Does Boone Need Ammo? A Deep Dive into Fallout: New Vegas Companion Mechanics
The short answer is: no, Boone doesn’t need ammo for his default weapon. Like all companions in Fallout: New Vegas using their default weapons, Boone benefits from a hidden mechanic providing him with infinite, non-playable ammunition. This “magical companion ammo” allows him to relentlessly fire his trusty scoped hunting rifle without depleting any physical ammo supplies. However, this only applies to his default weapon. If you give him a different weapon, you will need to provide him with appropriate ammunition. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of Boone’s ammunition, weapon choices, and overall companion dynamics.
Boone’s Arsenal and Ammunition
Default Weapon and Magical Ammo
Boone’s default weapon, his iconic scoped hunting rifle, is inextricably linked to the concept of magical companion ammo. This ammo, identified as using the same classification that the companion’s default weapon uses, cannot be seen in his inventory, nor can it be directly managed by the player. It’s automatically replenished, ensuring he’s always ready to provide covering fire. This mechanic is in place to prevent companions from becoming useless if the player forgets to supply them.
Supplying Alternative Weapons
If you choose to arm Boone with a different weapon, such as an anti-materiel rifle, a combat knife, or an LMG, you become responsible for supplying the necessary ammunition. In this scenario, he will consume ammo like any other NPC, and if his supply runs out, he’ll revert to using his default hunting rifle (and its magical ammo) or, in some cases, resort to melee combat if equipped with a suitable weapon. This allows for strategic customization of his role in combat.
The Case of Melee Weapons
Interestingly, Boone might switch to a melee weapon with a high Damage Per Second (DPS) if given one. This behavior is driven by the game’s AI, which attempts to optimize combat effectiveness. If the AI determines that a melee weapon is more efficient in a particular situation (such as close-quarters combat), Boone might prioritize it over his ranged options, even if he has ammunition for a different ranged weapon.
Maximizing Boone’s Combat Prowess
Choosing the Right Weapon
Selecting the best weapon for Boone depends on your playstyle and the challenges you anticipate facing. While his default hunting rifle is reliable, providing him with a fully modded sniper rifle can significantly enhance his long-range capabilities. Weapons like the anti-materiel rifle can deal massive damage, especially when using specialized ammunition. The choice is yours, but always remember to supply him with sufficient ammunition when using a weapon other than his default.
Armor and Strength
Boone’s accuracy with heavier weapons like the anti-materiel rifle can be affected by his strength. Equipping him with armor that provides a Strength bonus can mitigate this issue, ensuring he delivers consistent, accurate shots. Experiment with different armor combinations to optimize his performance. Note that he can not wear just any armor, he will usually only wear regular clothing like reinforced leather armor or the ranger armor.
Utilizing Different Ammo Types
When supplying Boone with an alternative weapon, consider the benefits of using different ammo types. For example, armor-piercing rounds are effective against heavily armored opponents, while hollow-point rounds can deal increased damage to unarmored targets. Strategically selecting the appropriate ammo type can significantly impact Boone’s effectiveness in combat.
FAQs: All About Boone and Ammo
1. What ammo does Boone use by default?
Boone uses a magical, infinite supply of .308 rounds for his default scoped hunting rifle. This ammunition is non-playable and cannot be accessed through his inventory.
2. Can you loot ammo from Boone?
No, you cannot loot the magical ammo he uses for his default weapon. However, if you provide him with ammunition for an alternative weapon, any remaining ammo can be looted if he is incapacitated or dismissed as a companion.
3. What is the best weapon to give Boone in Fallout: New Vegas?
A fully modded sniper rifle is generally considered an excellent choice. It allows him to engage enemies from long range, deal significant damage, and take advantage of various ammo types. An anti-materiel rifle is another great option but remember he may not be as accurate with it as his default rifle.
4. Do I need to give companions ammo in Fallout: New Vegas?
Yes, you need to provide ammunition for any weapon you give a companion other than their default weapon. The only time companions have infinite ammo is when they are using their default equipment.
5. Can Boone use power armor?
Generally, Boone cannot wear standard power armor. He can wear faction-specific power armor, such as NCR power armor or Ranger armor.
6. Can you get Boone’s unique sniper rifle?
Yes, Boone’s rifle can be obtained, though only through glitching, save editing, or console commands. It looks incredibly weathered, with a rusted barrel and duct tape on the stock.
7. Should I give Boone the anti-materiel rifle?
The anti-materiel rifle is a powerful option for Boone, but consider that he might be less accurate with it compared to his hunting rifle. Giving him armor with a Strength bonus can help mitigate this issue.
8. What rifle should I give Boone in New Vegas?
Aside from a fully modded Sniper Rifle, a solid .308 rifle with good modifications can also serve him well, balancing damage and accuracy.
9. Does ammo expire in Fallout: New Vegas?
In the real world ammunition doesn’t expire in reality, however, in Fallout: New Vegas ammunition doesn’t expire at all. You don’t need to worry about using your bullets while it’s still “fresh”.
10. What ammo does the anti-materiel rifle use?
The anti-materiel rifle typically uses .50 BMG ammunition in Fallout: New Vegas.
11. Is Cass or Boone a better companion?
This is subjective and depends on your playstyle. Boone is a superior marksman with excellent ranged combat capabilities and the “Spotter” perk. Cass has a compelling personality and the “Whiskey Rose” perk.
12. Can I have Rex and Boone as companions?
Yes, you can have both Rex and Boone simultaneously. You can have one humanoid companion (like Boone or Cass) and one non-humanoid companion (like Rex or ED-E) at the same time.
13. Who sold out Boone’s wife?
Jeannie May Crawford, the manager of the Bitter Springs gift shop, sold Boone’s wife, Carla, to the Legion slavers in exchange for bottle caps.
14. Can you save Boone’s wife?
No, you cannot save Boone’s wife. Boone shot her shortly after she was taken, preventing her enslavement.
15. What are the benefits of taking Boone as a companion?
Boone provides excellent long-range support and has the “Spotter” perk, which highlights hostile targets from a distance. He is a valuable asset for players who prefer a stealthy, ranged combat style.
Conclusion
Boone’s reliance on magical companion ammo for his default hunting rifle is a core mechanic that ensures his reliability throughout your journey in Fallout: New Vegas. Understanding this mechanic, as well as the implications of providing him with alternative weapons and ammunition, allows you to strategically customize his role and maximize his effectiveness as a companion. Experiment with different weapon and armor combinations to find what works best for your playstyle, and remember that a well-equipped Boone is a formidable force in the Mojave Wasteland. For more insights into game mechanics and learning through play, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.