Understanding Laser Weapons in New Vegas
Dominate the Mojave Wasteland with focused beams of energy. Tired of the same old ballistic weapons and want to explore the futuristic side of New Vegas? Laser weapons offer a unique and powerful way to experience the Mojave Wasteland. Fallout: New Vegas is renowned for its intricate storylines, compelling choices, and a vast arsenal of weaponry. Among these weapons, laser weapons stand out for their distinctive aesthetic, satisfying sound effects, and potential for devastating damage. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of laser weapons in Fallout: New Vegas, covering their strengths, weaknesses, unique variations, ideal character builds, and everything you need to become a master of energy-based mayhem.
Before diving into the specifics of individual laser weapons, it’s crucial to understand their fundamental mechanics within the game. Unlike ballistic weapons that rely on bullets or shells, laser weapons utilize energy cells as ammunition. These energy cells are consumed with each shot, and the type of cell can influence the weapon’s damage output. Three primary types of energy cells exist in the game: energy cells, microfusion cells, and electron charge packs. Experiment to see which works best with your style.
The effectiveness of laser weapons is directly tied to your character’s energy weapons skill. A higher energy weapons skill translates to improved accuracy, increased damage, and a greater chance of scoring critical hits. Investing points in this skill is paramount for any player looking to specialize in laser weaponry. Laser weapons also offer a significant advantage in the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, or VATS. Their inherent accuracy allows for precise targeting of enemies, making them exceptionally effective in close-quarters combat and long-range engagements.
Laser weapons aren’t without their drawbacks, but many can be overcome by planning your character. While they offer numerous benefits, they also possess certain limitations that players must consider. One of the most significant weaknesses of laser weapons is their susceptibility to energy resistance. Many enemies in the Mojave Wasteland, particularly robots and heavily armored foes, possess high energy resistance, which reduces the damage inflicted by laser weapons. Players must be prepared to switch to alternative weapon types when facing these adversaries. Also, take the time to gather information on enemies before engaging to know what you are up against.
In contrast to the slower degradation of laser weapon condition, the repair of these weapons requires a high repair skill or the assistance of specialized merchants. The initial cost of laser weapons and ammunition may be a significant barrier early in the game. However, their long-term benefits and devastating potential far outweigh these initial costs.
Exploring the Arsenal: Notable Laser Weapons
The Mojave Wasteland holds a wide array of laser weaponry. The weapon you choose will depend on your play style.
Laser Pistol
The standard laser pistol is a reliable weapon, offering a balance of damage, accuracy, and ammunition efficiency. It’s easily found throughout the Mojave, making it an ideal choice for players who are just starting their journey with energy weapons.
Laser Rifle
Stepping up in power, the laser rifle delivers enhanced damage and range compared to its pistol counterpart. The laser rifle is a versatile weapon suitable for medium- to long-range engagements. Its improved accuracy and damage make it a formidable choice for taking down enemies from a distance.
Wazer Wifle
Consider searching for the Wazer Wifle, an exceptional unique laser rifle with a dramatically enhanced critical hit chance. Located by doing quests for children in Freeside, it’s a unique treasure to find. This makes it a favorite among players who prioritize critical hits and devastating bursts of damage.
AER fourteen prototype
Also consider the AER fourteen prototype, which provides a powerful laser rifle variant, featuring significantly improved damage output compared to the standard laser rifle. This prototype weapon is a formidable addition to any energy weapon specialist’s arsenal.
Tri-Beam Laser Rifle
For players seeking sustained firepower, the tri-beam laser rifle offers a unique approach to combat. This weapon fires three laser beams simultaneously, dealing considerable damage with each shot. It’s particularly effective against groups of enemies, making it an excellent choice for crowd control. But, it may not be great for single targets.
Gatling Laser
For those seeking the ultimate in laser-based destruction, the Gatling laser stands above the rest. It is capable of unleashing a torrent of laser fire, turning enemies into piles of ash in a matter of seconds. Its high rate of fire and immense damage output make it the ultimate weapon for obliterating any opposition. The downside is the heavy ammunition usage.
