Fallout Four Weapons Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

In the harsh and unforgiving world of Fallout Four, your weapon isn’t just a tool; it’s your lifeline. It’s the difference between becoming a pile of irradiated bones and building a thriving settlement. With a staggering array of over fifty base weapons, countless modifications, and the ever-present threat of raiders, super mutants, and mutated creatures lurking around every corner, choosing the right arsenal can be the deciding factor in your survival. Some might argue that charisma and a silver tongue can get you far, and while diplomacy certainly has its place, in the wasteland, firepower often speaks louder.

Fallout Four masterfully blends exploration, crafting, and combat into a compelling post-apocalyptic experience. Weapons are at the very core of this gameplay loop. They define your combat effectiveness, influence your character build, and shape your overall survival strategy. Whether you prefer the silent precision of a sniper rifle or the deafening roar of a minigun, the Commonwealth offers a weapon for every style of wasteland wanderer. Understanding the nuances of these weapons, their strengths, weaknesses, and the myriad ways they can be customized is paramount to becoming a true survivor.

This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with all the knowledge you need to navigate the vast and dangerous world of Fallout Four, armed with the perfect weapon for any situation. From understanding the basic weapon categories to mastering the intricacies of weapon modifications and legendary effects, we’ll cover everything you need to know to dominate the wasteland. We will explore weapon types, examine their stats, dive into modifications, and discuss effective combat strategies. Get ready to become a true master of weaponry in Fallout Four.

Weapon Categories

Let’s delve into the diverse arsenal at your disposal in Fallout Four, starting with the up close and personal options.

Melee Weapons

Melee weapons offer a raw, visceral approach to combat. They’re a silent but deadly option, perfect for stealthy takedowns or when ammo is scarce. Think of them as the blunt, sharpened, or energized extension of your will.

Some common examples of melee weapons you’ll find are the iconic Super Sledge, capable of sending enemies flying with a well-placed swing; the Combat Knife, perfect for quick and silent assassinations; the Baseball Bat, a surprisingly effective and versatile weapon; the Power Fist, turning your hands into instruments of bone-crushing destruction; and the Revolutionary Sword, a symbol of rebellion and a potent weapon against oppression.

The advantages of melee weapons are clear. They require no ammunition, making them incredibly economical. They allow for powerful stealth attacks, often one-shotting unsuspecting enemies. Plus, there’s a certain satisfying brutality to engaging in close-quarters combat with these weapons. However, they also have drawbacks. You’re vulnerable at close range, making you susceptible to being overwhelmed by multiple enemies or ranged attacks.

Several perks enhance your melee combat prowess. “Big Leagues” increases melee weapon damage and area of effect, while “Iron Fist” amplifies your unarmed attacks.

Unarmed Weapons

While technically a subset of melee, Unarmed weapons are a very different style. Instead of swinging weapons, this is all about punching and kicking.

Some common examples of unarmed weapons you’ll find are knuckles of different types, as well as the martial art helmet which adds a damage buff.

The advantages are similar to melee weapons, but amplified. No ammo, and allows for powerful stealth attacks, and potentially being even more economical than a weapon needing repairing. You’re even more vulnerable at close range, making you *extremely* susceptible to being overwhelmed.

“Iron Fist” is critical here.

Pistols

Pistols occupy a middle ground between melee and rifles, offering versatility and accuracy in close to medium-range engagements. They’re often your first line of defense in the early game and can remain effective throughout your journey with the right modifications and perks.

Among the most commonly found pistols are the 10mm Pistol, a reliable workhorse; the .44 Pistol, packing a serious punch; and the Pipe Pistol, a testament to wasteland ingenuity. Each offers a unique balance of damage, fire rate, and accuracy.

Pistols excel in their modifiability, allowing you to customize them to suit your playstyle. They offer good accuracy, especially with V.A.T.S., and are relatively lightweight, making them easy to carry. However, their damage output typically falls short compared to rifles or heavy weapons.

The “Gunslinger” perk significantly boosts pistol damage and range, turning you into a veritable sharpshooter with a sidearm.

Rifles

Rifles are the bread and butter of many Fallout Four builds, providing a reliable and effective means of engaging enemies at medium to long range. They offer a balance of damage, accuracy, and fire rate, making them suitable for a wide range of combat scenarios.

You’ll encounter a variety of rifles throughout your travels, including the Combat Rifle, a versatile automatic weapon; the Hunting Rifle, perfect for sniping; the Laser Rifle, a futuristic energy weapon; the Institute Rifle, boasting sleek design and decent damage; and the Handmade Rifle, a powerful and customizable weapon favored by raiders.

Rifles offer excellent range and damage, allowing you to take down enemies before they get too close. Many rifles are highly modifiable, allowing you to tailor them to your specific needs. However, they can be ammunition-hungry, and their weight can become a burden if you’re not careful.

The “Rifleman” perk enhances non-automatic rifle damage, while “Commando” does the same for automatic rifles, making these perks essential for any rifle-focused build.

Shotguns

Shotguns are the kings of close-quarters combat, delivering devastating bursts of damage at short range. They’re ideal for clearing rooms, dealing with fast-moving enemies, or simply overwhelming a single target with sheer firepower.

The Combat Shotgun, with its high fire rate and modifiability, and the Double-Barrel Shotgun, known for its immense burst damage, are two of the most common shotguns you’ll find.

