Mastering Critical Hits in VATS: A Fallout 76 Guide

Unleashing critical hits in VATS (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System) is crucial for maximizing your damage output in Fallout 76. To execute a VATS critical hit, you first need to enter VATS and select your target. As the critical meter fills up during your VATS sequence, hold down the designated critical hit button – typically Spacebar on PC, Y on Xbox, or Triangle on PlayStation. This will unleash a devastating critical attack when your character fires.

Understanding VATS Mechanics in Fallout 76

VATS is a staple combat mechanic in the Fallout series, offering players a tactical advantage by slowing down time and allowing them to target specific body parts. In Fallout 76, VATS consumes Action Points (AP), and the accuracy of your shots depends on factors like your weapon skill, distance to the target, and their level of cover. Effective VATS usage requires careful resource management and strategic target selection. Mastering critical hits within VATS significantly amplifies your offensive capabilities.

How VATS Works

• Activation: Enter VATS by pressing the designated button (Q on PC, LB on Xbox, L1 on PlayStation).

• Targeting: Select enemies and specific body parts to target. Targeting a body part increases the chances of inflicting status effects, disabling them, or increasing damage done to a specific area.

• Action Point Cost: Each attack in VATS consumes AP. Running out of AP ends your VATS sequence.

• Accuracy: The displayed hit chance is affected by range, weapon skill, and enemy cover. The higher the percentage, the more likely your shot will hit.

Maximizing Your VATS Potential

To effectively use VATS, you must understand the basics of the system as well as a few additional tips.

• Perks: Utilize perks like Action Boy/Girl to increase AP regeneration, or perks that increase VATS accuracy.

• AP Management: Avoid exhausting your AP completely. Leave some in reserve for emergency maneuvers.

• Target Selection: Prioritize targets based on threat level and vulnerability.

Unleashing Critical Hits in VATS

Critical hits are crucial for dealing significant damage and turning the tide of combat. They amplify your damage output and can stagger enemies, providing a strategic advantage. Understanding when and how to use critical hits is a key element of mastering VATS.

Activating Critical Hits

1. Enter VATS: Initiate VATS by pressing the designated button.

2. Select Target: Choose your desired target and body part.

3. Charge the Critical Meter: As you queue attacks in VATS, your critical meter will fill.

4. Unleash the Critical Hit: Hold down the critical hit button (Spacebar on PC, Y on Xbox, Triangle on PlayStation) before your character fires.

5. Release: Once your character is ready to fire the critical hit, it will automatically trigger and inflict increased damage. Releasing the button will end the critical hit.

Tips for Critical Hit Mastery

• Timing: Pay attention to the critical meter and activate the critical hit at the right moment to maximize its effectiveness.

• Perk Synergies: Certain perks enhance critical hit damage and frequency. Combine these perks for maximum impact.

• Legendary Effects: Some weapons have legendary effects that synergize with VATS and critical hits, further boosting your damage output.

• Luck Stat: A higher Luck stat not only increases the rate at which your critical meter fills, but also gives you the edge you need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What button do I press for a critical hit in VATS on PC?

On PC, the default button for activating a critical hit in VATS is the Spacebar. You must hold it down as your character prepares to fire.

2. What is the critical hit button on Xbox?

On Xbox consoles, press and hold the Y button to unleash a critical hit during a VATS sequence.

3. How do I perform a critical hit in VATS on PlayStation?

PlayStation users need to press and hold the Triangle button while in VATS to trigger a critical hit before the character fires the shots.

4. Does Luck affect critical hits in Fallout 76?

Yes, a higher Luck stat increases your critical hit meter fill rate and can also affect the base chance of landing a critical hit outside of VATS, especially if you have perks that leverage Luck.

5. Can I use critical hits outside of VATS in Fallout 76?

Not by default. Critical hits are primarily a VATS mechanic in Fallout 76. While there might be mods available that introduce non-VATS critical hits, the base game mechanics restrict critical hits to VATS.

6. What are the best perks for VATS critical builds?

Some essential perks include Better Criticals, which increases critical hit damage, Action Boy/Girl for faster AP regeneration, Concentrated Fire for increased accuracy and damage per shot in VATS, and Four Leaf Clover for filling your Critical Hit meter.

7. How does the critical meter work in Fallout 76 VATS?

The critical meter fills up as you queue attacks in VATS. The rate at which it fills is influenced by your Luck stat and certain perks. Once the meter is full, you can unleash a critical hit by pressing the designated button.

8. Can enemies also score critical hits in VATS?

No, enemies do not use VATS or critical hits in the same way as players. Their attacks are based on standard hit chances and damage calculations.

9. Is there a limit to how many critical hits I can perform in one VATS sequence?

You can perform multiple critical hits within a single VATS sequence as long as your critical meter is full and you have enough AP to continue attacking.

10. Do certain weapons work better with VATS critical builds?

Yes, weapons with high accuracy, low AP cost, and good critical hit modifiers are ideal. The Fixer and the Handmade Rifle are excellent choices for VATS builds. Also, any weapon with a VATS related legendary effect will provide additional benefits.

11. How do I increase my Action Points (AP) for more VATS usage?

Increasing your Agility stat provides more base AP. Using armor with AP refresh bonuses, taking chems like Buffout or Overdrive, and using perks like Action Boy/Girl all contribute to increased AP and regeneration.

12. Does the Better Criticals perk affect sneak attacks?

No, the Better Criticals perk specifically enhances critical hits performed within VATS, and it doesn’t affect sneak attacks, regular attacks, or headshots.

13. How do I exit VATS quickly?

You can exit VATS by pressing the designated button for exiting (Tab on PC, B on Xbox, Circle on PlayStation). This is useful if you need to regain control quickly or conserve AP.

14. What is the Mysterious Button in Fallout 76 and how does it relate to VATS?

The Mysterious Button is a one-way elevator exit from Site Alpha and has no direct relation to VATS.

15. What are some good resources for learning more about Fallout 76 strategies?

You can find detailed guides, forums, and communities dedicated to Fallout 76 strategies on websites like Reddit (r/fo76), the official Fallout 76 forums, and various gaming news sites. Additionally, the GamesLearningSociety.org can offer educational resources on gameplay mechanics.

VATS critical hits can turn any challenging enemy into a manageable target. Combine your VATS critical hits with the proper build and perks to truly master Fallout 76.