Radiation is one of the constants in the Fallout series (it’s right in the title) and Fallout 4 is no exception. Here’s a guide to how the radiation system works in Fallout 4 and how to better your odds against this terrifying, invisible threat to life and limb.

Fallout 4 Radiation Guide - The Rad System

Greatly simplified from past Fallout games, the radiation system in Fallout 4 only affects maximum health. The conversion is simple: for every 10 RADS you are exposed to, 1 HP is dialed back from your maximum health.

Fallout 4 Radiation Guide - Curing RADS Poisoning

So far only two methods are known to cure RADS poisoning in Fallout 4.

1. Take RadAway - This drug cures 300 points of radiation poisoning. One dose should do the trick under most circumstances.
2. Doctor - A doctor will completely cure RADS poisoning for 40 caps.

Fallout 4 Radiation Guide - Mitigation

Rad-X - This chem temporarily provides a plus 100 boost to your RADS resistance. This will typically cut your ongoing exposure rate in half.

Hazmat Suit - The Fallout 4 hazmat suit can be found at the Dunwich Borers map marker (NE) and offer +1000 radiation resistance.

Power Armor - A complete power armor build typically offers +1050 radiation resistance. You can also build RAD scrubbers that removes radiation from the water consume while in Power Armor.

Fallout 4 Radiation Guide - Perks

Lead Belly

Since you only 2 in Endurance (END), Lead Belly is a useful perk for any build.

• Rank 1 - “ Your digestive tract has adjusted to the weirdness of the Wasteland! Take less radiation from eating or drinking.”
• Rank 2 - “ You take even less radiation from eating or drinking.”
• Rank 3 - “ You take no radiation from eating or drinking.”

Aquaboy/Aquagirl

This requires 5 points to Endurance (END), but can be a game changer if you spend a lot of time in the water.

• Rank 1 - “ Water is your ally. You no longer take radiation damage from swimming, and can breathe underwater.”

Medic

All you need is 2 SPECIAL points in Intelligence (INT) to start plussing up Stimpaks and RadAway utility.

• Rank 1 - “ Is there a doctor in the house? Stimpaks restore 40% of lost Health, and RadAway removes 40% of radiation.”
• Rank 2 - “ Stimpaks restore 60% of lost Health, and RadAway removes 60% of radiation.”
• Rank 3 - “ Stimpaks restore 80% of lost Health, and RadAway removes 80% of radiation.”
• Rank 4 - “ Stimpaks and RadAway restore all lost health and radiation, and work much more quickly.”

Rad Resistance

This Fallout 4 perk is self-explanatory and requires an Endurance of 6.

• Rank 1 - “Exposure to the Wasteland has made you more resilient, instantly granting +10 Radiation Resistance.”
• Rank 2 - “ You now have +20 Radiation Resistance.”
• Rank 3 - “ You now have +30 Radiation Resistance.”

Ghoulish

This high level Fallout 4 Endurance perk (requires END 9) turns radiation into a good thing.

• Rank 1 - “ Sure, you're still human - on the outside! Radiation now regenerates your lost Health.”
• Rank 2 - “Radiation now regenerates even more of your lost Health.”
• Rank 3 - “Radiation now regenerates even more of your lost Health, and some Feral Ghouls will randomly become friendly.”

Solar Powered

This Fallout 4 Endurance perk requires attribute level 10 and a level of 27.

• Rank 2 - “Sunlight slowly heals your radiation damage.”

Real Life Vs. Fallout 4 Radiation System

It begins with nausea and vomiting. High enough exposure and your skin will react like a normal burn, blistering and perhaps even sloughing away. Radiation depletes platelets in the blood quickly, so soon enough you’ll be bleeding from the nose, gums, and butthole. As the cells and bacterial flora lining your intestines start dying (radiation bursts the cell wall) you’ll experience tremendous, bloody diarrhea. Your hair is going and you feel too tired to move, let alone fight or forage. Ulcers form throughout your digestive tract, open sores that make it painful to eat or even swallow.

If you somehow survive acute radiation sickness, your lifespan will be severely shortened, with a markedly higher incidence of disease once you reach middle age.