Introduction
The Pulse Gun. Just the name conjures images of obliterated robots and crumbling power armor. Within the scorched wastelands of *Fallout: New Vegas*, this unique energy weapon holds a legendary status among players who appreciate tactical advantage and targeted destruction. If you find yourself constantly facing off against armies of Securitrons, legions of robots in Old World Blues, or heavily armored remnants of the Enclave, the Pulse Gun might just become your most trusted companion. This guide dives deep into the mechanics, acquisition, and strategic deployment of the Pulse Gun, demonstrating exactly why it deserves a place in any wasteland wanderer’s arsenal. Unlike some iconic weapons found throughout the Fallout franchise, the Pulse Gun makes its exclusive appearance in *Fallout: New Vegas*, cementing its unique position within the Mojave.
Pulse Gun: Examining its Core Statistics
The Pulse Gun is an energy weapon that uses Electron Charge Packs for ammunition. Its base damage is nothing to scoff at, and it does critical hits very often, further amplifying the hurt it inflicts. It uses skill in Energy Weapons. The Pulse Gun has a weight that does not cause too much problem when carrying it. The Pulse Gun degrades with usage.
But it is not in its initial stats that the Pulse Gun truly shines. It is the fact that the Pulse Gun does more damage against Robots and Power Armor. That’s right, this beauty does significantly more damage against automatons and those clad in metallic shells. This can quickly turn otherwise dangerous encounters into manageable skirmishes. Imagine facing off against a horde of Robo-Scorpions in Old World Blues – the Pulse Gun will make short work of them. Or consider confronting a squad of Brotherhood of Steel Paladins – the Pulse Gun will tear through their power armor like it’s made of paper.
Acquiring the Pulse Gun: The Vault Thirty-Four Adventure
So, how do you get your hands on this robotic and armored bane? The Pulse Gun resides within Vault Thirty-Four, specifically within its Armory. This vault is located east of the Crimson Caravan Company and north of the Nellis Air Force Base, so mark this location on your map. Be warned, however: Vault Thirty-Four is not for the faint of heart.
Gaining entry and navigating Vault Thirty-Four can be a challenge. Expect high levels of radiation and aggressive feral ghouls lurking around every corner. Bringing a healthy supply of Rad-X and RadAway is a must. A weapon suited for close quarters combat, like a shotgun or a melee weapon, will be invaluable for dispatching the ghoulish residents. Lockpicking and science skill are also useful for unlocking and hacking your way deeper in the vault.
Once inside, make your way towards the Armory. This usually involves navigating flooded corridors and dealing with numerous radiation hazards. The Armory itself is likely behind a locked door. Be prepared to use your lockpicking skills or find an alternative route. The Pulse Gun is generally located within the Armory in a container or locked case. Once you find it, congratulations! You now possess one of the most powerful anti-robot and anti-armor weapons in the game.
Pulse Gun: Why It’s a Wasteland Essential
The Pulse Gun’s value lies in its specialized role. In certain situations, it’s not just good, it’s indispensable. The added damage against robots makes a huge difference when playing the Old World Blues DLC. Robo-Scorpions, Cyberdogs, and Sentry Bots become significantly less threatening with the Pulse Gun in your hands. It turns encounters that are normally hard, into almost easy.
The Divide (from the Lonesome Road DLC) also benefits from the Pulse Gun. Given the frequent encounters with robotic enemies and the presence of ED-E, your robotic companion, carrying the Pulse Gun becomes a strategic necessity. You will feel safe and sound in the wastelands.
Against power armor, the Pulse Gun is equally devastating. It ignores damage resistance, and quickly shreds through even the most advanced suits. This makes it extremely useful against heavily armored enemies like Enclave Remnants and Brotherhood of Steel Paladins. You will melt any armor with ease and deal a high amount of damage.
Addressing Pulse Gun’s Limitations and Flaws
Despite its strengths, the Pulse Gun isn’t without its drawbacks. A major consideration is ammunition. Electron Charge Packs, while not extremely rare, aren’t as common as nine millimeter rounds. You need to conserve your ammo and make every shot count. Therefore, you need to have a plan to face the lack of ammunition. Either by finding it, or buying it.
Another thing to remember, is the Pulse Gun’s performance against organic targets. The bonus damage only applies to robots and power armor, so it is not as effective against humans, animals, or other creatures. This makes it less versatile than some other weapons, requiring you to switch to a different weapon when facing non-robotic enemies.
Furthermore, the weapon condition degrades quickly. So you might need to constantly repair it. The need to repair it can be annoying, but can be handled with proper planing. Another factor is that it is hard to get the Pulse Gun early. Because of Vault Thirty-Four’s location and the hazards within, acquiring the Pulse Gun early in the game can be challenging. This may require a dedicated trip to the vault, risking higher level enemies.
Mastering the Pulse Gun: Strategic Usage and Tactics
To maximize the Pulse Gun’s effectiveness, you need to employ some strategic tactics. Knowing the optimal range is key. The Pulse Gun has good accuracy at mid-range engagements. It is not suited for long range and it’s not good for close range.
Using V.A.T.S. is also another good technique. The V.A.T.S. allows you to target specific body parts, increasing your chances of scoring critical hits. And critical hits are your best friends against robots and power armor. And some critical hits can instantly defeat your enemy.
Having ED-E as your companion allows for better enemy detection and can make the most out of the Pulse Gun, as the Pulse Gun is mostly effective against Robots.
Several perks can also enhance the Pulse Gun’s performance. Laser Commander increases damage with laser weapons. Finesse increases critical hit chance. Jury Rigging allows you to repair the Pulse Gun with other energy weapons, making maintenance easier.
Pulse Gun: Comparing it to Other Energy Weapons
How does the Pulse Gun stack up against other energy weapons like the Plasma Rifle, Laser Rifle, and Gatling Laser? Each weapon has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the situation and your playstyle.
Plasma Rifles generally have higher raw damage and are effective against a wider range of targets, but they lack the Pulse Gun’s bonus against robots and power armor. Laser Rifles are more accurate and have lower ammunition consumption, but they also deal less damage overall. Gatling Lasers offer high damage output and a rapid rate of fire, but they are heavy, consume ammunition quickly, and require significant Strength to wield effectively.
The Pulse Gun excels in specific scenarios, particularly when facing robots and power armor. It provides unparalleled damage against these targets, making it a valuable asset in certain areas and quests. However, its limited effectiveness against organic targets means it’s not as versatile as other energy weapons.
In Conclusion: Is the Pulse Gun Worth the Hunt?
The Pulse Gun in *Fallout: New Vegas* is a specialized weapon that excels in its niche. The gun is an indispensable tool against robots and power armor. Its limited effectiveness against organic targets and the scarcity of Electron Charge Packs might deter some players, but its devastating power against its intended targets makes it well worth obtaining for those who face these enemies regularly. Vault Thirty-Four presents a significant challenge, but the reward is one of the most potent and unique weapons in the Mojave Wasteland. So, is it worth the hunt? If you value tactical advantage and targeted destruction, the Pulse Gun is undoubtedly a prize worth pursuing. Now tell me in the comments, what are your favorite stories and experiences with the Pulse Gun?
