Finding every Vault-Tec bobblehead in the Commonwealth remains a cornerstone of the Fallout 4 experience. These twenty collectible figures offer permanent stat increases and unique perk bonuses that can fundamentally shift a character build from struggling to god-like. Unlike magazines, which provide incremental improvements, bobbleheads grant a definitive +1 to a S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stat or a substantial 15-25% buff to specific combat and utility skills. In the current wasteland landscape of 2026, where survival builds are more complex than ever, knowing exactly where to find these figures—and more importantly, when to pick them up—is essential knowledge for any Sole Survivor.

The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Bobblehead Locations

The seven S.P.E.C.I.A.L. bobbleheads are the most coveted because they directly alter your base stats. A critical tip for veteran players: if you wait to pick up a S.P.E.C.I.A.L. bobblehead until that specific stat is already at 10 (through natural leveling), the figure will permanently boost it to 11. This is the only way to exceed the standard cap without using temporary consumables or gear.

Strength Bobblehead

Location: Mass Fusion Building Effect: +1 Strength

To secure the Strength bobblehead, you must navigate the vertical labyrinth of the Mass Fusion building in the heart of Boston. This skyscraper is often a warzone between factions, filled with Gunners and high-tier Raiders. Enter the lobby and look up at the massive metal statue protruding from the wall above the reception desk. The bobblehead is balanced precariously on the very top of this sculpture. To reach it, you will need to head to the upper levels—typically the fifth or sixth floor—and look for a ledge that overlooks the lobby. You can jump down onto the statue from above, but be wary of the fall damage if you aren't wearing Power Armor.

Perception Bobblehead

Location: Museum of Freedom (Concord) Effect: +1 Perception

This is likely the first bobblehead most players encounter. During the "When Freedom Calls" quest, you'll clear out Raiders within the Museum of Freedom. Head to the top floor where Preston Garvey and the survivors are held up. On the far end of the room, sitting on a cluttered wooden desk next to a broken terminal, you will find the Perception bobblehead. It’s hard to miss, but in the heat of a firefight with the Raiders, it’s easy to overlook until the room is clear.

Endurance Bobblehead

Location: Poseidon Energy Effect: +1 Endurance

Located in the southeastern corner of the Commonwealth, Poseidon Energy is a fortified industrial site guarded by a mini-boss in Power Armor named Cutty. Inside the main central chamber—a massive area filled with pipes and scaffolding—you need to reach the elevated metal office in the middle of the room. This office is heavily guarded by ceiling turrets and Raiders. The Endurance bobblehead is sitting on a metal desk next to a broken terminal in this command shack. This is a high-level area, so bring plenty of ammo and stimpaks.

Charisma Bobblehead

Location: Parsons State Insane Asylum Effect: +1 Charisma

Obtaining this figure is tied to a specific questline. You cannot enter the asylum freely; you must first reach Level 10 and then encounter Edward Deegan (found in places like Diamond City’s Dugout Inn or Goodneighbor’s Third Rail). Completing "Special Delivery" and "Emogene Takes a Lover" eventually leads to "The Secret of Cabot House." Inside the asylum, follow Jack Cabot to his office in the administration area. The Charisma bobblehead is sitting on his desk. If you try to enter without the quest, the guards will be hostile and the doors locked.

Intelligence Bobblehead

Location: Boston Public Library Effect: +1 Intelligence

The Boston Public Library is located near Trinity Tower. The interior is filled with Super Mutants and automated turrets caught in a stale-mate. Head to the northwestern corner of the building to find the mechanical room. You'll need to bypass a series of locked wooden doors and potentially fight through a wave of Protectrons. The bobblehead is resting on top of a large computer console bank. This area is relatively compact, making it one of the faster captures if you are already in central Boston.

