How to Get Past Deathclaws in Fallout New Vegas
The post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout New Vegas is filled with various dangers, and one of the most formidable and terrifying creatures is the Deathclaw. These massive, scaly creatures are known for their intelligence, strength, and ferocity. As a new Courier, you’ll need to navigate the Mojave Wasteland, and unfortunately, Deathclaws will be a common encounter. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get past them.
The Basics: Deathclaws in Fallout New Vegas
Before we dive into the tips and strategies, it’s essential to understand the basics about Deathclaws.
- Location: Deathclaws can be found in various areas, including the Grand Canyon, the Great Khans’ territory, and other locations marked on your map.
- Attributes: Deathclaws are extremely aggressive, with high HP, damage resistance, and melee damage output. They’re also relatively slow, but this doesn’t make them less deadly.
- Behavior: Deathclaws are territorial and will defend their area if they perceive you as a threat. They also have a strong homing ability, making them quite difficult to outrun.
Survival Strategies
To survive encounters with Deathclaws, you’ll need to employ the following survival strategies:
1. Be Prepared
Before facing a Deathclaw, make sure you’re properly equipped and prepared:
* Wear heavy armor, especially if you're low-level or have limited health.
* Use a decent ranged weapon, as the Deathclaw's melee damage can be overwhelming.
* Bring medi-kits and stimpacks to heal if needed.
* Choose a safe spot to engage the fight from, avoiding narrow corridors and tight spaces.2. Keep Distance
The key to success is maintaining a safe distance:
* Keep a good amount of space between yourself and the Deathclaw. This will give you time to react and avoid taking unnecessary damage.
* Use vats or rocks to gain elevation and provide cover for yourself.
* If necessary, use a thrown weapon like a grenade or mines to disorient the Deathclaw and keep it at a distance.3. Avoid Getting Cornered
Deathclaws are intelligent and will trap you in a corner:
* Try to maintain a clear escape route or backup plan. This will keep the Deathclaw from flanking or trapping you.
* Use objects like crates, barriers, or trees to block its path or create a buffer zone.
* Stay mobile and avoid getting stuck in a single location.4. Timing is Crucial
Timing your attacks is crucial:
* Watch for the Deathclaw's charge animation before it attacks, and time your counter-attack to avoid taking the full force of its melee damage.
* Use V.A.T.S. to take out its health quickly or target its weak points (see below).Weak Points
Deathclaws have weak points that can be targeted to quickly take out their health:
| Weak Point | Health Reduction |
| --- | --- |
| Headshot | **50%** |
| Knee Shot | **30%** |
| Tailshot | **20%** |The Final Strike
Once the Deathclaw is weakened:
* Take out its weak points, preferably with V.A.T.S. or a strong ranged attack.
* Finish the job with a quick melee attack, a blast of damage from a weapon, or a well-timed execution.Additional Tips and Strategies
Here are some additional tips to help you get past Deathclaws in Fallout New Vegas:
- Use your Pip-Boy: The Pip-Boy is an excellent tool for tracking Deathclaw spawn points, navigating the terrain, and managing your supplies.
- Stay Low: Stay low to the ground to avoid drawing attention to yourself and reducing the chances of being detected by the Deathclaw.
- Conserve Resources: Don’t waste resources on expensive weapons or gear. Focus on the essentials: armor, medi-kits, and stimpacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I avoid being detected by a Deathclaw?
- Stay quiet, use stealth skills, and avoid making sudden movements or loud noises. Try to observe the Deathclaw’s behavior to anticipate its movements and stay hidden.
- What’s the best weapon to use against Deathclaws?
- Ranged weapons are recommended, especially energy weapons. The 10mm SMG and Gauss Rifle are excellent choices, as they can deal significant damage from a distance.
- Can I tame a Deathclaw?
- Unfortunately, no. Deathclaws are wild animals and cannot be domesticated or tamed.
- Can I kill Deathclaws with just my bare hands?
- Yes, it’s possible, but highly challenging and not recommended. Melee combat can be intense and risky against such a powerful foe.
- Will Deathclaws attack me on sight?
- Not always. They’ll only attack if they perceive you as a threat or if you enter their territory. Be cautious when exploring their habitat.
- How many Deathclaws are there in Fallout New Vegas?
- There are around 5-6 Deathclaws scattered throughout the Mojave Wasteland. You’ll need to be prepared and strategic to overcome them.
- Can I escape from a Deathclaw’s area?
- Yes, you can outrun them if you have sufficient speed and the terrain allows for it. Stay alert and watch for opportunities to escape.
- What’s the most challenging part of facing a Deathclaw?
- Adapting to their unpredictable behavior, maintaining a safe distance, and being prepared to switch strategies as the fight unfolds. Deathclaws are cunning and adaptable, so be ready to adjust your tactics accordingly.
By following these survival strategies, timing your attacks correctly, and employing the right tactics, you’ll be well-prepared to face the daunting task of navigating the Mojave Wasteland without encountering Deathclaws too frequently. Happy adventuring!