The sheer power of a shotgun at close range is undeniable. They can stagger enemies, making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. But, their range is severely limited, and their slow reload speed can leave you vulnerable in a firefight.

The “Shotgunner” perk increases shotgun damage and limb crippling chance, making you a force to be reckoned with in close-quarters engagements.

Heavy Weapons

Heavy weapons represent the pinnacle of destructive power in Fallout Four. These behemoths are capable of obliterating entire groups of enemies with a single shot, but their weight, rare ammunition, and slow firing rate demand careful planning and execution.

The Missile Launcher, capable of raining explosive death from afar; the Fat Man, launching mini-nuclear warheads; the Gatling Laser, unleashing a torrent of energy beams; and the Flamer, engulfing enemies in searing flames, are among the most iconic heavy weapons.

Heavy weapons provide unparalleled damage and area of effect, making them ideal for dealing with hordes of enemies or taking down heavily armored foes. However, they are incredibly heavy, consume rare ammunition, and often have slow firing rates, making them unsuitable for every situation.

The “Heavy Gunner” perk reduces heavy weapon weight and increases their damage, while also improving hip-fire accuracy, turning you into a walking arsenal of destruction.

Energy Weapons

Energy weapons are more advanced, tech-focused options. They offer a unique blend of futuristic aesthetics and potent firepower. From laser rifles to plasma guns, these weapons harness the power of focused energy to obliterate your foes.

Some common energy weapons you’ll find are the Laser Musket, a manually charged weapon that delivers a powerful single shot; the Plasma Gun, firing superheated projectiles; and the Institute Pistol/Rifle, sleek and efficient energy weapons favored by the Institute.

The advantages of energy weapons are decent damage and some weapons, like the Plasma Gun, can melt armor. However, their ammo can be rarer and more expensive than that of ballistic weapons.

The “Rifleman/Commando” and “Gunslinger” perk are important here, and it will depend on the weapon type.

Explosives

Explosives are the ultimate area-denial and crowd-control tools in Fallout Four. Whether you’re clearing out a room full of raiders or laying a trap for unsuspecting super mutants, explosives offer a powerful and versatile means of controlling the battlefield.

Grenades, Mines, and Molotov Cocktails are common explosives you can use.

Explosives provide area damage and stunning effects, disrupting enemy formations and creating opportunities for follow-up attacks. But they pose a risk to the player and have the potential for friendly fire.

The “Demolition Expert” perk increases explosive damage and blast radius, while also granting you the ability to craft more powerful explosives.

Weapon Stats Explained

Understanding weapon stats is crucial for making informed decisions about your arsenal.

Damage: Determines the amount of health an enemy loses per hit.

Fire Rate: Determines how many rounds can be fired per minute.

Range: Affects the distance at which the weapon is most accurate and effective.

Accuracy: Measures the weapon’s ability to hit targets at various distances.

Weight: Impacts your encumbrance and action point regeneration.

Value: Determines the weapon’s worth when trading with vendors.

Weapon Modifications

Modifying your weapons is essential for maximizing their performance and tailoring them to your specific playstyle.

Barrels: Improve range and accuracy.

Stocks/Grips: Enhance recoil control and aiming speed.

Magazines/Capacitors: Increase capacity and reload speed.

Scopes/Sights: Improve accuracy and target acquisition.

Muzzles: Offer suppressors and compensators.

Receivers: Provide automatic fire and increased damage.

Material Mods: Can affect weight, durability, and elemental properties

Crafting skills like Gun Nut and Science! are required for unlocking the most advanced weapon mods.

Legendary Effects

Legendary enemies drop legendary items with special effects.

Some common legendary effects include:

Two Shot: Fires an additional projectile.

Explosive: Rounds explode on impact.

Instigating: Doubles damage against full health targets.

Wounding: Deals additional bleed damage.

Unique Weapons

Unique weapons boast special properties and backstories.

Some examples include:

The Deliverer (Pistol): A suppressed pistol with increased V.A.T.S. accuracy.

Righteous Authority (Laser Rifle): Deals bonus critical hit damage.

Grognak’s Axe (Melee): Deals bonus bleed damage.

Big Boy (Fat Man): Fires two mini-nukes at once.

Best Weapons for Different Playstyles

Stealth Build: The Deliverer, Combat Knife.

Heavy Gunner Build: Gatling Laser, Missile Launcher.

Melee/Unarmed Build: Super Sledge, Power Fist.

Rifleman Build: Overseer’s Guardian, Handmade Rifle.

Crit Build: Kellog’s Pistol, The Problem Solver.

Tips and Strategies for Weapon Use

Optimize V.A.T.S. for targeting and critical hits.

Manage ammo carefully.

Exploit enemy weaknesses.

Use cover and flanking tactics.

Conclusion

Weapons are the foundation of your survival in the unforgiving world of Fallout Four. Mastering the art of weaponry, understanding the nuances of each weapon type, and utilizing modifications and legendary effects to your advantage will transform you from a wandering scavenger into a force to be reckoned with. Whether you prefer the silent precision of a sniper rifle, the devastating power of a heavy weapon, or the up-close brutality of melee combat, Fallout Four offers a wealth of options to suit your playstyle. Experiment, adapt, and discover the weapons that empower you to conquer the Commonwealth and forge your own legend in the wasteland. Now, go forth and equip yourself!