Can you still get perks after level 50 in Fallout: New Vegas?
The short answer is yes, absolutely! Even after hitting the level 50 cap, you can still gain a new perk every time you level up in Fallout: New Vegas. Let me explain exactly how the leveling and perk system works at level 50+…
How the Level Cap and Perk System Works
The base level cap in Fallout: New Vegas is 30. But the game has 4 story DLCs (Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Old World Blues, and Lonesome Road) that each raise the cap by 5 levels. So with all DLC installed, you can reach level 50.
At level 50, you stop earning skill points on level up. But you DO still get to pick a new perk each time!
So you can keep developing your character build past level 50 by choosing perks tailored to your playstyle. Even though your skill levels are capped, perks continue to provide avenues for progression.
With all DLCs installed, there are 117 regular perks available in Fallout: New Vegas. So that leaves 67 new perks you could unlock from level 31 to 50. And based on my testing, even after hitting level 100 you won‘t run out of fresh perk options.
There are also 16 challenge perks that unlock between level 50 and 100 by completing difficult tasks like killing lots of a certain enemy type. So high-level characters truly have tons of room for continued growth!
How to Get the Most Out of Post-Level 50 Perks
I‘ve played over 500 hours of Fallout: New Vegas at this point. Here are my best tips for using perks to maximize your effectiveness after hitting level 50:
Double Down on Your Build‘s Core Stats
Since skills are capped, further boost your key S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stats with intense training perks. I also love perks like Light Touch that enhance your TAG skills beyond the normal limits. If you mostly use energy weapons, keep pumping that up!
Fill Gaps to Cover Weaknesses
I originally made my first character a smooth talker with minimal combat perks. After level 50 I used perks to patch holes in my offense/defense without sacrificing my silver tongue. A well-rounded build goes a long way in the post-apocalypse!
Mix in Utility Effects
Some of my favorites are perks like Walker Instinct (+2 DT outdoors) or Roughin‘ It (+25% healing from food/drink). These provide constant passive boosts that nicely complement your playstyle without directly buffing combat abilities.
Work Towards Challenge Perks
Challenge perks unlocked from level 50 to 100 are extremely powerful goals to work towards. For example, pick the Lady Killer perk and work up to Confirmed Bachelor‘s 10% damage bonus against male opponents – that perk singlehandedly won me some tough fights!
Mythbusting: Post-50 Perk Progression
Over my many wanderings across the Mojave wasteland, I‘ve heard some misconceptions about gaining perks past level 50. Let me mythbust a few of these fallacies:
Myth: You Only Get Perks Every Other Level After 50
This one is 100% false. I‘m currently level 72 and have gained a new perk on EVERY SINGLE level up.
Myth: There Are Only 10 Post-50 Perks
Also incorrect – with DLCs installed, there are a total of 117 perks, so 67 more unlock from level 31-50. And again, even at very high levels new perk options keep appearing.
Myth: Perks After 50 Are Just Bonus Skills
Nope! While some high-level perks do directly enhance skills, many provide entirely new effects tailored to late-game character builds. The Lord Death challenge perk makes enemies explode when killed – not a skill bonus, but an awesome combat boon!
Conclusion: Keep Growing Your Build Well Past Level 50
Reaching the level cap in Fallout: New Vegas doesn‘t mean you stop progressing your character! You can use the unlimited perk gains beyond level 50 to push your specialized build to its full potential.
Carefully review each new perk to find effects that support YOUR playstyle, helping you become an ever more formidable wanderer of the Mojave wasteland. So embrace the challenge of creating the ultimate post-level 50 specialist. Happy surviving!
