re: Started Fallout 3 - I have questions

i never used energy weapons and did fine. Conserve ammo, keep 4 weapons on you at all times and only use the weapon that is strong enough to kill the enemy. i.e. dont use a high powered rifle on a fly, or a dog.

The easiest way to conserve ammo is to sneak as close as possible and rifle a shot or two to the head, cover, and then shotgun the head when they come looking around the corners for you. it requires you being really close to enemies, but its one of the few times VATS was abused.

Use the swift learner perk, and the educated perk as early as possible. it makes the game much easier as you go on.