Don't play on Hardcore if you plan on using companions and not modding the game.

Everything else depends on your build, but if you can't decide, Hoarder (from the DLC) is excellent and the downside is extremely easy to avoid.

Wild Wasteland is serious about making the game sillier, including most of the shout-outs and goofy events/locations.

A high Charisma/nonviolent character is also viable, but also better saved for when you know what you're getting into.

If you have an Intelligence of 2 or 1, the game changes in some pretty significant ways, but this is better suited for a second run than a first.

Don't put anything to 10, there are implants that can permanently upgrade stats, and the max is 10 even with buffs/chems/etc.

High Luck can make for easy money grinding at casinos, but if that doesn't interest you then it is also a safe dumpstat.

Don't neglect Strength (carry load), Endurance (max HP), and Intelligence (skill points per level.) Charisma is a safe dumpstat.

Don't add anything else unless you want something specific, and add them one at a time.

If you're modding, get a UI fixer (MTUI), New Vegas Script Extender (NVSE), an unofficial bugfix patch (YUP or UPP+), and the Fallout Mod Manager (FOMM).

Play the DLC in release order (Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Old World Blues and then Lonesome Road) starting at about level 20, then gain 5-10 more levels before moving onto the next.

Lockpick, Medical, Repair, and Science are good. Hardcore is bad if you're using companions and not modding the game.

Default difficulty is fine for casual players.

2 Character Building: SPECIAL and Traits.

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