Buffout is a brand of highly advanced steroids that increase strength, reflexes, and endurance. Although highly addictive,[1] it was a popular choice among pre-War athletes.[2] Their clandestine - and illicit - use of the drug made its use by amateurs popular and widespread.[3][4] With it, they could run longer and work out harder without the burden of "unnecessary" training.[5] The popularity of the drug resulted in a number of hybridized variants, including Bufftats (mixed with Mentats) and Psychobuff (military modification, combined with Psycho).[6]
Its popularity persists well after the nuclear holocaust, due to its properties. The increase in strength allows a wastelander to punch through several wooden boards with ease and pummel opponents into submission.[7] As such, it's typically banned in places like Vault City[8] or entertainment venues. For example, casino and bar patrons in New Reno were banned from indulging in Buffout, likely to limit altercations.[9]
Characteristics[]
Buffout steroids are the perfect choice for any melee-centric characters, thanks to its significant boost to Strength and melee damage. By uncapping SPECIAL and the ability to raise Strength above 10, the game permits close combat characters to remain very competitive in the late game, through a combination of power armor and a steady diet of buffout.
The high addiction rate can be a problem in the long term, as is the risk of overdose: Five doses will cause this status effect and six will kill.
↑A relatively common find among the ruins of gymnasiums in Fallout 4
↑Fallout 2 Official Strategies & Secrets p.72: "Originally made popular through clandestine use by professional athletes, Buffout is particularly helpful in mêlée or unarmed combat."
↑Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "Buffout is a powerful steroid that gained popularity with athletes before the Great War. It grants temporary bonuses to Strength, Endurance and maximum Health."
↑Rose's Raider Radio: "Take yourself some Buffout. Run longer, and hit harder! You'll be a star athlete in no time, no training required!"
↑Goodneighbor terminals; Fred Allen's Terminal, Chem Diary: Buffout: "Experiment One: Punch through a board. Results: Oh yeah. That was easy. Experiment Two: Punch through TEN boards. Results: I'm invincible! This is like, some comic-book level strength. Experiment Three: Punch through STEEL boards, man! Results: Typing with my left hand. Gotta cook some Stimpaks."
↑Vault City gate guard: "{187}{}{All right. Before you go in, we have to search your belongings first.}" The Chosen One: "{189}{}{What for?}" Vault-City gate guard: "{202}{}{Sometimes Outworlders try to smuggle alcohol or addictive drugs into Vault City: Buffout, Jet, Psycho, Mentats...that sort of thing.}" (VCGATGRD.MSG)
