Fallout 76 Civil Engineer Armor: A Comprehensive Review

The Civil Engineer Armor in Fallout 76, previously known as "Muni Armor," was introduced with the Atlantic City update. This armor set offers unique benefits and trade-offs compared to other popular sets like the Secret Service and Brotherhood Recon armor.

Introduction to Civil Engineer Armor

Civil Engineer Armor is notable for its accessibility and utility. It is available at levels 40 and 50, with plans obtainable through completing the new Atlantic City main quests. The armor can be crafted and traded, making it easier to acquire specific legendary effects compared to non-tradable sets like the Secret Service armor.

Set Bonuses

The Civil Engineer Armor set bonus is activated when all five pieces are equipped (excluding the helmet). The bonuses include:

• 10% chance to deal 150 fire damage over 15 seconds to melee attackers: This effect is less impactful in practice but can be useful against certain enemies.

• 35% slower weapon degradation: This is particularly beneficial for players using weapons with low durability, such as broadsiders or gamma guns.

Resistances and Comparison

Civil Engineer Armor offers higher energy resistance than many other sets, including Scout armor, but it falls short compared to the Secret Service and Brotherhood Recon armor in terms of overall resistance. It provides less base damage resistance (DR) than Secret Service armor, resulting in increased physical damage taken. However, it offers better energy resistance (ER), reducing energy damage taken.

In Fallout 76, acquiring and upgrading Civil Engineer Armor often involves managing resources, particularly Fallout 76 caps. Players can purchase materials or trade with other players using caps, allowing them to optimize their armor for specific builds and play styles. The tradability of this armor makes it more appealing since players can easily exchange it to obtain specific legendary effects without needing to spend excessive caps on uncertain rolls.

Modding and Customization

The armor can be modded with various materials and effects, including:

• Materials: Standard, Welded, Tempered, Hardened, and Buttressed for improved protection.

• Mods: Options like Braced, Brawling, Weighted, Aerodynamic, and Stabilized for arms; Cushioned, Custom Fitted, Sleek, Muffled, and Strengthened for legs; and Padded, Dense, Asbestos Lining, Pneumatic, BioCommMesh, and Jetpack for the torso.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Tradability: Civil Engineer Armor can be traded, allowing players to acquire specific legendary effects more easily.

• Set Bonus: The weapon durability effect is highly beneficial for players using low-durability weapons.

• Accessibility: Plans are obtainable through quests, making it easier to craft compared to rolling for other sets.

Cons:

• Lower DR: It offers less physical damage resistance compared to top-tier sets like Secret Service.

• Durability: The armor itself has relatively low durability, requiring more frequent repairs.

Civil Engineer Armor is a solid choice for players seeking a tradable set with useful bonuses, especially those who use weapons with low durability. While it may not match the resistances of the Secret Service armor, its set bonus and tradability make it a valuable alternative for players looking for flexibility and utility in their armor choices.