Fallout 76 VATS How to Use It with the Best Perks

Understanding VATS in Fallout 76

VATS (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System) is a core gameplay mechanic in Fallout 76, providing players with a tactical advantage in combat. It allows you to pause time, target specific body parts of enemies, and even aim for critical hits. This system adds a layer of strategy and precision to combat, making it a crucial tool for survival in the wasteland.

VATS Mechanics

VATS operates by consuming Action Points (AP), which are represented by a meter at the bottom of the screen. Each action, such as targeting a body part or firing a weapon, consumes a certain amount of AP. The number of AP you have available depends on your character’s Agility stat and the weight of your equipped gear.

When you enter VATS, the world around you slows down, and you can see a detailed view of your target. This allows you to select specific body parts to aim at, such as the head, torso, legs, or arms. Targeting different body parts can have different effects on the enemy, such as dealing more damage or causing them to stumble.

Factors Affecting VATS Accuracy and Effectiveness

Several factors influence the accuracy and effectiveness of VATS:

• Agility: Your Agility stat directly impacts the number of AP you have available, allowing you to take more actions in VATS. It also influences your overall accuracy, with higher Agility leading to a higher chance of hitting your target.
• Weapon Type: Different weapons have different VATS accuracy ratings. Weapons with higher accuracy ratings are more likely to hit their target in VATS. For example, a sniper rifle will have a higher accuracy rating than a shotgun.
• Distance: The distance between you and your target also affects VATS accuracy. The closer you are to your target, the more likely you are to hit them. However, some weapons, such as sniper rifles, have higher accuracy at longer ranges.
• Target Movement: If your target is moving, it will be more difficult to hit them in VATS. This is because VATS only pauses time for you, not for your enemies.
• Perks: Certain Perks can improve your VATS accuracy and effectiveness. For example, the “Concentrated Fire” perk increases your VATS accuracy, while the “Gun Fu” perk allows you to fire multiple shots in VATS without consuming additional AP.

VATS and Weapon Damage

When you hit an enemy in VATS, the amount of damage you deal is determined by several factors:

• Weapon Damage: The base damage of your weapon is the primary factor in determining how much damage you deal. Higher damage weapons will deal more damage than lower damage weapons.
• Target Body Part: Targeting different body parts can affect the amount of damage you deal. For example, hitting an enemy in the head will typically deal more damage than hitting them in the leg.
• Critical Hits: Critical hits are a powerful mechanic in VATS, allowing you to deal significantly more damage. The chance of landing a critical hit depends on your Luck stat and the weapon you are using.
  

  Critical Hit Chance = (Luck * 0.1) + (Weapon Critical Hit Chance)

Choosing the Best Perks for VATS

VATS is a powerful tool in Fallout 76, but maximizing its effectiveness requires a strategic perk build. By carefully selecting perks that enhance VATS accuracy, damage, and speed, you can significantly improve your combat performance.

Perks that Enhance VATS Damage

Perks that directly increase VATS damage are crucial for maximizing your offensive capabilities. These perks amplify the impact of your attacks, allowing you to take down enemies faster and more efficiently.

• Gunsmith: This perk increases the damage of all weapons by a percentage. This benefit applies both inside and outside VATS, making it a valuable choice for any build.
• Heavy Gunner: This perk is a must-have for players utilizing heavy weapons. It significantly increases the damage output of these weapons, making them more effective in both VATS and direct combat.
• Tank Killer: This perk is specifically designed to enhance damage against larger enemies like Scorchbeasts and Deathclaws. It’s a valuable addition to any VATS-focused build that encounters these challenging opponents.

Perks that Enhance VATS Accuracy

Accuracy is paramount in VATS, as it determines the likelihood of hitting your target. Perks that improve accuracy increase your chances of landing critical hits and dealing substantial damage.

• Concentrated Fire: This perk significantly increases the accuracy of your VATS shots, making it easier to land critical hits and maximize your damage output.
• Better Criticals: This perk increases the chance of landing critical hits, which deal significantly more damage. It complements Concentrated Fire by further enhancing your VATS damage potential.
• Rifleman: This perk is particularly beneficial for players using rifles and shotguns. It increases accuracy and damage for these weapons, making them more effective in VATS.

Perks that Enhance VATS Speed

Speed is crucial for maintaining your VATS advantage, as it determines how many actions you can take before your VATS meter depletes. Perks that enhance VATS speed allow you to take more shots or perform more actions within a single VATS activation.

• Action Boy/Girl: This perk reduces the cooldown time between VATS actions, allowing you to take more shots before your meter depletes. This is an essential perk for maximizing VATS usage.
• Masterful Rifleman: This perk increases the speed at which you can aim with rifles, allowing you to take more shots in VATS before your meter runs out.
• Gunslinger: This perk is specifically designed for players using pistols. It increases the speed at which you can aim with pistols, allowing you to take more shots in VATS.

