The ever-popular Fallout 4 continues to inspire a legion of devoted players, each seeking to maximize their in-game potential with the coveted Vault-Tec bobbleheads. These unique collectibles grant permanent upgrades to your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. statistics or vital skills, setting you apart as a true wasteland survivor. Among all the bobbleheads hidden across the Commonwealth, the Intelligence Bobblehead stands as one of the most influential, offering players a significant boost that speeds experience gain and unlocks critical perks earlier.

Understanding the precise location, threats, and best collection strategies for the Intelligence Bobblehead can accelerate your journey and help you build a formidable character. This comprehensive guide not only details the step-by-step process to acquire the Intelligence Bobblehead, but also explores the wider world of Fallout 4 bobbleheads, the design and lore behind these collectibles, alternate routes, and pro player strategies for mastering bobblehead hunting. Whether you're a first-time explorer in the ruins of Boston or a seasoned Vault Dweller on a fresh playthrough, this ultimate article provides everything needed for triumphant bobblehead acquisition and enhanced gameplay.[5][6][10]

Where Is The Intelligence Bobblehead in Fallout 4

What Are Bobbleheads in Fallout 4?

Vault-Tec bobbleheads are a hallmark of the Fallout franchise, offering both practical bonuses and whimsical charm. Each bobblehead, modeled in the classic cartoon Vault Boy style, is placed by developers in challenging or lore-rich locations. In Fallout 4, there are 20 distinct bobbleheads. They are categorized into S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stat boosters and skill enhancers, making them some of the most sought-after collectibles in the game.[10][5]

The moment you pick up a bobblehead, a message appears announcing its effect—ranging from permanent boosts like +1 to your Strength, Perception, or Intelligence, to increased damage with certain weapons or improved skills like Lockpicking and Hacking. Due to their unique, non-respawning nature, there is only one of each bobblehead per playthrough, heightening the stakes for collectors.[6][5][10]

Why the Intelligence Bobblehead Is So Valuable

Out of all 20 Vault-Tec bobbleheads in Fallout 4, the Intelligence Bobblehead is considered a must-have by serious players. Once collected, it permanently increases your Intelligence stat by one point. The Intelligence attribute is vital because it controls how much experience (XP) you earn for every action, from fighting enemies to hacking terminals. The higher your Intelligence, the more XP you gain—and thus the faster you level up, allowing access to better perks and making your character exponentially stronger as the game progresses.

For players who want an optimized character or plan on tackling higher difficulties, the Intelligence Bobblehead is almost always high on the priority list. Acquiring it early can yield more perk points over the course of an entire playthrough, translating into increased firepower, versatile crafting ability, faster skill progression, and even more caps and loot.[5][10]

Fallout 4 Intelligence Bobblehead Location

Boston Public Library Setting

The Intelligence Bobblehead is tucked away in one of the Commonwealth's most iconic pre-war buildings: the Boston Public Library. This once-proud institution is located northeast of Diamond City, on the southern edge of Boston Common. The library's imposing facade is hard to miss, but getting to the bobblehead inside takes both preparation and courage, as the building is packed with hazards and enemies.[11][6][10][5]

Step-By-Step Guide to the Boston Public Library

1. Prepare Supplies and Weapons: Before you approach, ensure your character is stocked with healing items, plenty of ammunition, and weapons suited for close-quarters or mid-range combat. If you prefer stealth, bring gear that boosts your Sneak abilities.

2. Choose Your Entrance:

- Main Door: The front door requires Advanced Lockpicking. If your skill isn't high enough, you can access the building via another route.

- Copley Station Subway: Located just outside and to the side of the library, the Copley Station subway entrance provides an alternative path that does not require a high lockpicking skill.[12][13][11]

3. Clear Out Enemies: The inside of the Boston Public Library is home to a variety of threats. Protectrons and turrets patrol the floors, and Super Mutants may occupy some zones. Move cautiously, and either fight your way through or use stealth if your build supports it.

