Introduction
For melee-focused builds in Fallout: New Vegas, the phrase “Pushy” is a name whispered with a mix of reverence and chaotic glee. It’s more than just another weapon; it represents a unique style of combat, a blend of brute force and tactical maneuvering. “Pushy” refers to a unique Power Fist found hidden away in the depths of Vault thirty-four. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill melee weapon. “Pushy” grants its wielder unparalleled knockback potential, turning enemies into ragdolls and the Mojave Wasteland into a physics playground. But what makes “Pushy” such a fan favorite? Is it simply the joy of sending raiders flying, or is there more to this unassuming power fist than meets the eye? This article will delve into the strengths, weaknesses, acquisition, and strategic use of the Power Fist named “Pushy”, offering a comprehensive guide for players looking to add this weapon to their arsenal and master its unique style.
Unlocking the Secrets: Finding Pushy
Acquiring “Pushy” is no walk in the park. This unique Power Fist isn’t simply lying around for any passing Courier to pick up. To claim “Pushy” as your own, you must venture into the irradiated depths of Vault thirty-four. The Power Fist awaits in the Armory. Getting there, however, presents a considerable challenge.
Vault thirty-four is a hazardous environment filled with Feral Ghouls and dangerous levels of radiation. The Vault’s security system is compromised, and the corridors are flooded with toxic water, making navigation difficult and exposing you to harmful radiation. To reach the armory, you’ll need to be prepared for a tough fight and significant radiation exposure. Stock up on Rad-X, RadAway, and perhaps even consider wearing radiation-resistant gear to mitigate the dangers.
Navigating the Vault requires careful planning and a steady hand. The flooded areas impede movement, and the Feral Ghouls are relentless in their attacks. Utilize the Vault’s layout to your advantage, using doorways and corridors to funnel enemies and minimize your exposure to multiple attackers. A high Repair skill can also prove invaluable, allowing you to repair damaged security robots to assist in your fight against the ghoulish hordes. Keep a sharp eye out for terminals that control water levels and security systems, as these can provide a tactical advantage in your exploration.
If braving Vault thirty-four sounds too daunting, there might be alternative methods to obtain “Pushy”, although these generally fall outside the realm of standard gameplay. It is worthwhile to overcome the challenges and obtain the Power Fist in the manner it was intended.
The Power Within: Pushy’s Stats and Attributes
“Pushy” boasts a unique set of stats and attributes that set it apart from other melee weapons in Fallout: New Vegas. While its base damage may not be the highest among Power Fists, its true power lies in its exceptional knockback effect. This knockback is significantly higher than other melee weapons, sending enemies flying across the room with each strike.
The Power Fist’s knockback is its defining characteristic. This allows players to control the battlefield by creating distance, knocking enemies into environmental hazards, and disrupting their attacks. The knockback can also be used defensively, pushing enemies away to create space for healing or tactical maneuvers.
While “Pushy” excels at crowd control and disrupting enemies, its damage type can be a disadvantage against heavily armored foes. The Power Fist deals standard damage, which is less effective against armor than piercing or explosive damage. When facing enemies with high Damage Threshold, consider switching to a weapon with a different damage type or utilizing tactics that bypass armor, such as critical hits or flanking maneuvers.
Consider how “Pushy” stacks up against other melee options. While weapons like the Ballistic Fist or the Chainsaw offer higher raw damage output, they lack the crowd control capabilities and tactical flexibility of “Pushy”. The unique blend of power and utility makes it a compelling choice for players seeking a dynamic and engaging melee experience.
Forging a Legend: Building a Pushy Character
To truly master “Pushy”, you need to build a character that complements its unique strengths. While a high Melee Weapons skill is essential, there are other skills and perks that can significantly enhance your effectiveness with the Power Fist.
Melee Weapons proficiency is a must. Invest skill points to increase your accuracy and damage output. Also, a high Strength stat is crucial for maximizing your damage and carrying capacity. The more Strength you have, the more effectively you can wield “Pushy” and the less encumbered you’ll be by your gear.
