Introduction
The Mojave Wasteland is a harsh mistress. Scorpions scuttle across the sand, raiders prey on the weak, and Deathclaws… well, Deathclaws are just Deathclaws. Survival in this unforgiving landscape often depends on having the right tools, and few tools are as effective as a well-maintained automatic rifle. The ability to unleash a hail of bullets at a moment’s notice can be the difference between life and death. In *Fallout: New Vegas*, a variety of automatic rifles are available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This guide will help you navigate the options and choose the best automatic rifle for your unique needs.
Why choose an automatic weapon in the first place? The answer is simple: Damage Per Second, or DPS. Automatic rifles excel at delivering a high volume of fire, making them ideal for taking down multiple enemies quickly or dealing with heavily armored foes. Whether you’re clearing out a gang of Vipers at Vault Three or fending off a horde of feral ghouls, an automatic rifle can provide the firepower you need to succeed. The rapid-fire nature also allows for quick adjustments mid-combat, making them versatile choices in ever-changing combat situations. But before you start spraying and praying, there are key factors to consider when selecting your perfect weapon.
Choosing the Right Automatic Rifle: What Matters Most
Selecting the best *Fallout New Vegas Automatic Rifle* is more than just picking the one with the highest damage stat. Several factors influence a weapon’s effectiveness in the field. Let’s break down what you need to know.
Damage Output
While raw damage is important, consider the weapon’s overall DPS. A rifle with slightly lower damage but a faster rate of fire can often outperform one with higher damage but a slower firing rate. Think of it as trading a single powerful punch for a flurry of jabs – both can knock you out, but one is delivered much faster.
Ammunition Considerations
The type of ammunition an automatic rifle uses is crucial. The common 5.56mm rounds are widely available throughout the Mojave, making rifles like the Service Rifle and Assault Carbine relatively easy to keep fed. However, .223 rounds are another fairly common ammunition type, and weapons chambered in this might prove a valuable early-game choice. More specialized ammo like 12.7mm rounds offer higher damage but can be more expensive and harder to find. Consider the availability and cost of ammunition when making your decision. Can you reliably source the ammo you need, or will you be constantly scavenging for scraps?
Weapon Condition and the Importance of Maintenance
In the harsh environment of *Fallout New Vegas*, weapons degrade with use. A poorly maintained automatic rifle will suffer from reduced accuracy, damage, and increased likelihood of jamming. Regularly repair your weapons using Weapon Repair Kits or by visiting vendors who offer repair services. Investing in the Repair skill is essential for keeping your firearms in top condition. The higher your skill, the more effective you will be at maintaining your weapons.
Modifications: Customization is Key
Many automatic rifles in *Fallout New Vegas* can be modified with various attachments, such as scopes, extended magazines, and recoil compensators. These modifications can significantly enhance a weapon’s performance, improving accuracy, increasing magazine capacity, or reducing recoil. Experiment with different modifications to find the optimal configuration for your playstyle. A scope can turn a mid-range carbine into a makeshift sniper rifle, while an extended magazine allows you to unleash a longer burst of fire without reloading.
Skills and Perks: Enhancing Your Arsenal
Your character’s skills and perks play a vital role in determining the effectiveness of automatic rifles. The Guns skill directly affects your accuracy with firearms, including automatic rifles. Perks like “Commando” (increased accuracy in VATS with automatic weapons) and “Gunslinger” (increased accuracy with pistols, which can be used in conjunction with automatic rifles) can further enhance your combat prowess. Consider investing in skills and perks that complement your chosen weapon.
Effective Range: Knowing Your Engagement Distance
Automatic rifles are generally most effective at medium to close range. While some rifles, like the Marksman Carbine, can be used effectively at longer distances with a scope, they are not ideal for sniping. Consider the typical engagement distances in your preferred playstyle when selecting an automatic rifle. Are you more likely to be fighting in cramped indoor environments or open desert landscapes?
The Cream of the Crop: Recommended Automatic Rifles
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some of the best automatic rifles *Fallout New Vegas* has to offer.
Assault Carbine
The Assault Carbine is a well-rounded automatic rifle that strikes a good balance between damage, accuracy, and ammunition availability. It uses 5.56mm rounds, making it relatively easy to keep supplied. It can also be modified with a scope and a foregrip, further enhancing its versatility. Its a solid weapon that can be obtained fairly easily through vendors. Its reliability makes it a great choice for many players.
