Quick Links
Fallout games offer tons of different mechanics that allow you to deal with your enemies spectacularly. One of these special features is called V.A.T.S. (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System), and this guide will tell you how to use it properly in Fallout 4. Additionally, the guide will explain in detail how this mechanic works and when you should use it, as well as offer some tips on what stats to increase to make your V.A.T.S. even more effective.
What Is V.A.T.S. In Fallout 4?
V.A.T.S. is an acronym for Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System. This feature allows you to enter a special combat mode. While you are using V.A.T.S., time within the game slows down, and you can focus on a specific enemy.
The game shows you your percentage chances of hitting certain parts of your opponent’s body, and you can spend your AP (Action Points) to shoot the target. This feature makes combat feel somewhat lie a turn-based game, delivering a nice callback reference to previous Fallout games.
Fallout 4: 6 Overpowered Builds That Are A Lot Of Fun
Putting together a focused character build in Fallout 4 can generate some very overpowered results, something these builds excel at.
How To Use V.A.T.S. In Fallout 4
The buttons you need to press in order to enter the V.A.T.S. mode depend on the device you’re playing on. So, if you want to use this mechanic, follow these steps:
- Press Q/L1/LB to enter the V.A.T.S. mode. Q is for PC, L1 is for PlayStation, and LB is for Xbox.
- Select the body parts you want to shoot. You can fire multiple shots if you have enough AP and ammo. You can also use this feature with melee weapons.
- Confirm your choice by pressing E/X/A — E for PC, X for Playstation, and A for Xbox.
- After that, your character will shoot at the body parts you chose or simply hit the enemy in melee combat.
How To Improve V.A.T.S. In Fallout 4
You can actually build your character around the V.A.T.S. mechanic. In order to do so, you will need to improve certain stats that give you cool perks for enhancing the V.A.T.S. mechanic. There are two parameters you need to focus on:
- Agility – Gives you more AP and provides you with different perks that allow you to recharge faster and increase your AP regeneration.
- Luck – Improves your crits and gives you a perk that allows you to deal guaranteed critical damage in V.A.T.S.. Also, there is a Luck perk that gives you a chance to restore AP after you kill someone in V.A.T.S. mode.
V.A.T.S. in Fallout 4 is a great mechanic that allows you to roleplay an agile and precise gunslinger who is able to shoot multiple tough enemies in a moment. If this is your preferred playstyle, then you should definitely invest in Agility and Luck to take advantage of those perks. This will leave your enemies no chance of survival as long as you have enough AP.
