Perception doesn't need to be too high because you can get SPECIAL Strength: 5 Perception: 5 Endurance: 7 Charisma: 1 Intelligence: 4 Agility: 9 Luck: 9 Strength needs to only be five, because you can get a strength implant making it six, which is all you need with the 'Weapon Handling' perk to use the Anti-Material Rifle. On Hardcore, you can still recruit them but be careful. If you're on Core, Recruit Boone and ED-E and they will be half your fighting force, tanking baddies for you while you pick them off, and killing small critters for you, preserving your ammo. Here is the build that I use, and it's worked out very well for me on Hardcore and Core. The stealth sniper is the safest way to approach Very Hard mode, because critical hits are important for dealing extra damage against the opponents stronger resistance/health. Fallout New Vegas - Sniper Scout Class Build Guideīy FatherMyles This build is what I've found most useful when playing Very Hard, Hardcore or not.