Recommended VATS Perk Build

To maximize VATS effectiveness, consider a build that combines perks for damage, accuracy, and speed. Here’s a recommended perk build for players focused on utilizing VATS:

• Damage: Gunsmith (3 ranks), Heavy Gunner (3 ranks), Tank Killer (1 rank)
• Accuracy: Concentrated Fire (3 ranks), Better Criticals (3 ranks), Rifleman (3 ranks)
• Speed: Action Boy/Girl (3 ranks), Masterful Rifleman (3 ranks)

Utilizing VATS in Combat

V.A.T.S., or Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, is a core gameplay mechanic in Fallout 76 that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. It allows you to pause time and select individual targets, aiming for specific body parts to maximize damage and minimize wasted shots. But VATS is not a one-size-fits-all solution. To effectively use VATS, you need to adapt your strategies based on the situation at hand.

VATS in Different Combat Scenarios

Using VATS effectively requires understanding its strengths and weaknesses in various combat situations.

• Close-quarters combat: VATS is particularly useful in close-quarters combat, allowing you to precisely target enemy limbs, crippling them and hindering their ability to attack. This is especially effective against melee enemies or those with powerful close-range weapons.
• Ranged engagements: VATS can be equally valuable in ranged engagements. By aiming for enemy heads, you can maximize damage output and potentially take them down with a single shot. However, VATS action points (AP) deplete faster when targeting distant enemies, so you need to manage them carefully.
• Specific enemy types: Different enemy types present unique challenges that VATS can help you overcome. For example, against heavily armored enemies, targeting their limbs can stagger them, making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Against enemies with high health, aiming for their head can be the most efficient way to deal damage.

VATS with Other Combat Mechanics

VATS can be combined with other combat mechanics to further enhance your effectiveness in battle.

• Stealth: VATS can be used in conjunction with stealth to gain an advantage in combat. By entering VATS while stealthy, you can often land critical hits on unsuspecting enemies, dealing massive damage and potentially eliminating them before they even react.
• Cover: Using VATS from cover can significantly improve your survivability. By staying behind cover, you can avoid enemy fire while using VATS to target enemies. This is especially useful against ranged enemies or those with high damage output.
• Weapon Mods: Certain weapon mods can further enhance VATS effectiveness. For example, mods that increase critical hit chance or damage can significantly boost your damage output in VATS. Mods that reduce AP consumption can also help you use VATS for longer periods.

Managing VATS Action Points

VATS action points (AP) are a valuable resource that needs to be managed effectively. AP determines how many actions you can perform in VATS.

• AP Consumption: The number of AP consumed by each action depends on factors like the target’s distance, the weapon used, and the selected action (e.g., aiming for the head vs. the body).
• AP Regeneration: AP regenerates over time, but the rate of regeneration is affected by various factors, including your SPECIAL stats (Agility and Luck), perks, and certain consumables.
• Reload: Reloading your weapon while in VATS can quickly drain your AP. It is generally advisable to reload outside of VATS to conserve AP.

Advanced VATS Techniques: How To Use Vats In Fallout 76 Best Perks

VATS can be a powerful tool in Fallout 76, and mastering its advanced techniques can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness. These techniques allow you to exploit VATS’ strengths, making you a more formidable opponent.

Targeting Specific Body Parts

Targeting specific body parts in VATS is crucial for maximizing damage output and exploiting enemy weaknesses. By aiming for limbs, you can cripple enemies, reducing their mobility and combat effectiveness. Targeting the head can result in critical hits, delivering massive damage and potentially instantly killing enemies.

Here’s a breakdown of how to target specific body parts:

• Identify the Body Part: When in VATS, carefully examine the enemy’s model and identify the body part you want to target. Look for limbs, the head, or the torso.
• Select the Target: Use the VATS targeting reticle to precisely select the desired body part. Move the reticle slowly and accurately to ensure you’re targeting the correct area.
• Consider Weapon Type: Certain weapons are more effective against specific body parts. For example, shotguns are ideal for close-range limb shots, while rifles are better suited for headshots at longer distances.

Maximizing Critical Hits

Critical hits in VATS can deliver devastating damage, often turning the tide of battle. Here are some tips for maximizing your critical hit chance:

• Perks: Invest in perks that increase your critical hit chance, such as “Critical Savant” and “Grim Reaper’s Sprint.” These perks significantly boost your critical hit potential.
• Weapon Mods: Equip weapon mods that enhance critical hit chance, such as “Critical Receiver” and “Critical Barrel.” These mods increase the probability of landing a critical hit, amplifying your damage output.
• Legendary Effects: Look for legendary weapons with the “Two-Shot” effect. This effect grants a second shot with each attack, effectively doubling your critical hit chance.

Utilizing the “Lock-On” Feature

The “Lock-On” feature in VATS allows you to maintain a steady target, even when your enemy is moving. This feature is particularly useful when dealing with fast-moving enemies or when aiming for critical hits.

