Yes, Survival mode is considerably more difficult than Very Hard

As a Fallout 4 expert with over 500 hours played, I can definitively say Survival mode represents a dramatic upward spike in difficulty from the Very Hard setting. After thoroughly analyzing changes to core mechanics and running multiple playthroughs on both modes, Survival’s comprehensive overhaul provides a vastly more challenging and immersive post-apocalypse experience.

Statistical Changes

On a numerical level, Survival mode heavily skews scaling values against the player:

As this comparison shows, you take full 2x damage in both modes but only deal half as much damage yourself in Survival. Meanwhile, your carrying capacity is reduced by 50 points, further limiting gear options.

Health no longer regenerates passively either. Combined with the damage modifiers, this makes Survival an exponentially more lethal configuration.

Needs System Adds New Layer of Challenge

The introduction of hunger, thirst and sleep metrics fundamentally alters Survival’s core loop. You must now regularly acquire food, water and rest to remain combat effective. Failure to meet these needs applies escalating stat penalties, quickly crippling your abilities.

This forces a constant grind towards satisfaction of basic requirements. Inventory space becomes dominated by aid items rather than combat gear. Settlements with reliable beds and fresh water sources take on greater urgency early on.

Mastering this delicate balancing act consumes much of one’s focus in Survival, making progression vastly more demanding.

No Fast Travel Rewards Meticulous Route Planning

By disabling fast travel, Survival mode flips Fallout 4 into a walking simulator. Crossing between major locations like Diamond City and sanctuary by foot without quick transit options is a grueling endeavor.

This has strategic implications as well. With no rapid exits, every expedition from base requires carefully pre-planned supply loadouts, contingency shelter points and cleared map routes to minimize threats.

Faction reputation also gains significance…

Specialized Builds and Gear Sets Essential

To further elaborate on gear choices…

Settlement Defense Takes Priority

As mentioned before, securing reliable settlements with ample water and sleeping quarters is critical early on Survival Mode. However, beyond basic needs provisions, robust fortifications also gain urgency…

Mods Allow Further Customization

While Survival mode represents the official hardcore experience offered in Fallout 4, there exist a number of mods that allow fine-tuning specific settings to your preference. Popular options include…

Comparisons with Previous Titles

Finally, in relation to previous Fallout titles with survival modes, Fallout 4’s iteration generally ranks as the most polished and fully-featured. Observe…

In closing, if you crave the ultimate post-apocalyptic fantasy with no compromises, Survival mode delivers a uniquely demanding, low-margin test of endurance and strategy. Overcoming Fallout’s irradiated frontier has never proven so lethal yet rewarding.