Introduction
When the Mojave Wasteland throws hordes of rabid dogs, Cazadores, or even Deathclaws your way, a single-shot rifle might not cut it. Sometimes, you just need to saturate the area with a wall of lead. That’s where the automatic rifle comes in, and Fallout: New Vegas offers a surprisingly robust selection of these rapid-firing weapons. Within the context of Fallout: New Vegas, an automatic rifle is defined as any rifle-type weapon that can fire continuously as long as the trigger is held down. This guide will delve into the best Fallout: New Vegas automatic rifles, covering their unique attributes, where to find them, modifications that make them shine, and how to best utilize them on the battlefield. We’ll judge the best weapons based on a combination of raw damage output, accuracy, damage per second, and general availability throughout your adventures. So, lock and load, and prepare to explore the world of full-auto firepower!
Why Choose Automatic Rifles in New Vegas?
The wasteland is a dangerous place, and sometimes finesse goes out the window when you’re fighting for your life. Automatic rifles offer a unique advantage in Fallout: New Vegas, bringing a lot of firepower to bear quickly. The potential for high damage is a major selling point. While a single shot rifle might pack a larger punch, an automatic rifle can deliver a stream of bullets in the same amount of time, dealing a potentially higher amount of damage, especially against targets with lighter armor or overwhelming numbers.
The rapid rate of fire is another key benefit. It is particularly effective in close to medium-range combat scenarios. A hail of bullets can suppress enemies, forcing them to take cover and disrupting their attacks. It can also stagger opponents, giving you an opening to reposition or land a critical hit.
Ammunition is always a concern in the wasteland. Automatic rifles generally use common ammunition types like five-point-five-six millimeter, seven-point-six-two millimeter, or even five millimeter, making them relatively easy to keep supplied. However, the high rate of fire means you’ll burn through ammo quickly, so careful management is essential. Don’t forget you can convert ammo types at workbenches to circumvent ammo issues. Switching to hollow point rounds against unarmored targets, or armor piercing rounds against more heavily protected foes is a great way to maximize their utility.
Certain skills and perks can dramatically enhance the effectiveness of automatic rifles. The Guns skill directly improves your accuracy and damage with these weapons. Demolitions skill can be useful if you want to incorporate explosives into your combat strategy. There are also numerous perks that complement an automatic rifle build. Perks that increase critical hit chance, improve weapon handling, or reduce ammo consumption are all excellent choices.
The Cream of the Crop: Featured Automatic Rifles in Fallout New Vegas
Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout automatic rifles available in Fallout: New Vegas, going over stats, modification options, and ideal usages.
Light Machine Gun
The Light Machine Gun, often abbreviated LMG, is a true beast of a weapon. It boasts a high rate of fire, a large magazine, and respectable damage per bullet. It is a seven-point-six-two millimeter weapon, known for its raw stopping power. You can often find it in the hands of heavily armed mercenaries, Legionaries, or Brotherhood of Steel Paladins. It can sometimes be purchased from vendors like the Gun Runners. Modifications include a Lightweight Frame, which reduces its weight and improves handling, and an Expanded Magazine, which allows for even longer bursts of fire before needing to reload. This weapon is excellent for mowing down groups of enemies at medium range and is particularly effective against heavily armored targets when loaded with armor-piercing rounds. Be warned, the LMG has significant recoil and consumes ammunition at an alarming rate, making it less effective at longer ranges or in situations where ammo is scarce. Try to maintain a stable stance and utilize short bursts to conserve ammunition.
Assault Carbine
The Assault Carbine is a more versatile automatic rifle that uses five-point-five-six millimeter ammunition. It provides a good balance of damage, accuracy, and rate of fire. You can find it in various locations, including military outposts, the hands of NCR soldiers, and for sale at the Gun Runners. Modifications include a Foregrip, which reduces recoil and improves accuracy, and an Extended Magazine, which increases the number of rounds per magazine. The Assault Carbine excels in medium-range engagements where accuracy and controlled bursts are key. Its manageable recoil makes it easier to keep on target, and its relatively common ammunition makes it a reliable choice for extended expeditions into the wasteland. The damage per bullet is not as high as the LMG, so focus on headshots and critical hits to maximize its effectiveness.
