Mastering the Mojave: Weapons
Tired of getting stomped by Deathclaws in the Mojave Wasteland? Or maybe you’re constantly running out of ammunition when facing hordes of Legionaries? Your Fallout: New Vegas gear is the key to surviving (and thriving) in the Mojave. The right weapon, the right armor, even the right accessories can mean the difference between becoming a legend or becoming just another pile of bones in the desert. This guide will cover the best weapons, armor, and accessories you need to conquer the Mojave, along with where to find them and how to use them effectively. So, strap on your boots, grab your stimpaks, and let’s get geared up!
The weapon you choose can define your playstyle and determine your effectiveness against different enemies. Whether you prefer up-close-and-personal combat or taking down targets from afar, Fallout: New Vegas gear offers a diverse arsenal to suit every Courier’s preference.
Melee Might
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed swing! Melee weapons can be surprisingly effective, especially in confined spaces or against slower enemies. Certain builds can become powerhouses when using melee weapons. A good option here is the Super Sledge; this two-handed hammer delivers devastating blows and can be found in various locations, including the Charleston Cave. Another great weapon is Chance’s Knife; a fast, durable blade that can be found buried near Chance’s Map near Goodsprings Source. If you are searching for a two handed melee weapon Oh, Baby! a unique Super Sledge that deals fire damage and has better stats than normal Super Sledges, is available in Charleston Cave.
Unarmed Domination
Unarmed combat is another viable route for those who like to get up close and personal. A good weapon for unarmed combatants is Pushy, a unique displacer glove which can be purchased from the Crimson Caravan. This weapon has a high critical chance and knockback. Another great unarmed weapon is the Ballistic Fist; a unique power fist which launches shotgun shells with each punch. You can purchase this weapon from Blake at the Crimson Caravan. For an extremely powerful unarmed weapon look for Love and Hate in Bonnie Springs.
Guns Galore: Rifles, Pistols, and Shotguns
The bread and butter of many Fallout: New Vegas builds. Guns offer versatility and range, allowing you to engage enemies from a safe distance.
Rifles
From hunting rifles to powerful sniper rifles, there’s a rifle for every situation. This Machine is a hard-hitting M1 Garand rifle that deals increased damage against humans. You can obtain this weapon by completing the quest “Dealing with Contreras” at Camp McCarran. For sniping, the Gobi Campaign Scout Rifle is a suppressed sniper rifle with exceptional accuracy. You can find this weapon in a locked footlocker at the Sniper Nest. Another great suppressed rifle is Christine’s COS Silencer Rifle, which does high damage and has great critical multipliers. You can acquire this weapon during the Old World Blues DLC.
Pistols
Fast, lightweight, and versatile, pistols are a reliable sidearm for any Courier. Maria is Benny’s custom pistol, chambered in nine millimeter rounds with good accuracy. You can acquire this weapon during the quest “Ring-a-Ding-Ding!”. The Mysterious Magnum is a unique revolver wielded by the Mysterious Stranger and deals high damage. You can acquire this weapon by purchasing it from the Ancient Guitar in the El Dorado Gas & Service station. For more classic pistol use, Lucky is a unique .357 Magnum revolver with a high critical hit chance and low spread, located in a locked display case at the Bison Steve Hotel.
Shotguns
When you need to clear a room quickly, nothing beats a shotgun. A solid contender here is the Riot Shotgun; this automatic shotgun is great for horde control. This gun can be bought from the Gun Runners or found on enemies. For a unique option, try the Dinner Bell, a unique shotgun with a wide spread and high damage, rewarded for completing the quest “Bleed Me Dry” at the Mick & Ralph’s store. Finally, the Lever-Action Shotgun is a classic weapon with good damage and reload speed; it’s available from various vendors.
It’s important to note the ammunition type for each weapon. Armor-piercing rounds, for example, can be incredibly effective against heavily armored enemies, while hollow-point rounds excel against unarmored targets. Experiment to find the ammunition that works best for you and your Fallout: New Vegas gear loadout.
Energy Weapons: Zap ‘Em Good!
For those who prefer a more futuristic approach, energy weapons offer a potent alternative to traditional firearms. Energy weapons are great due to their high accuracy. The YCS/186 is a unique Gauss rifle that deals immense damage and can be found north of the Brooks Tumbleweed Ranch. The Q-35 Matter Modulator is a unique plasma rifle with a faster fire rate and larger magazine, located in the REPCONN Headquarters. Finally, the Tesla Beaton Prototype is a unique Tesla cannon that fires bolts of electricity, dealing area-of-effect damage. This weapon can be found in the crashed Vertibird.
Unique Finds: Cherished Armaments
What sets a weapon apart is the unique bonuses and characteristics they possess. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill firearms. Unique weapons offer special abilities or improved stats, making them highly sought after. Weapons like This Machine and Christine’s COS Silencer Rifle fall into this category, each boasting unique attributes that can significantly enhance your combat prowess.