Service Rifle
The Service Rifle is another reliable option that uses 5.56mm ammunition. It’s a common weapon, often found on NCR soldiers, and is relatively easy to acquire early in the game. While it may not be the most powerful automatic rifle, its availability and ease of use make it a solid choice for beginners. It also has good modification options, making it a great weapon to stick with early.
Light Machine Gun (LMG)
The Light Machine Gun is a beast of a weapon, boasting a high rate of fire and significant damage output. However, it burns through ammunition quickly and has considerable recoil. It’s best used in short bursts to conserve ammo and maintain accuracy. This weapon requires high strength to wield effectively, so be prepared to level that up to use it.
Minigun
The Minigun is the ultimate weapon for sheer firepower. It unleashes a torrent of bullets at an incredible rate, shredding enemies in seconds. However, it’s incredibly heavy, requires high Strength to wield effectively, and consumes ammunition at an alarming rate. The minigun is the perfect weapon for taking on hordes of enemies or heavily armored bosses, but it’s not a practical choice for everyday use. This one requires a build specifically for it to be truly effective.
Marksman Carbine
The Marksman Carbine is a unique automatic rifle that excels at mid-range engagements. It’s more accurate than most other automatic rifles, making it a viable option for picking off enemies at a distance. It also uses .223 rounds, which, although slightly less common than 5.56mm, are still readily available. It can be modified with a scope and a compensator, further enhancing its accuracy.
Survivalist’s Rifle
Acquired from the Honest Hearts DLC, the Survivalist’s Rifle is a unique and powerful weapon chambered in 12.7mm ammunition. It boasts excellent damage and accuracy, making it a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled player. However, 12.7mm ammunition can be more difficult and expensive to acquire than other types. This rifle rewards skill and careful aim due to the ammo constraints.
Guns Runner’s Arsenal (GRA) Variants
Several unique variants of existing automatic rifles can be found in the Gun Runners’ Arsenal DLC, such as the Bozar (a modified LMG with improved accuracy and range) and the Medicine Stick (a unique Brush Gun). These weapons often offer superior performance compared to their standard counterparts but can be more expensive and harder to acquire. Each one has unique traits, and experimenting with them is highly encouraged.
Mastering Automatic Rifle Tactics
Choosing the right *Fallout New Vegas Automatic Rifle* is only half the battle. To truly excel with these weapons, you need to master effective tactics.
Strategic VATS Usage
VATS can be invaluable for targeting specific body parts and maximizing your chances of landing critical hits. When using automatic rifles in VATS, focus on targeting the head for maximum damage or the legs to cripple enemies. The “Commando” perk further enhances accuracy in VATS with automatic weapons.
Hip-Firing vs. Aiming Down Sights
Hip-firing is useful for close-quarters combat when you need to react quickly. Aiming down sights improves accuracy but slows down your movement. Learn to switch between hip-firing and aiming down sights depending on the situation. Consider a laser sight mod for any weapon you intend to hip fire often.
Ammo Conservation Strategies
Automatic rifles can burn through ammunition quickly. Use short bursts of fire to conserve ammo and maintain accuracy. Aim for critical hits to take down enemies faster. Consider using cheaper ammo types, such as hand-loaded ammunition, when facing weaker enemies.
Utilizing Cover and Maintaining Tactical Positioning
Cover is your friend in the Mojave Wasteland. Use walls, rocks, and other obstacles to protect yourself from enemy fire. Move strategically between cover positions to flank enemies and gain a tactical advantage. Knowing when to advance and when to retreat is crucial for survival.
Dealing with Armored Threats
Heavily armored enemies, such as Deathclaws and Brotherhood of Steel Paladins, can be tough to take down with standard ammunition. Use armor-piercing (AP) rounds to penetrate their defenses. Aim for weak points, such as the head or limbs, to maximize damage.
Companion Synergy
Companions can provide valuable support in combat. Choose companions who complement your automatic rifle playstyle. For example, Boone is an excellent sniper who can provide covering fire from a distance, while Veronica is a formidable melee fighter who can draw enemy attention.
The Final Verdict: Choose Wisely, Courier
The best *Fallout New Vegas Automatic Rifle* depends on your individual playstyle, character build, and available resources. Experiment with different weapons and modifications to find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you prefer the versatility of the Assault Carbine, the raw power of the Minigun, or the long-range accuracy of the Marksman Carbine, there’s an automatic rifle out there for you. Don’t be afraid to try different things and see what works best for you. Mastering the art of automatic rifle combat is essential for surviving the dangers of the Mojave Wasteland. Now, get out there and make the Mojave your own, one bullet at a time!