Euclid’s C-Finder
For a special weapon, try searching for Euclid’s C-Finder. This unique device utilizes the Archimedes II orbital weapon system, allowing players to call down a devastating laser strike on their enemies. While limited in use, its immense destructive power makes it a formidable asset in any arsenal.
Mastering Skills and Perks: Optimizing Your Build
To truly excel with laser weapons, players must invest in specific skills and perks that enhance their effectiveness. Maximize your skills with these choices.
Energy Weapons Skill
The energy weapons skill is the foundation of any laser weapon build. Increasing this skill improves accuracy, damage output, and critical hit chance, making it essential for any aspiring energy weapon specialist.
Repair Skill
The repair skill is also paramount for maintaining the condition of your laser weapons. Regular maintenance ensures that your weapons remain in optimal working order, maximizing their damage and accuracy.
Science Skills
Science skills also help, especially if you choose to craft energy cells. You may want to save your caps and instead gather materials and craft them on your own.
Laser Commander
Perks give your character an advantage, especially those that influence energy weapons. The laser commander perk is indispensable for laser weapon users, as it significantly increases critical hit chance and damage. A great perk to have when using laser weapons.
Finesse
Consider finesse, as it grants an additional critical hit chance. Stacking critical hit chance is crucial for maximizing damage output.
Better Criticals
Better criticals increases the damage multiplier for critical hits, further amplifying your damage potential. This is a key perk for critical hit-focused builds.
Action Boy and Action Girl
Action boy and action girl grant additional action points, allowing for more attacks in VATS. This is particularly useful for players who prefer to use VATS in combat.
Jury Rigging
The jury rigging perk allows you to repair laser weapons with similar items. This perk significantly simplifies the maintenance process, reducing the need for specialized merchants.
Crafting Strategies: Dominating the Mojave
Different builds emphasize different skills and perks. Your character build will determine how to tackle the Mojave.
Critical Hit Build
A critical hit build focuses on maximizing the chance and damage of critical hits, transforming laser weapons into precision instruments of destruction. Focus on perks and weapons that enhance critical hit chance and damage. Ideal weapons for this build include the Wazer Wifle and laser pistols.
VATS Build
The VATS build emphasizes accuracy and action points, allowing for precise targeting of enemies in VATS. Maximize action points and accuracy for effective VATS usage. Ideal weapons for this build include accurate laser rifles.
High Damage Build
For those who prefer raw damage output, the high-damage build focuses on maximizing damage per shot and armor penetration. Focus on maximizing damage output and armor penetration. Ideal weapons for this build include the AER fourteen prototype, Gatling laser, and tri-beam laser rifle.
Acquiring early laser weapons and ammunition can be challenging. Visit vendors, explore abandoned locations, and complete quests to amass your arsenal.
Don’t underestimate the value of companions in combat. Their support can significantly increase your survivability and damage output.
Combining powerful laser weapons with optimized builds allows you to take on even the most challenging enemies with ease. Utilize your skills and perks to their full potential and dominate the Mojave Wasteland.
Locating Laser Weapons Throughout the Wastes
Knowing where to find these weapons is key to mastering the Mojave. Gun Runners, located outside of Freeside, sell a variety of laser weapons and ammunition. This is a prime location for stocking up on supplies. Certain faction vendors, such as those aligned with the Followers of the Apocalypse or the Brotherhood of Steel, also sell laser weapons. Build faction reputation to take advantage of their offerings. Quests such as those in Vault twenty two can also provide laser weapons as rewards.
The Future is Now
Laser weapons in Fallout: New Vegas offer a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. Their accuracy, armor penetration, and potential for devastating damage make them a formidable force in the Mojave Wasteland. By mastering their strengths, overcoming their weaknesses, and optimizing your character build, you can become a true master of energy-based mayhem. Experiment with different laser weapon builds, find your preferred playstyle, and unleash the power of laser weaponry upon the wasteland. Head to the Mojave Wasteland and start blasting! What strategies do you think are best with laser weapons?
