Unlike in past games from the series, VATS in Fallout 76 works vastly differently. No longer does time pause completely. After all, this is an online-only game with other players in the area. You can’t stop time for everyone. So, how to use VATS in Fallout 76? It’s a question new players have on their minds, and we’ve got the answers for you!
What is VATS?
VATS, or Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, is a unique gameplay mechanic introduced by Bethesda in Fallout 3. It was an attempt to allow turn-based combat in a more modern game setting.
When the player enters into VATS, in previous games, game time comes to a halt and the player could designate which limb to strike via a percentage-based attack system.
This method allows the player to target weak or critical points on enemies.
In Fallout 76, VATS works a little differently. No longer does time come to a halt, though the percentage-based attack system and limb targeting still work as intended.
How to Use VATS in Fallout 76
In Fallout 76, when the player enters combat, they may choose to utilize VATS instead of free-aiming for every shot or hit.
On PC, hit the ‘Q’ key. On console, it’s generally the left bumper or L1, depending on your system and controller.
Once you enter VATS, you can quickly select a nearby enemy for a chance to land a strike. Like old iterations of the system, Fallout 76 retains the percentage-based hit chance.
However, in the latest release, Bethesda opted to strip away much of the functionality of VATS to use as perk card mechanics instead. If you have the proper perk cards, your VATS is significantly enhanced.
How to Target Limbs With VATS in Fallout 76
Can you still target limbs with VATS in Fallout 76? Yes! But with a caveat.
The ability to manually select which limb to strike is not a standard feature of V.A.T.S. this time around. Instead, you’ll require the perk card Concentrated Fire. Said perk card will help you target specific limbs instead of the entire enemy.
To further increase VATS, you’ll want to load points into Perception, as it directly affects your targeting capabilities.
So, in many ways, VATS in Fallout 76 is vastly different from previous modern entries in the series. But in others, it remains similar if not the same. New and returning players will become accustomed to the modern version of VATS quickly.