Mojave Protection: Armor Choices
Armor is just as important as your weapon. It protects you from the harsh realities of the Mojave, and the right choice can significantly increase your survivability. The best Fallout: New Vegas gear not only provides protection but also complements your play style.
Light Armor Agility
If you prefer stealth and agility, light armor is the way to go. Light armor allows you to move quickly and quietly, making you harder to detect. A good option is the Assassin Suit; this armor provides stealth bonuses and can be found on dead assassins in the Nellis Array. For a stealthier option, the Stealth Suit Mk II is another light armor option with stealth enhancements, as well as an integrated auto-injector that administers Med-X when you’re injured, acquired during the Old World Blues DLC. If you prefer something with lore, Joshua Graham’s Armor is a good option. This armor provides good damage resistance and charisma bonus, found during the Honest Hearts DLC.
Medium Armor Balance
Medium armor strikes a balance between protection and mobility. It offers decent damage resistance without sacrificing too much agility. Elite Riot Gear is a great medium armor that provides excellent damage resistance and a menacing look. You can find this armor at the Divide during the Lonesome Road DLC. Another choice is the Combat Armor Mk II, which can be found on high-level NCR soldiers or purchased from vendors.
Heavy Armor Fortification
For maximum protection, heavy armor is the ultimate choice. Heavy armor provides the highest damage resistance, making you a walking tank. T-51b Power Armor is a classic power armor that offers incredible protection, found in the Vault 21. If you prefer something with lore, Remnants Power Armor is another heavy armor option with high damage resistance and a unique look, acquired during the Enclave remnants quests. Remember, you’ll need Power Armor Training to effectively use power armor.
Faction Affiliations: Wearing Your Colors
Wearing faction armor can have both advantages and disadvantages. While it can make you appear friendly to certain factions, it can also make you a target for others. The NCR Ranger Combat Armor, for example, is a symbol of authority and respect within the NCR, but it will instantly make you an enemy of the Legion. Legate Lanius’ Armor is another faction heavy armor choice that offers high DT and can be found after defeating Legate Lanius.
Finishing Touches: Apparel & Accessories
Don’t underestimate the power of small items! Apparel and accessories can provide valuable bonuses to your skills and attributes.
Headwear Highlights
Headwear can provide useful bonuses and protection. Lucky Shades increases your Luck stat by one. A Ranger Hat provides a boost to your Perception stat. A Reinforced Combat Helmet offers some head protection.
Clothing Comfort
Clothing can offer social bonuses. Naughty Nightwear increases Luck, while Formal Wear increases Charisma.
Items of Importance
Beyond dedicated gear slots, some items provide temporary but impactful bonuses. Mentats improve your Perception, Intelligence, and Charisma. Party Time Mentats boost Charisma and Luck.
Acquiring Your Arsenal: Finding the Gear
Now that you know what to look for, where do you find this amazing Fallout: New Vegas gear?
Vendor’s Vault: Purchasing Power
Vendors are your best source of reliable equipment. Cliff Briscoe in Novac sells a variety of weapons and armor. Vendortron at the Gomorrah casino offers a wide selection of items, including unique weapons. The Gun Runners, located outside Freeside, sell high-end weapons and ammunition.
Quest Quests: Rewarding Endeavors
Many quests reward powerful gear upon completion. “Come Fly With Me” provides a unique weapon. “ED-E My Love” rewards you with the ED-E companion, providing new perks.
Exploration Excursion: Uncharted Treasures
The Mojave is full of hidden locations, each with its own treasures to discover. Vaults, caves, and hidden stashes often contain valuable gear.
Downloadable Gear: Expansion Rewards
Don’t forget about the gear available in the DLCs. The Dead Money DLC offers some of the best light armor in the game, perfect for stealth builds.
Gear Up Strategies
Build Basics: Prioritize
Focus on tailoring your Fallout: New Vegas gear to complement your character’s strengths. If you’re a sniper, prioritize rifles with scopes and armor that boosts Perception.
Maintenance Matters: Repair
Keep your gear in top condition to maximize its effectiveness. Repair skills, jury rigging, and vendors are all essential for maintaining your equipment.
Adaptability is Key: Experiment
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different Fallout: New Vegas gear combinations and adapt to different challenges. A shotgun might be better than a sniper rifle in close-quarters combat.
Mod Recommendations (Optional)
Consider using mods to further customize your gear experience. However, be cautious about using mods.
Conclusion: Mojave Mastery
In conclusion, Fallout: New Vegas gear is essential for survival and success in the Mojave Wasteland. By carefully selecting your weapons, armor, and accessories, you can create a Courier capable of overcoming any challenge. Remember the key pieces mentioned above, and with the right gear and a bit of knowledge, you can conquer the Mojave Wasteland and become a legend in Fallout: New Vegas!
