(Do note that some of the best Melee perks require Unarmed skill, and vice-versa.) Explosives are a bit expensive to be a main if you don't know what you're doing, but exploring the right areas can take some of the edge off. It doesn't hurt to be putting points into a secondary weapon type, but focus your combat perks on whatever you intend to be best at. Whether it's Melee, Unarmed, Guns, Energy Weapons, or Explosives, pick one, and pick out perks that support it and work well with it.
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.