Several perks synergize exceptionally well with “Pushy”. The Iron Fist perk increases your unarmed damage, making each punch pack a more significant punch. Slayer dramatically increases your attack speed, allowing you to unleash a flurry of blows and keep enemies on the backfoot. Super Slam adds a chance to knock enemies prone, further enhancing your crowd control capabilities. Action Boy/Girl boosts your Action Points, allowing you to perform more power attacks and maintain a constant barrage of knockback.
Consider a sample character build that exemplifies “Pushy’s” potential. A character with high Strength, Endurance, and Melee Weapons skills, combined with perks like Iron Fist, Slayer, and Super Slam, can become an unstoppable force in melee combat. This build focuses on maximizing damage, attack speed, and knockback potential, turning your character into a whirlwind of fists and flying enemies.
The Art of the Push: Combat Tactics
Mastering “Pushy” requires more than just brute strength; it demands a tactical approach to combat. Utilize the Power Fist’s knockback to your advantage.
Environmental kills are a cornerstone of “Pushy” combat. Lure enemies near cliffs, ledges, or other environmental hazards, and then send them flying with a well-timed punch. This is especially effective against weaker enemies or those with low health, allowing you to eliminate them quickly and efficiently.
Crowd control is another area where “Pushy” excels. Use the knockback to disrupt enemy formations, prevent them from flanking you, and create space for healing or tactical retreats. Focus on pushing enemies away from you or into each other, creating chaos and disarray in their ranks.
When facing heavily armored enemies, adapt your tactics. Focus on hitting weak points, utilize critical hits to bypass armor, or switch to a weapon with a different damage type. Remember, “Pushy” is most effective against lightly armored or unarmored foes.
“Pushy” shines in open environments where you have plenty of room to maneuver and utilize the knockback effectively. It is less effective in tight corridors or confined spaces, where the knockback can be limited. Always assess your surroundings and adapt your tactics accordingly.
Imagine facing a group of Deathclaws with “Pushy”. While the Power Fist won’t deal massive damage, you can use the knockback to keep them at bay, disrupt their attacks, and create opportunities for your companions to deal damage. Against Cazadors, the knockback can be invaluable for preventing them from swarming you and delivering their venomous stings.
Modding Mayhem: Enhancing Pushy (Optional)
The world of Fallout modding offers numerous ways to further customize and enhance your “Pushy” experience. From animation overhauls to balance tweaks, there are mods available to suit every playstyle.
Consider installing mods that improve melee combat in general. These can enhance the responsiveness of your attacks, add new animations, and improve the overall feel of melee combat. Certain mods specifically target “Pushy”, buffing its damage, increasing its knockback, or adding unique visual effects.
A word of caution: Always be mindful of mod compatibility and installation. Read the mod descriptions carefully, follow the installation instructions precisely, and ensure that the mods you choose are compatible with each other.
Community Chatter: Pushy in the Hearts of Players
“Pushy” holds a special place in the hearts of many Fallout: New Vegas players. Its unique blend of power, utility, and sheer silliness has made it a beloved weapon for over a decade.
Browse online forums and communities, and you’ll find countless anecdotes and stories about memorable “Pushy” experiences. Players share tales of knocking enemies off cliffs, sending them flying into explosions, and using the Power Fist to overcome seemingly impossible odds.
There are debates about “Pushy’s” balance and effectiveness. Some argue that its knockback is overpowered, while others maintain that it’s perfectly balanced by its lower damage output. Regardless of your opinion, “Pushy” is undoubtedly a conversation starter.
The Final Verdict: Embrace the Chaos
“Pushy” is more than just a weapon; it’s a playstyle. It’s about embracing the chaos, controlling the battlefield, and sending enemies flying with well-placed blows. While not the most powerful weapon in New Vegas in terms of raw damage, the Power Fist offers a unique and satisfying combat experience for players who enjoy a more tactical melee approach. The unique ability to control the battlefield and the hilarity of ragdolling enemies across the wasteland makes it a weapon well worth exploring.
The question remains: is “Pushy” worth using? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a weapon that is fun, unique, and tactically versatile, look no further. It provides unparalleled crowd control, creates unique combat opportunities, and most importantly, is incredibly fun to use.
Have you used the unique Power Fist “Pushy” in Fallout: New Vegas? Share your favorite “Pushy” moments and builds in the comments below!