Agility Bobblehead

Location: Wreck of the FMS Northern Star Effect: +1 Agility

This derelict cargo ship is grounded on the southeastern coast. You’ll have to fight through a tribe of Mirelurks surrounding the hull and then clear out the Raiders living on the decks. Navigate to the very bow (front) of the ship. Beyond the makeshift shack where the Raider leader resides, there is a wooden platform extending over the water. The Agility bobblehead is sitting at the very tip of this beam, looking out over the ocean. Watch your step, as it's a long drop into radioactive water.

Luck Bobblehead

Location: Spectacle Island Effect: +1 Luck

Spectacle Island requires a long swim or a hazmat suit to reach without taking massive radiation damage. Once on the island, head to the southern shore. There is a green tugboat half-sunken in the shallows. Head up to the wheelhouse (the cabin) of the boat. Inside, you’ll find a locker next to a steamer trunk; the Luck bobblehead is tucked inside the locker. Be prepared for a massive Mirelurk attack if you decide to flip the power switch on the island while you are there.

The Skill Bobblehead Locations

The remaining thirteen bobbleheads focus on specific gameplay mechanics. These are essential for specializing your build, whether you prefer heavy ordinance, stealth, or high-stakes trading.

Barter Bobblehead

Location: Longneck Lukowski's Cannery Effect: Prices are 5% better

Located on the northeastern coast, the cannery is run by Theodore Collins. Head into the main assembly room where the conveyor belts are running. Follow the metal catwalks up to the office that overlooks the entire production floor. The bobblehead is sitting on a desk in the northwestern corner of this upper office. Picking this up early can save you thousands of caps over the course of a playthrough.

Big Guns Bobblehead

Location: Vault 95 Effect: +25% Critical Damage with heavy weapons

Vault 95 is a dangerous location in the southwest, filled with high-level Gunners. Once inside the main atrium, head through the door on the right toward the residential quarters. Go down the stairs and through the first door on your right. You’ll find a small room with a radio sitting on a table between two couches; the Big Guns bobblehead is on top of that radio. This is a must-have for Gatling Laser or Fat Man enthusiasts.

Energy Weapons Bobblehead

Location: Fort Hagen Effect: +25% Critical Damage with energy weapons

Fort Hagen is a mandatory story location where you track down Kellogg. Once you reach the Command Center (the lower levels), navigate to the kitchen/cafeteria area. There are two refrigerators in the southwestern corner of the kitchen; the bobblehead is sitting on a small table between them. If you've already completed the main quest here, you can return via the elevator, but you'll likely face respawned Synths.

Explosives Bobblehead

Location: Saugus Ironworks Effect: +15% Damage with explosives

This location is the base for the Forged, a gang of fire-obsessed Raiders. Fight your way to the very back of the facility to the Blast Furnace area. This is where you face Slag, the leader. After the confrontation, check the back wall of the upper catwalk. The Explosives bobblehead is sitting on top of a large computer terminal panel. Be careful with grenades in this room, as the walkways are narrow and the drop into the molten iron is lethal.

Lock Picking Bobblehead

Location: Pickman Gallery Effect: Lockpicking becomes permanently easier

Pickman Gallery is a macabre location in North Boston. You need to descend into the basement and follow the tunnels deep underground into the brick catacombs. Eventually, you will reach a room where Pickman is being cornered by Raiders. In the center of this room is a flaming trash can used for light. The Lock Picking bobblehead is sitting on the floor right next to it. This figure widens the "sweet spot" when picking locks, saving you many bobby pins.

Medicine Bobblehead

Location: Vault 81 Effect: Stimpaks heal 10% more damage

To get this, you must enter Vault 81 (located west of Diamond City) and trigger the "Hole in the Wall" quest. This involves finding the secret section of the Vault. Navigate through the hidden, rat-infested corridors until you find the laboratory where Curie is being held. The Medicine bobblehead is sitting on a desk in the same room as Curie. Note: If you get bitten by a Mole Rat here, you may receive a permanent health penalty, so use stealth or long-range weapons.