4. Head for the Second Floor: Ascend the staircases and move to the second floor, aiming for the northwest corner of the building. The Intelligence Bobblehead sits in the mechanical room above a large computer control panel.

5. Pick Up the Bobblehead: Approach the console and take the Intelligence Bobblehead. Your Intelligence stat will immediately increase by +1, and you'll receive an on-screen announcement confirming the permanent bonus.

Additional Details

Be aware that the Boston Public Library contains side objectives, such as the library book return terminals and rare items tucked into corners. While searching for the Intelligence Bobblehead, keep an eye out for these, as they can supplement your journey with extra experience, story lore, or even crafting materials.[6][10][11]

Mastering Bobblehead Collecting: Pro Tips for the Commonwealth

A successful bobblehead hunter considers the hazards and opportunities presented by each unique location. Here are professional strategies for collecting the Intelligence Bobblehead and others throughout Fallout 4:

- Safety First: Always save your game before entering hostile locations. Fallout 4's combat can be unforgiving, and an unlucky fight can quickly send you back to your last save.

- Optimize Your Perks: Invest in perks that match your playstyle—Stealth builds should use sneak attacks, while power armor users can brute-force their way through.

- Prepare Supplies: Bring RadAway, Stimpaks, and grenades for tough fights. Bobbleheads are sometimes guarded by strong enemies or situated in hazardous environments.

- Survey Alternative Routes: If your character's skills are lacking in Lockpicking or Hacking, look for alternative entrances, like the subway access at Boston Public Library. This ensures bobbleheads are always within reach, regardless of current abilities.

- Use the Environment: Many locations have environmental traps or hackable security systems. Turning these to your advantage can thin out enemy mobs and prevent accidental deaths.

Pro collectors often plan a route through the Commonwealth that takes them past multiple bobblehead locations in a single trip, saving time and minimizing exposure to hazards. Consulting the in-game map or external web guides before heading out helps ensure you always know the next destination.

The Story and Lore Behind Vault-Tec Bobbleheads

Vault-Tec bobbleheads are more than simple statistical upgrades; they are deeply integrated with the history and humor of the Fallout universe. In Fallout 4, each bobblehead represents both the ingenuity and the unpredictable nature of Vault-Tec marketing. Finding them in places like the Boston Public Library, ruined offices, or atop looming towers invokes a sense of exploration, surprise, and nostalgia.

The placement of bobbleheads is intentionally varied. Some are hidden in story-rich environments with clues about pre-war America, while others are given as subtle rewards for solving environmental puzzles. In the Boston Public Library, the Intelligence Bobblehead sits atop a computer console, alluding to the value of intellect and critical thinking in the world of Fallout.

The variety of bobblehead locations—from dangerous raider bases to isolated islands and irradiated factories—challenges players to fully explore the game's environment, and rewards those with keen observation skills and the willingness to take risks.

Fallout 4 Bobblehead Locations

Beyond Intelligence: Notable Bobbleheads in Fallout 4

Players who find the thrill of hunting the Intelligence Bobblehead often seek the entire Vault-Tec collection. Here are several other major bobbleheads and their locations, illustrating the diversity and challenge of these collectibles:

- Strength Bobblehead: Perched on a statue in the Mass Fusion Building, guarded by automated turrets and sentry bots.

- Perception Bobblehead: In the Museum of Freedom, a relatively early and accessible location for beginners.

- Endurance Bobblehead: Located atop the central catwalk in Poseidon Energy, where players must defeat the raider leader Cutty to claim it.

- Luck Bobblehead: Hidden inside a locker in a green tugboat at the southern tip of Spectacle Island—watch out for radiation hazards.

- Lockpicking Bobblehead: In the grim tunnels beneath Pickman Gallery, after a showdown with Pickman and a crew of raiders.

- Big Guns Bobblehead: Located in Vault 95 in the Glowing Sea, found atop a radio in a heavily defended residential sector.

