Nuclear Perks - Hardcore Perk Tree Overhaul
⚪ Last updated 2016⚠️ Install Order · 2 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 2.2% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #15 of 18 Perks mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MOD IS NO LONGER MAINTAINED. THE MOD PAGE WILL BE LEFT UP FOR POSTERITY
CHANGELOG 2. 52
-Fixes the power armor frame override I did for some reason
-Added a guide holotape
CHANGELOG 2. 5
-Fixed the power armor bug. However, if you already have a perk that adds stats , you must take the following steps:
1. Uninstall Nuclear Perks.
2. Install Perk Reset Chem and use the Perk Reset Chem.
3. Reinstall Nuclear Perks.
4. Readd your perks.
-Changed the bonuses for Intelligence Mastery III Hawking to x1. 5 exp for successful Charisma checks and x1. 25 scrap reward.
-Changed the stat bonuses from Charisma Mastery III to +1 Charisma
-Some other stuff I can't remember because I've spent like 6 hours on this patch and I refuse to make any more MGEFs
Table of Contents
I: Short Description
II: Short Video Explanation
III: Mastery Explanation
IV: Perk List
V: Known Bugs
VI: F. A. Q.
-This mod is a massive overhaul of the Perk tree in Fallout. It adds hundreds and hundreds of modifications as well as 100+ new Perks by adding to existing.
-There are now Pro's and Cons to late level perk acquisitions.
-Some things were not changed while others were changed drastically. I figured if it wasn't broke don't fix it :)
-I highly recommend a new game from the beginning. I will upload some files at the exit to the vault as well here in a few.
-There is a new Mastery Perk tree that only becomes available post level 50 on each tree with the exception of Luck
-You gain no extra initial SPECIAL points instead starting the game with 1 of each SPECIAL. You instead gain an additional 5 Perk Points at level 1, 2, 3, and 4, and 1 addition perk point at levels 5 and 7. Starting at level 9 and every 3 levels thereafter you gain an addition 1 Perk Point as well to reflect the increase in available perks.
-The Special book in your house has been disabled. Bobbleheads work fine with this mod so I have not as of yet decided to modify them.
-Base SPECIAL stats now require points spent in their tree at certain levels.
-Base SPECIAL with the exception of Luck now go up 12 ranks instead of 9 and have varying changes.
-VATS Accuracy has been nerfed around 45%, this is because there are now Perks to up VATS accuracy dmg etc.
-LUCK tree only had two changes so I did not feel the need to change the top level attributes. The tree works as intended.
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-There is a Mastery tree in each SPECIAL Tree with the exception of Luck
Nuclear Perks is a comprehensive perk tree overhaul for Fallout 4, adding hundreds of changes and additions in anticipation of the Survival Difficulty update. It also alters how perks are acquired, making it a must-have for players seeking a more challenging and varied perk progression.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 620 endorsements and 27k downloads—clearly a fan favorite.
- Hundreds of perk changes means tons of replayability for veteran players.
- Specifically tuned for Survival Difficulty, so it's perfect for hardcore playthroughs.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2016—may be outdated and incompatible with current game patches.
- Perk overhauls can break other mods that modify perks—check your load order carefully.
For Fallout 4 veterans who want a fresh, harder perk progression and are diving into Survival Mode. Skip if you're a casual player who prefers the vanilla perk tree or if you rely on other perk mods that might conflict.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Since it's an older mod, test it on a new save to avoid conflicts with existing perk investments.
- Use a mod manager like Vortex or NMM to handle installation and load order easily.
- If you're playing Survival, this mod shines—pair it with other survival overhauls for a brutal experience.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Fallout 4 Mods
- Author
- DDProductions83
- Version
- 2.55
- Downloads
- 27,573
- Endorsements
- 620
- Category
- Perks
- Created
- 3/16/2016
- Updated
- 5/25/2016
🔧 How to Install Fallout 4 Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Fallout 4 →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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