Melee Bobblehead

Location: Trinity Tower Effect: +25% Critical Damage with melee weapons

Prepare for a long climb. Trinity Tower is infested with Super Mutants. You must take a series of elevators to reach the very top. At the summit, you’ll find a cage where the friendly Super Mutant Strong and his mentor Rex are being held. The Melee bobblehead is sitting on a table inside that cage. The view from the top is spectacular, but keep your guard up for the Super Mutant leader, Fist.

Repair Bobblehead

Location: Corvega Assembly Plant Effect: Fusion Cores last 10% longer

This is essential for Power Armor users. The Corvega plant in Lexington is sprawling, but the bobblehead is located on the exterior. Climb to the very top of the roof via the blue metal catwalks. Follow the walkway to the highest point of the plant—the large spherical tank. The bobblehead is sitting on the edge of the railing at the very end of the highest walkway, looking out over Lexington.

Science Bobblehead

Location: Malden Middle School (Vault 75) Effect: Get one extra guess while hacking

Underneath Malden Middle School lies Vault 75. You will need to obtain access cards from Gunners within the vault to proceed. Once you have access to the laboratory area, go to the room that overlooks the combat simulation course (the large cavernous area). The Science bobblehead is sitting on a desk next to a terminal in this observation room. This extra guess makes Master-level terminals much less frustrating.

Small Guns Bobblehead

Location: Gunners Plaza Effect: +25% Critical Damage with ballistic ammo

Gunners Plaza is the headquarters for the Gunner mercenary group and is one of the most heavily defended buildings in the game. Head to the ground floor and look for a room labeled "On the Air" on the western side of the building. You will need Master-level Lockpicking skill or the key (held by one of the Gunner commanders) to enter. The bobblehead is sitting on the broadcast desk inside this room.

Sneak Bobblehead

Location: Dunwich Borers Effect: 10% harder to detect

This quarry is located in the far northeast. You must descend deep into the mine until it transitions from a Raider den into a ghoul-infested cavern. Navigate to "Area 4." Near a terminal used to control the site's machinery, you’ll find a small metal table with a lantern. The Sneak bobblehead is sitting on this table. Be prepared for some supernatural hallucinations as you go deeper into this site.

Speech Bobblehead

Location: Park Street Station (Vault 114) Effect: All vendors have 100 more caps for bartering

This bobblehead is found during the main quest "Unlikely Valentine" when you rescue Nick Valentine. Inside Vault 114, you will eventually reach the Overseer’s office where Nick is being held. The Speech bobblehead is sitting right on the Overseer's desk. Since this is part of the primary storyline, it is very difficult to miss as long as you look around the room before escorting Nick out.

Unarmed Bobblehead

Location: Atom Cats Garage Effect: +25% Critical Damage with unarmed strikes

The Atom Cats are a neutral faction of Power Armor enthusiasts located on a peninsula in the southeast. This is a non-combat capture. Simply walk into the main warehouse where they work on their suits. On the hood of a rusty, partially dismantled car, you will find the Unarmed bobblehead sitting out in the open. It’s a quick grab, and you can pick up some unique Power Armor paint while you're there.

Optimizing Your Collection Run

When planning your collection route, consider the gear and level requirements. For locations like Parsons State Insane Asylum and Vault 81, you cannot simply walk in and grab the prize; they are gated behind dialogue and multi-stage quests. Conversely, the Repair and Agility bobbleheads can be grabbed very early if you are careful with stealth.

Strategic players often leave the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. bobbleheads for the mid-to-late game. If you can push your natural stats to 10 through leveling, these figures provide the only way to reach 11, which significantly impacts secondary stats like Action Points (Agility), Carry Weight (Strength), and Health (Endurance). For Skill bobbleheads, the critical damage bonuses are multiplicative, meaning they become exponentially more valuable as your base weapon damage increases.

Always bring a suit of Power Armor for the Mass Fusion and Trinity Tower runs, as the verticality of these locations often results in accidental falls. For Dunwich Borers and Vault 95, high radiation resistance is a requirement. By securing all twenty, you transform your survivor from a wasteland scavenger into the ultimate peak of human performance available in the Commonwealth.