- Explosives Bobblehead: Located in Saugus Ironworks, guarded by the infamous Forged raiders and their flamethrower-wielding boss Slag.

- Small Guns Bobblehead: On Captain Wes's desk in the Gunners Plaza recording studio, watched over by hordes of Gunners and automated security.

Each bobblehead requires different approaches—sometimes raw combat skill, sometimes careful planning, or even clever exploitation of environmental hazards.[5][6]

Advanced Strategies for Bobblehead Completionists

For achievement hunters and those aiming to platinum Fallout 4, collecting every bobblehead is essential. Here are a few advanced tips:

- Factions and Access: Some bobbleheads are easier to collect based on which factions you support, so plan accordingly. Being friendly with certain factions may grant earlier or safer access to specific locations.

- Crafting and Lock Picking: Invest early in crafting and lock picking perks. Not only will these skills let you reach hard-to-access bobbleheads, but they'll also yield valuable loot.

- Settlement Preparation: Use settlements to stash excess loot on multi-location bobblehead runs, reducing encumbrance and travel time.

- Story Progression: Some bobbleheads may be temporarily inaccessible during main quests, so be aware of mission triggers that might lock you out of certain buildings or cause them to get destroyed.

By staying organized and prepared, a player can collect every bobblehead in one efficient, rewarding playthrough.

Fallout 4's Enduring Bobblehead Appeal

Part of what makes Fallout 4's bobbleheads so beloved is their seamless integration into the world. They are not simply static collectibles; they are invitations to explore, incentives to experiment with gameplay, and reminders of the franchise's satirical view of the pre-war American dream. Each time a player picks up a bobblehead, they become part of the lore and legacy of the Fallout universe, leaving their mark in a world haunted by the past.

For those who appreciate detail, the bobblehead models themselves are beautiful, distinct, and become memorable mementos as they accumulate on the display stand in your settlements. Seeing them lined up serves as a badge of honor and a testament to your wasteland perseverance.

Summary

This guide delivers a comprehensive look at how to obtain the Intelligence Bobblehead in Fallout 4, offering expanded background on all Vault-Tec bobbleheads, strategies, lore, and the benefits of mastering bobblehead collection. Whether you seek to maximize your XP gain or simply revel in the game's collectibles, the Intelligence Bobblehead is a quintessential target for any Fallout 4 player eager to make their mark in the Commonwealth.[10][6][5]

Intelligence Bobblehead How To Find

FAQ

1. Where is the Intelligence Bobblehead located in Fallout 4?

The Intelligence Bobblehead is found within the Boston Public Library, specifically in the mechanical room of the second floor atop a large computer control panel. The building is northeast of Diamond City, and the bobblehead is accessible either via the main entrance (with Advanced Lockpicking) or through the subway entrance at Copley Station for those with lower lockpicking skills.[13][11][12][6][10][5]

2. What permanent bonus does the Intelligence Bobblehead provide?

Upon collection, it increases your Intelligence stat by +1 permanently, thereby boosting the amount of experience points (XP) you earn throughout your playthrough. This makes it one of the most impactful bobbleheads in terms of character development and progression.[6][10][5]

3. Can every bobblehead be collected in one playthrough?

Yes, all 20 Vault-Tec bobbleheads can be acquired in a single playthrough. Some may require specific skills, story progression, or faction choices to make them accessible, so plan your bobblehead collecting route accordingly.[5][6]

4. Are there enemies in the Boston Public Library?

Yes, the Boston Public Library is patrolled by dangerous enemies, including Super Mutants, Protectrons, and turrets. Be well armed and prepared for close-to-medium range combat or use Stealth tactics to avoid detection.[11][12]

5. Do I lose the Intelligence Bobblehead if I miss it during a quest?

No, the Intelligence Bobblehead remains in the Boston Public Library throughout the entire game. If you don't collect it the first time, you can always return later—just beware the ever-present dangers within.[10][11][6]