Introduction
Few weapons resonate with Fallout fans quite like the Laser Rifle. A symbol of futuristic warfare and advanced technology, the Laser Rifle has been a staple of the Fallout universe since its inception. In Fallout: New Vegas, this energy-based firearm offers a compelling blend of accuracy, damage, and availability, making it a viable choice for a wide range of characters. This guide is your complete resource for understanding the Laser Rifle, detailing its capabilities, modifications, optimal builds, and how to truly unlock its potential within the Mojave Wasteland. We’ll explore its origins, its strengths, its weaknesses, and provide practical tips to ensure you dominate the battlefield with this iconic energy weapon.
The Laser Rifle’s history is deeply intertwined with the lore of Fallout. Manufactured primarily by Wattz Electronics, this weapon represents a significant advancement in directed energy technology. Before the Great War, the Laser Rifle was a common sight in military arsenals and scientific facilities, showcasing its reliability and effectiveness in combat. Following the nuclear holocaust, the Laser Rifle remained a valuable asset, sought after by survivors and factions alike. Its enduring presence in Fallout: New Vegas is a testament to its design and adaptability, making it a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled user.
Laser Rifle Fundamentals
Let’s delve into the core attributes of the Laser Rifle. Its damage output is respectable, placing it among the more potent small arms in the game. The weapon’s damage per second is a key metric, influenced by its rate of fire and damage per shot. Critical hits are another crucial element, significantly boosting the Laser Rifle’s effectiveness. Its chance to score a critical hit and the multiplier applied to critical damage make a difference in the outcome of a battle.
The Laser Rifle consumes Action Points when used in VATS, the game’s targeting system. Managing these points is essential for maximizing your effectiveness in combat, so consider the AP cost of each shot when planning your attacks. The weapon’s weight affects your encumbrance, which can impact your movement speed and carrying capacity. Similarly, its value is relevant for trading and bartering within the game’s economy. Maintaining the Laser Rifle’s condition is essential for optimal performance. A weapon in good condition will deal more damage and be less prone to malfunctions. The spread, or cone of fire, determines the weapon’s accuracy at longer ranges. A smaller spread results in greater precision. Finally, the reload time affects your ability to quickly engage enemies in sustained firefights.
The Laser Rifle relies on Energy Cells as ammunition. Maintaining a steady supply of these cells is vital for prolonged engagements. Managing your maximum ammo capacity and ensuring you have enough rounds on hand is crucial for survival. When your Laser Rifle becomes damaged, you’ll need to repair it. You can repair the Laser Rifle using other energy weapons or specific repair items. Investing in the Repair skill can significantly improve your ability to maintain your equipment.
You can find the Laser Rifle in various locations throughout the Mojave Wasteland. The Crimson Caravan is a reliable source for purchasing one. The Gun Runners, located just outside of Freeside, is another excellent place to acquire this weapon, along with modifications and ammunition. Certain enemy types, such as Securitrons and some members of the Enclave remnants, may also carry Laser Rifles. If you’re looking for an early-game acquisition, check out hidden caches or loot containers near the starting areas.
Exploring Laser Rifle Variations
While the standard Laser Rifle is a reliable workhorse, Fallout: New Vegas offers unique variants that enhance its capabilities. Let’s explore them.
Elijah’s Advanced LAER
Elijah’s Advanced LAER stands out as a superior version. Acquired through the “Dead Money” DLC, this unique weapon boasts enhanced stats and a distinctive appearance. Elijah’s Advanced LAER delivers significantly higher damage output. Furthermore, its unique firing sound sets it apart from the standard model. To find this weapon, you must complete the Dead Money DLC and defeat Elijah.
Comparing these unique variants to the standard Laser Rifle reveals their distinct advantages and disadvantages. The unique variants often offer superior stats, such as increased damage or improved accuracy. However, they may also be rarer or more difficult to acquire. Ultimately, the choice between the standard Laser Rifle and its variants depends on your playstyle and resource availability.
Customizing with Laser Rifle Modifications
Modifications allow you to tailor the Laser Rifle to your specific needs and preferences. There are a few key modifications to consider.
