In the expansive world of Fallout 76, the Thorn armor set stands out as an intriguing option for players, particularly those who favor melee combat. While the armor’s aesthetics may appeal to a wide range of gamers, its benefits truly shine when utilized by close-quarters combatants. However, acquiring the full set of Thorn armor is no small task and requires considerable time and effort. Here’s a brief guide on how to obtain this unique armor set and how to effectively build your character around it.
To begin your journey towards obtaining the Thorn armor, players need to be aware that unlike other armor types available in the game, the pieces of this set are exclusively crafted. The plans necessary for crafting each piece can be purchased from Regs, the secret service vendor located within Vault 79. Access to Regs is contingent upon completing the Wastelanders questline, making it a prerequisite for this exciting venture.
When you approach Regs to trade, keep in mind that he only accepts Gold Bullions as currency. These Bullions can be acquired by exchanging Treasury Notes at Gold Press Machines, which are conveniently located at the crafting area in Whitespring Mall. The most reliable way to obtain Treasury Notes is by participating in public events, although alternative methods do exist.
For those aiming to craft the Thorn armor set, the cost in Gold Bullions is as follows:
- Thorn Armor Chest Piece: 1000 Bullions
- Thorn Armor Left/Right Leg/Arm: 750 Bullions each
To complement the set, players may seek the Vault 94 Scout Armor Mask, priced at 1650 Gold Bullions. However, wearing this mask is not necessary to benefit from the Thorn armor’s unique effects.
The Thorn armor provides three core enhancements:
- Melee attackers that hit you will receive bleed damage.
- All of your melee attacks will inflict bleed effects.
- Your character becomes harder to detect while sneaking.
While the damage from the bleed effect itself might seem modest, coupling it with the appropriate perks can significantly amplify its impact. For instance, perks like Blood Luster, Wound Salter, and Bloody Mess can transform a melee build into a formidable force.
The Blood Luster perk, in particular, boosts bleed damage by 35% but shortens the duration of bleed effects by 25%. This trade-off might appear disadvantageous initially; however, it is often offset by landing successive hits on enemies. When fighting weaker melee opponents, such as Ghouls or smaller creatures, a single solid hit can trigger the bleeding effect that continues to inflict damage.
What sets the Thorn armor apart is its ability to induce bleed damage with any melee attack, enabling even a punch to inflict this devastating effect. This dynamic makes the armor an appealing choice for players looking to optimize their melee strategies in Fallout 76, effectively combining style with lethal efficiency.
