Character creation is done through a tutorial prologue that encompasses the different ages of the player's characters, which also covers tutorials on movement, the HUD, combat, interactions with the game world, and the use of the Pip-Boy 3000.
As the character progresses through the game, experience points (XP) are earned from accomplishing various actions, such as completing a quest, killing an enemy, and so forth, with a new level granted upon reaching the necessary amount of XP.