Gunning for Glory: Equipping Raul for Maximum Impact in Fallout: New Vegas

So, you’ve got Raul Tejada, the charismatic ghoul gunslinger, tagging along in the Mojave Wasteland. Excellent choice! Raul’s a fantastic companion, not just for his witty banter and repair skills, but also because, with the right gear, he can be a surprisingly effective combatant. The burning question, however, is: What gun is Raul best with in Fallout: New Vegas?

The answer isn’t as simple as naming one specific weapon, as Raul benefits most from weapons that complement his pre-existing skills and the game’s mechanics. While he starts with a unique .44 Magnum, his true potential lies in equipping him with a high-damage, accurate revolver, ideally something with a decent fire rate to maximize his DPS. Therefore, the Ranger Sequoia, Mysterious Magnum, and a well-modded Hunting Revolver are all excellent choices. These revolvers pack a punch, aligning with Raul’s affinity for revolvers and allowing him to take down enemies efficiently.

Choosing the right weapon is crucial, but understanding why certain weapons are better is even more important. We will explore the underlying reasons, taking into account Raul’s inherent abilities, available perks, and the overall combat landscape of New Vegas.

Why Revolvers? Understanding Raul’s Strengths

Raul has an inherent skill with firearms, he is a gunslinger after all. Giving him a revolver ensures he will use it effectively, and the fact that he will never run out of ammo makes him a worthy companion.

• Thematic Fit: Let’s be honest, seeing Raul wield a minigun just feels wrong. A revolver suits his character and backstory.
• Accuracy and Damage: Revolvers, especially the unique variants, offer a good balance of accuracy and damage per shot. This means Raul is more likely to hit his targets and inflict substantial damage when he does.
• Ammo Efficiency: While Raul has magical companion ammo, he’ll still fire more efficiently and inflict greater damage with a revolver.

Honorable Mentions and Considerations

While revolvers are Raul’s bread and butter, don’t completely dismiss other options:

• Lever-Action Shotguns: The Brush Gun and Medicine Stick are powerful choices, especially in close to mid-range engagements. However, their slower reload speed makes them less ideal overall compared to revolvers.
• Rifles: The Hunting Rifle and Service Rifle can be effective, but Raul doesn’t benefit as much from their higher rate of fire due to his character build.

Perks, Armor, and Raul’s Role in Combat

Choosing the right weapon is only part of the equation. To truly maximize Raul’s effectiveness, you need to consider his perks, armor, and how you intend to use him in combat.

Choosing the Right Perk

Raul has two unique perks that you can unlock via companion quests:

• Old Vaquero: Increases the attack speed with revolvers and lever-action shotguns.
• Full Maintenance: Reduces weapon and armor degradation by 75%.

While Old Vaquero sounds tempting, Full Maintenance is generally the superior choice. The reduction in degradation is invaluable, saving you caps on repairs and allowing you to keep your equipment in top condition. Old Vaquero only buffs revolvers and lever-action shotguns, whereas Full Maintenance applies to all your weapons and armor.

Armor Considerations

Raul can wear any armor, so choose wisely!

• Power Armor: While he can wear it, Power Armor can be too heavy and might slow him down. However, if you want a heavily armored companion, Power Armor is a viable choice.
• Medium Armor: A good balance of protection and mobility. Consider something like Reinforced Leather Armor or Metal Armor.
• Faction Armor: Be mindful of faction allegiances! Avoid equipping Raul with armor that might cause you to become hostile with certain groups.

Raul’s Combat Role

Raul isn’t meant to be a tank. He’s more of a support fighter, providing ranged damage and distraction while you take the lead. Utilize him strategically by:

• Keeping him at a safe distance: Prevent him from taking excessive damage.
• Using him to flank enemies: Let him attack from the side or rear to disrupt their formations.
• Taking advantage of his repair skills: Regularly check your equipment and have him repair it to keep it in peak condition.

Conclusion: Raul, the Reliable Gunslinger

Raul Tejada might not be the most powerful companion in Fallout: New Vegas, but with the right weapon and strategic planning, he can be a valuable asset to your team. Focus on equipping him with a high-damage, accurate revolver, choose the Full Maintenance perk, and utilize him as a ranged support fighter. With these tips, Raul will become a reliable gunslinger, ready to face the dangers of the Mojave Wasteland alongside you.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and experiment! Try out different weapons and strategies to find what works best for you and your play style. And don’t forget to explore the wealth of resources available online, including the valuable discussions and insights on sites like GamesLearningSociety.org, to further enhance your Fallout: New Vegas experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Raul and Weapons

1. Can Raul run out of ammo?

No, Raul has infinite ammo for any weapon he is equipped with. This is a standard feature for companions in Fallout: New Vegas.

2. What happens if Raul runs out of weapon durability?

Companion weapons do not degrade. Raul’s weapon will function at 100% regardless of how many shots he has taken.

3. Is Raul a good companion for a melee-focused character?

Yes! Raul provides ranged support, covering your weaknesses as a melee character. His Full Maintenance perk is also universally beneficial, regardless of your build.

4. Does Raul benefit from my character’s perks?

Some perks do affect Raul, such as those that increase damage against specific enemy types. However, perks that specifically target the player character won’t affect companions.

5. What’s the best way to improve Raul’s combat skills?

Equip him with good armor, a powerful weapon, and position him strategically during combat. His own skills will determine his base performance, but your choices significantly impact his effectiveness.

6. Can Raul use VATS?

No, companions in Fallout: New Vegas cannot use VATS.

7. Can Raul use grenades or other explosives?

No, Raul is limited to using the primary weapon you equip him with.

8. Can Raul be killed?

Companions in Fallout: New Vegas are “essential” and cannot be permanently killed. They will be knocked unconscious in combat and recover after the battle.

9. What are Raul’s tagged skills?

Raul’s tagged skills are Guns, Repair, and Science.

10. Is Raul’s Full Maintenance perk retroactive?

Yes, the perk applies to all your equipment, even items you had before recruiting Raul or unlocking the perk.

11. Can I give Raul custom ammo types, like JHP or AP rounds?

No, Raul only uses regular ammunition.

12. Does Raul’s appearance change with different armor?

Yes, Raul’s appearance will change to reflect the armor he is wearing.

13. Does Raul have any unique dialogue or interactions with specific NPCs?

Yes, Raul has unique dialogue options and interactions with certain characters, especially those related to his backstory or the old West.

14. Is Raul a good companion for a “good” or “evil” character?

Raul is fairly neutral in terms of morality. He doesn’t strongly react to your choices, making him a suitable companion regardless of your character’s alignment.

15. Where can I find more information and tips about Fallout: New Vegas?

There are numerous online resources available, including wikis, forums, and guides. Consider exploring sites dedicated to gaming communities and strategy, as well as educational platforms such as the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, which explores the educational and social impact of games.