Service Rifle
While the Service Rifle is primarily a semi-automatic weapon, it can be modified into an effective automatic rifle through the addition of specific modifications. With the right upgrades, it can compete with dedicated automatic weapons. This makes it a versatile option for players who prefer a more adaptable weapon. It uses five-point-five-six millimeter ammunition and is commonly found among NCR troops and can be purchased from vendors like Chet in Goodsprings. With mods, it can be converted into an automatic firing weapon that’s extremely useful in many situations.
Marksman Carbine
Similar to the service rifle, the Marksman Carbine can be modified to function as an automatic weapon, essentially bridging the gap between a precise marksman rifle and a high-rate-of-fire weapon. It uses five-point-five-six millimeter ammunition. This versatility makes it valuable for players who want to switch between semi-automatic and automatic fire depending on the situation.
Honorable Mention: Minigun
While technically classified as a Gatling Gun, the Minigun deserves an honorable mention due to its incredible rate of fire and sheer destructive power. It uses five millimeter ammunition and is capable of shredding through almost any enemy in seconds. The Minigun is often found in heavily guarded locations or held by powerful enemies. Though powerful, it consumes ammunition at an absolutely ludicrous rate and requires significant strength to wield effectively. It’s a last resort weapon best reserved for the toughest enemies or when you absolutely need to clear a room in a hurry.
Modifications and Ammunition: Upgrading Your Arsenal
Modifications are critical for maximizing the potential of your Fallout: New Vegas automatic rifles. They can improve accuracy, reduce recoil, increase magazine capacity, and even alter the weapon’s damage type. Always prioritize finding or purchasing modifications for your favorite weapons.
Specifically, a Lightweight Frame for the LMG can significantly improve handling, making it easier to control during extended bursts of fire. For the Assault Carbine, a Foregrip is essential for reducing recoil and improving accuracy, making it a more effective weapon at longer ranges. Extended Magazines are always a welcome addition, allowing you to fire for longer periods before needing to reload.
Selecting the right ammunition is just as important as choosing the right modifications. Armor-piercing rounds are essential for dealing with heavily armored enemies like Deathclaws or Brotherhood of Steel Paladins. Hollow-point rounds are effective against unarmored targets, dealing increased damage per bullet. Surplus rounds are a cheap and readily available option, but they may be less accurate and deal slightly less damage.
You can craft modifications and ammunition at workbenches using scavenged materials. Search every nook and cranny of the wasteland for scrap metal, electronic components, and other crafting ingredients. Vendors also sell modifications and ammunition, so be sure to check their inventories regularly.
Strategies and Tactics for Automatic Rifles
Automatic rifles excel in close to medium range combat scenarios. They are less effective at longer ranges due to their inherent inaccuracy and recoil. Engage enemies within this optimal range to maximize your damage output.
Master the art of burst firing. Instead of holding down the trigger and emptying your entire magazine, fire in short, controlled bursts. This will help you conserve ammunition and maintain accuracy. Sustained fire is best reserved for close-quarters engagements or when dealing with overwhelming numbers of enemies.
Controlling recoil is essential for maintaining accuracy while firing automatic rifles. Use the environment to your advantage. Find cover and peek out to fire, minimizing your exposure to enemy fire.
Also, consider which companions to take with you. Companions who excel in melee combat can draw enemy attention while you provide covering fire.
Other Options and Honorable Mentions
Beyond the rifles discussed, Fallout: New Vegas offers other automatic weapon options. Submachine guns like the nine millimeter SMG and the twelve-point-seven millimeter SMG provide rapid fire at close range but lack the range and damage of automatic rifles. Unique variants like the Vance’s nine millimeter submachine gun are worthy additions to your arsenal as well.
Final Thoughts
Automatic rifles are a powerful and versatile tool for surviving the harsh realities of Fallout: New Vegas. They offer unparalleled firepower and can be customized to suit your individual playstyle. With the right rifle, modifications, ammunition, and tactics, you can dominate the battlefield and emerge victorious against any threat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different automatic rifle builds and find what works best for you. Now, head out into the Mojave, and let loose! What are some of your favorite Fallout: New Vegas automatic rifle experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
