The V.A.T.S. system has been a lifesaver for Fallout players ever since it was first introduced. The Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System helps players target their enemies in combat to get easier shots and critical hits. However, V.A.T.S has evolved throughout the series and it features different qualities in Fallout 76 that make it more difficult to use. Below, you can see how to properly take advantage of V.A.T.S in Fallout 76.
Using VATS In Fallout 76
V.A.T.S. in the earlier games used to stop time and had a bullet time mechanic. Now it acts as an aim assist feature, helping you lock onto targets and deal damage. To activate V.A.T.S., press the Q button when you are near enemies. For PlayStation and Xbox, it is the L1 and LB buttons respectively.
The closest enemy in your line of sight will have a green outline. You can switch between enemies by pressing the Z and C keys on the keyboard and the D-Pad on the consoles. With this targeting system, you can shoot enemies on the range with hip fire with auto-targeting. However, this consumes Action Points. To go to Critical Mode, press Spacebar or Y/Triangle on Xbox/PlayStation.
Unlike previous games, the V.A.T.S. here cannot let you aim at different limbs. You can unlock that feature by equipping the Concentrated Fire perk card. Now that you know how you can use V.A.T.S. in Fallout 76, let us see which perk cards you should prioritize getting and some things you should know about the feature.
Best Perks For VATS In Fallout 76
There are a few perks that I recommend getting for the V.A.T.S. in the game through the level-up system that will enhance its useability. They are:
- Concentrated Fire: This lets you aim at the limbs of the opponents and increases the damage if you keep shooting the enemy in the same spot.
- Psychopath: Chance to refill the critical meter when getting a kill with the V.A.T.S.
- Mysterious Stranger: Makes a stranger appear while in V.A.T.S. that shoots enemies.
- Better Criticals: Increases the damage a critical hit does by a certain percentage.
How To Maximize On VATS
Eating AP-increasing foods and using weapons with legendary effects can help you maximize the effectiveness of the V.A.T.S.
Eating foods like corn soup, tato juice, muffruit juice, and carrot soup will increase V.A.T.S. performance. 1 3-star weapon can increase the aim mode function of the V.A.T.S by 30%.
Keeping all of these things in mind can help you use the V.A.T.S. better in Fallout 76. You can check out our Fallout Archives for anything Fallout-related. Also do checkout the guide on how to unlock Brewing Station & Fermenter in Fallout 76
