Range, accuracy, and overall damage are obviously important, but when it comes to choosing a weapon, there are a lot of other factors to consider. How much does a weapon weigh? How easy is it to acquire? What type of ammo does it use? How can it be modified? The list goes on. Maintaining a large arsenal is the best way to ensure you’re prepared for any encounter.
Your own status is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a weapon. Your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. ranks significantly affect how a weapon performs. Strength determines the damage done by all melee weapons and punching weapons. Perception, Agility, and Luck all play a role in how well a weapon performs in V.A.T.S. However, your active perks will often determine which weapons prove most useful in a fight.
Perks like Bloody Mess, Four Leaf Clover, and Better Criticals improve the usefulness of all weapons. Some perks improve performance against specific targets or in specific situations. However, there are a few key perks that serve to divide weapons into seven distinct categories:
- Non-Automatic Pistols: Includes all weapons that benefit from the Gunslinger perk.
- Non-Automatic Rifles: Includes all weapons that benefit from the Rifleman perk.
- Automatic Weapons: Includes all weapons that benefit from the Commando perk.
- Heavy Guns: Includes all weapons that benefit from the Heavy Gunner perk.
- Melee Weapons: Includes all weapons that benefit from the Big Leagues perk.
- Punching Weapons: Includes all weapons that benefit from the Iron Fist perk.
- Explosives: Includes all weapons that benefit from the Demolition Expert perk.
Each time you select or modify a weapon, consider whether it takes advantage of your active perks. Conversely, if you happen to find a particularly useful weapon, be mindful of any previously overlooked perks that could improve its performance in battle.