First off, thank you. I appreciate your help.
I pretty much figured out some of the things you mention, but have no idea how to do them.
I take it the first workshop is the Red Rocket, but have no idea how to service my failing armor or where to find new power cells. Kinda sucks trudging around the world at half speed looking to see what I can stumble into.
I tried helping the guy draining the pond but figured that was actually a trap as once I was in the water I was blind and wound up drowning.
Also, why am I trying to attract people to sanctuary? Aren’t I supposed to be trying to find my kid? I thought I should be getting the lay of the land and acquiring the things I’d need to take the kid back from a hostile actor.
“I take it the first workshop is the Red Rocket, but have no idea how to service my failing armor or where to find new power cells.”
The fusion cores (’Cores” are the ones you need to power the armor) can be found on quests or bought from merchants. Sometimes they have them, sometimes not. They are expensive.
To service the armor or craft anything you need materials IN the workbench (use the ‘transfer/Trandfer all junk” choice to put it in the bench) or on your person. Park your armor in the yellow station, get out, then activate (E on PC) the station.
You will see a list of the armor you have. Click on an armor piece and you will see a list materials you need. If you have them, hit “T” to repair. If not, get thee to scavenging. ;)
The crafting system works pretty much the same way but it’s a little clunkier. You need the materials in the bench AND for some things like certain sales stands, you need to have the right perks. Most do not require any special perks though.
Rather then me reinventing the wheel, check out these youtube vids that go into some detail on crafting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwIMM3aB5-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFXMuIqYigQ
If you need more specific details, just let me know.
“I tried helping the guy draining the pond but figured that was actually a trap as once I was in the water I was blind and wound up drowning.”
I haven’t done that one but later in the game you get water breathing perks. But till then, just get out of the armor whenever water is involved. I drowned a couple times falling off ships and getting stuck in debris.
“Also, why am I trying to attract people to sanctuary?”
Technically you don’t have to but by doing the settlement thing, it gives you more options. For example, they farm stuff you can convert into things you need to increase your armor and you can set up lots of water filtration, then sell the purified water. Free money.
“Aren’t I supposed to be trying to find my kid?”
Sure. But some of those people will be helping you do that.
“I thought I should be getting the lay of the land and acquiring the things I’d need to take the kid back from a hostile actor.”
You are, ultimately. Think of the phrase “no man is an island.” While you CAN do the game as a true ‘lone wanderer” it’s a LOT harder.