• Activate Lock-On: Press the designated button (usually “R” on PC) to activate the “Lock-On” feature. This will automatically focus your VATS targeting reticle on your chosen enemy.
• Maintain Lock-On: As your enemy moves, the “Lock-On” feature will automatically adjust the targeting reticle, keeping your target in sight. This allows you to maintain focus and accuracy, even during intense combat.
• Combined with Perks: The “Lock-On” feature works in conjunction with perks like “Concentrated Fire” and “Gun Fu,” enhancing your accuracy and damage output.

VATS in Specific Builds

VATS can be a powerful tool in Fallout 76, but its effectiveness can vary depending on the build you’re using. This section explores how to integrate VATS into different playstyles, including stealth, heavy weapons, and melee. It also examines how VATS performs in Adventure Mode and Nuclear Winter.

VATS in Stealth Builds

Stealth builds in Fallout 76 rely on surprise attacks to maximize damage output. VATS can be used to guarantee critical hits and eliminate enemies before they even realize they’re under attack.

• Perks: The “Sneak” perk card provides a significant damage bonus when attacking from stealth. “Concentrated Fire” increases the chance of landing critical hits in VATS. “Ninja” allows you to move silently while aiming in VATS, making it easier to stay undetected.
• Weapons: Stealth builds typically use silenced weapons like pistols and rifles. The “Suppressor” mod further reduces noise and increases the chance of landing a critical hit.
• Strategy: Use VATS to target enemies’ heads for maximum damage. If an enemy spots you, quickly move to a new location and try to regain stealth.

VATS in Heavy Weapons Builds

Heavy weapons are powerful but slow-firing, making them ideal for VATS. VATS allows you to accurately target enemies while minimizing the time you spend exposed to their attacks.

• Perks: “Heavy Gunner” reduces the weight of heavy weapons, making them easier to carry. “Tank Killer” increases damage against larger enemies. “Heavy Weapons” increases the damage and accuracy of heavy weapons.
• Weapons: Miniguns, Gatling guns, and missile launchers are all excellent choices for heavy weapon builds.
• Strategy: Use VATS to target enemy weak points like limbs or heads. This will maximize damage and help you quickly take down enemies. If you’re facing a large group of enemies, use VATS to focus on the most dangerous ones first.

VATS in Melee Builds

Melee builds are all about getting up close and personal with enemies. VATS can be used to land powerful blows and avoid enemy attacks.

• Perks: “Blitz” allows you to quickly close the distance to enemies. “Martial Arts” increases melee damage and attack speed. “Iron Fist” increases the chance of landing a critical hit with melee attacks.
• Weapons: Power fists, super sledgehammers, and broadsiders are all effective melee weapons.
• Strategy: Use VATS to target enemy limbs for maximum damage. You can also use VATS to dodge enemy attacks.

VATS in Adventure Mode, How to use vats in fallout 76 best perks

Adventure Mode is the main mode of Fallout 76, and VATS can be used in a variety of ways. It’s particularly effective against large groups of enemies, as it allows you to quickly target and eliminate them. VATS can also be used to scout ahead and identify enemy locations before engaging in combat.

VATS in Nuclear Winter

Nuclear Winter is a battle royale mode in Fallout 76. VATS can be a valuable tool in this mode, especially in the early game. It can be used to quickly eliminate opponents before they can react. However, VATS is more risky in Nuclear Winter, as it leaves you exposed to attacks from other players.

Examples of VATS-Focused Builds

• Stealth Rifleman: This build uses VATS to land critical hits with a silenced rifle. It’s a highly effective build for solo play and is well-suited for taking down enemies from a distance.
  • Perks: Sneak, Concentrated Fire, Rifleman, Gunslinger, Ninja, and Mister Sandman.
  • Weapons: A silenced combat rifle or hunting rifle.
• Heavy Weapons Commander: This build uses VATS to unleash devastating attacks with a heavy weapon. It’s a powerful build that can take down even the toughest enemies.
  • Perks: Heavy Gunner, Tank Killer, Heavy Weapons, Bear Arms, and Strong Back.
  • Weapons: A minigun, Gatling gun, or missile launcher.
• Melee Berserker: This build uses VATS to land critical hits with a melee weapon. It’s a fast-paced and aggressive build that is ideal for close-quarters combat.
  • Perks: Blitz, Martial Arts, Iron Fist, Incisor, and Strong Back.
  • Weapons: A power fist, super sledgehammer, or broadsider.

How to use vats in fallout 76 best perks – By understanding the mechanics of VATS, choosing the right perks, and developing effective strategies, you can transform this powerful tool into a deadly weapon. So, embrace the slow-motion mayhem and unleash your inner VATS master in the irradiated wilds of Appalachia!

Mastering V.A.T.S. in Fallout 76 is all about choosing the right perks, and let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like you’re trying to decipher the secrets of a mythical fruit, like what is Zoro’s Devil Fruit in One Piece. But unlike Zoro, you’re not aiming for a power boost, but for tactical advantage. So, focus on perks that enhance your accuracy, speed, and damage output in V.A.T.S., and you’ll be laying waste to enemies in no time.