Scope
Adding a scope enhances the Laser Rifle’s accuracy at longer ranges, making it ideal for sniping. The scope modification improves your ability to target enemies from a distance, providing a significant advantage in open environments. You can usually find these mods being sold at the Gun Runners.
Reinforced Internals
Reinforced Internals boosts the weapon’s durability and reduces the frequency of repairs. This modification ensures that your Laser Rifle remains in optimal condition, even after extended use. Reinforced Internals can also be purchased from vendors or acquired through crafting.
The effects of these modifications are substantial. A scope transforms the Laser Rifle into a precision tool, while Reinforced Internals enhances its reliability. Experimenting with different combinations allows you to create a customized weapon that perfectly suits your playstyle.
Optimal mod setups vary depending on your preferred combat style. For a long-range sniping build, combine a scope with any mod that boosts critical hit chance. For close-quarters combat, prioritize modifications that improve reload speed or reduce Action Point costs in VATS.
Skills, Perks, and Character Builds
To maximize the Laser Rifle’s potential, you’ll need to invest in specific skills and perks. The Energy Weapons skill directly impacts the Laser Rifle’s performance, increasing its accuracy, damage, and critical hit chance.
In addition to Energy Weapons, certain perks can further enhance your effectiveness. Finesse increases your critical hit chance with all weapons, including the Laser Rifle. Better Criticals amplifies the damage multiplier applied to critical hits, making them even more devastating. Laser Commander provides a bonus to both critical hit chance and damage with laser weapons.
Several character builds are particularly well-suited for the Laser Rifle. The “Energy Sniper” build focuses on long-range combat with high critical hit chance and damage. Prioritize skills such as Energy Weapons, Sneak, and Critical Chance. The “VATS Blaster” build emphasizes the use of VATS for quick and accurate shots. Invest in skills like Energy Weapons, Guns, and Action Points. When distributing your SPECIAL stats, prioritize Intelligence, Perception, and Agility for maximum effectiveness with the Laser Rifle.
Mastering Combat Tactics
Effective combat tactics are crucial for maximizing the Laser Rifle’s potential. The Laser Rifle excels at medium to long ranges, where its accuracy and damage can be fully utilized.
When engaging enemies, prioritize targets that are particularly vulnerable to energy weapons, such as unarmored foes or robots. VATS is a valuable tool for quickly targeting enemies and delivering accurate shots. Mastering VATS usage is essential for maximizing your damage output with the Laser Rifle.
Ammo management is also critical. Conserve Energy Cells by using the Laser Rifle sparingly and switching to alternative weapons when appropriate. The Laser Rifle’s strengths include its accuracy, decent damage, and relatively easy availability. However, its weaknesses include its reliance on ammunition, condition degradation, and reduced effectiveness against heavily armored opponents.
Laser Rifle: A Comparison
The Laser Rifle is just one of many energy weapons available in Fallout: New Vegas. How does it compare to alternatives like the Plasma Rifle or the Gatling Laser?
The Plasma Rifle typically deals higher damage per shot but has a slower rate of fire. The Gatling Laser boasts an incredibly high rate of fire but consumes ammunition at an alarming rate. The Laser Rifle strikes a balance between damage, accuracy, and ammunition consumption, making it a versatile choice for a variety of situations.
The Laser Rifle is a better choice than other energy weapons in scenarios where accuracy and ammunition conservation are paramount. It’s also a solid choice for players who prefer a balanced approach to combat.
Conclusion
The Laser Rifle in Fallout: New Vegas is a versatile and reliable weapon that can be adapted to suit a wide range of playstyles. Its accuracy, decent damage, and relatively easy availability make it a compelling choice for both new and experienced players.
The Laser Rifle offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort to master its intricacies. Whether you prefer long-range sniping or close-quarters combat, the Laser Rifle can be customized to meet your specific needs.
Now that you’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of the Laser Rifle, it’s time to venture out into the Mojave Wasteland and put your knowledge to the test. Experiment with different modifications, character builds, and combat tactics to discover your own preferred playstyle. The Laser Rifle awaits – are you ready to unlock its full potential?
