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Fallout 76’sversion of VATS plays mostly the same as inFallout 4(minus the time-slow mechanic). It is essentially an auto-aim feature that comes with a number of powerful bonuses when the right perk cards are equipped. With that said, VATS works best when using builds that take advantage of everything it has to offer.
When using a VATS build, you may expect to deal extreme DPS via constant critical hits, though this does come at the expense of more AP consumption than usual. Overall, such builds are great for all sorts of content, whether you’redoingFallout 76’ssidequestsor helping others in public events. Here’s a general guide covering the most important parts of making a VATS build, as well as a sample setup for a Commando loadout.
Concentrated Fire 1
Grim Reaper’s Sprint 1
Take Follow Through as your first legendary perk if you want more damage. Then, fill the rest with SPECIAL boosters or other QoL cards like Master Infiltrator.
VATS builds can work with all weapon types. The table above is merely an example of how one should make a VATS build for a Level 50 non-stealth, non-Bloodied Commando usingFallout 76’sautomatic rifles. If you want to use a VATS setup with a different weapon type, respec your SPECIAL and use relevant perks like Shotgunner or Gunslinger. The most important VATS perks to use are:
Players won’t be able to use all of these perks together, since most of them are under Luck. Prioritize getting the damage perks first before equipping AP and critical meter-related ones.
VATS Build Weapons and Mutations
There’s a whole laundry list ofpowerful weapons inFallout 76,and what you use will depend on what weapon type you prefer. For the Commando build above, your best options are anautomatic Fixer or Railway Rifle. The most important part of picking a weapon is making sure it has legendary effects that improve damage and AP consumption.
As for mutations,Eagle Eyes, Herd Mentality,andHerbivoreare going to be the most important ones. Together, these mutations will give you increased critical damage, more SPECIAL stats when in a team (even if you’re alone in said team), and double the effects from plant-based food. Good food buffs to pair with Herbivore include:
For armor, you’ll want whatever gives the most damage resistance. A full set of Heavy Combat Armor with the Brotherhood of Steel mod is excellent until you may craft a full Secret Service Armor set. You can get the plans for it from Regs, one of theGold Buillion traders inFallout 76.
