To use V.A.T.S. effectively in Fallout 4, target specific body parts for increased hit chances, manage action points wisely for multiple shots, and use it in close combat situations for better accuracy. Upgrading related perks can also improve V.A.T.S. efficiency and overall gameplay experience.
V.A.T.S. Basics
In Fallout 4, the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S.) is a game mechanic that allows players to pause combat and target specific body parts of enemies in real-time, with a percentage chance to hit each targeted area. To use V.A.T.S., you need to have Action Points (AP) available, which are shown as a yellow bar in the bottom right corner of the screen. Pressing the designated V.A.T.S. button (usually the right bumper on consoles or the Q key on PC) will bring up the V.A.T.S. interface.
Targeting and Efficiency
When using V.A.T.S., you can target specific body parts of your enemies by moving the cursor over them. Different body parts have different percentages for hitting, with the head usually having a higher chance but being a smaller target. It's important to assess the situation and choose the body part that will give you the best strategic advantage. For instance, targeting an enemy's legs can slow them down, while targeting their weapon arm can disarm them.
Accuracy and Critical Hits
The percentage shown in V.A.T.S. represents the chance for each shot to hit the target. Factors such as distance, weapon accuracy, and your character's stats (like Perception and Agility) influence this percentage. However, even with a high percentage, shots may miss due to various reasons like enemy movements or obstructions. Critical Hits play a significant role in V.A.T.S. - when the Critical Meter fills up during combat, you can manually trigger a guaranteed critical hit by pressing the Critical Hit button (X on consoles, C on PC).
Managing Action Points
Action Points are crucial for using V.A.T.S. effectively. Each action (targeting a body part or firing a weapon) consumes a certain amount of AP. It's essential to keep an eye on your AP bar and plan your actions accordingly. If you run out of AP while in V.A.T.S., you won't be able to target or fire until your AP regenerates. Increasing your Agility attribute can help increase your AP pool and regenerate it faster, allowing for more actions in V.A.T.S.
Perks and Builds
Perks in Fallout 4 play a significant role in customizing your playstyle, including V.A.T.S. efficiency. Investing in perks like Gunslinger (for pistols) or Rifleman (for rifles) can boost your damage output in V.A.T.S. perks like Concentrated Fire increase your accuracy when targeting the same body part repeatedly. Additionally, perks like Grim Reaper's Sprint can replenish your AP when you score a kill in V.A.T.S., allowing for more actions in succession.
Weapon Selection and Modifications
The type of weapon you use in V.A.T.S. can also impact your effectiveness. Guns with a high rate of fire like pistols or automatic rifles can be more beneficial in V.A.T.S. due to the multiple shots fired. Customizing your weapons with modifications that increase accuracy, reduce recoil, or add effects like bleed damage can make your V.A.T.S. shots more potent. Experiment with different weapon types and mods to find what works best for your V.A.T.S. playstyle.
Practice and Adaptation
Effectively using V.A.T.S. in Fallout 4 requires practice and adaptability. It's essential to experiment with different tactics, weapon types, and perks to find what suits your gameplay style best. Pay attention to enemy weaknesses and strengths, strategize your target choices in V.A.T.S., and always be ready to adjust your approach based on the situation. With time and experience, you'll become more skilled at using V.A.T.S. to your advantage in the wasteland of Fallout 4.