sleeping Bag or Bed
For a more immersive experience, try using a sleeping bag or bed:
- Locate a sleeping bag or bed. These are found in settlements, some buildings, or even purchased from vendors.
- Interact with the sleeping bag or bed. A prompt will appear to allow you to sleep.
- Choose the duration. Similar to using the Pip-Boy, you'll select how long you want to wait.
When to Use the Wait Function
Strategic waiting can dramatically improve your experience. Consider these scenarios:
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Before Difficult Encounters: Fully heal and regenerate your AP before tackling challenging enemies or bosses.
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During Crafting or Inventory Management: Use the wait function to take a break from combat and efficiently manage your supplies.
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Manipulating Time-Sensitive Events: Many quests or events only occur at specific times of day. Use waiting to maximize your chances of success.
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Resource Farming: Replenishing resources through waiting can be useful, though it is best used sparingly to avoid disrupting the game's natural pacing.
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Escaping Dangerous Situations: If you’re overwhelmed, sometimes the best strategy is to wait it out, allowing enemies to calm down or move on.
Advanced Waiting Strategies
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Short Waits: Using short waits (1-2 hours) to passively regenerate health can be extremely beneficial during extended gameplay sessions.
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Long Waits: For farming resources or manipulating time-sensitive events, longer waits are sometimes necessary, though keep in mind that longer waits can lead to the occurrence of some random events.
By mastering the art of waiting in Fallout 4, you'll not only improve your survival chances, but also unlock more strategic depth in your gameplay. So, the next time you find yourself in a tight spot or simply need a moment’s rest, remember the power of a well-timed wait.
