In the sprawling wastelands of the original Fallout, a game that has captivated players with its unique blend of post-apocalyptic survival and strategic combat since its inception, finding the right tools for survival is key. As a Vault Dweller venturing into the unknown, your choice of armament not just defines your combat strategy, but often, your very survival amidst the radscorpions, raiders, and super mutants that roam the desolate landscapes. This comprehensive guide is designed to navigate you through the sprawling arsenal of Fallout 1, highlighting the creme de la creme and the dregs of weaponry available in the game, from the early stutter of a 10mm pistol to the late-game boom of a Turbo Plasma Rifle. Buckle up, Wasteland Wanderer, as we dive into the ultimate armory guide!
Early Game: Finding Your First Firearm
The initial foray into the wasteland can often feel daunting. Ammunition is scarce, and every bullet feels precious. Here, selecting the right weapon can mean the difference between life and an untimely demise at the hands (or pincers) of the Wasteland’s denizens.
10mm Pistol
A staple in the early game, the 10mm pistol is a reliable sidearm with decent accuracy and damage. Its ammo is relatively abundant, making it a go-to choice for those initial skirmishes.
Knife
Don’t underestimate the power of simplicity. The knife offers silent kills and is especially potent if you’re leaning into a stealth or melee build. It requires no ammunition, which is a godsend in the early scrambles for supplies.
Spear
For those who favor reach and precision, the spear can be a formidable weapon. It’s particularly useful for keeping melee enemies at bay while dealing consistent damage.
Mid-Game: Upgrading Your Arsenal
As you dive deeper into the wastelands and the foes grow fiercer, an upgrade to your armory becomes non-negotiable. The mid-game is where you start encountering weapons that can turn the tide of battle with their sheer firepower or unique capabilities.
Hunting Rifle
The Hunting Rifle emerges as a standout choice for those who prioritize precision and power over rapid-fire chaos. Its range and damage output make it a solid choice for taking out enemies from afar.
Combat Shotgun
For wanderers who prefer the up-close-and-personal approach, the Combat Shotgun delivers a devastating blow to anything unlucky enough to be on the receiving end. Its spread makes it ideal for crowd control, ensuring that groups of enemies won’t be a problem for long.
Laser Pistol
Entering the realm of energy weapons, the Laser Pistol offers a sneak peek at the advanced warfare that lies ahead. With its decent rate of fire and damage output, this weapon is a harbinger for the technological terrors to come.
Late Game: Unleashing Hell
In the late stages of your journey, the stakes escalate, and so should your firepower. The wasteland’s deadliest adversaries lurk in the endgame, requiring nothing but the best in your arsenal to confront head-on.
Plasma Rifle
A weapon of mass destruction in your hands, the Plasma Rifle devastates anything it targets with a searing bolt of green death. Its high damage output makes it a go-to for any Vault Dweller looking to lay waste to their enemies.
Minigun
The epitome of overkill, the Minigun chews through ammo and enemies with equal fervor. Perfect for laying down a hailstorm of bullets, this weapon is a staple for heavy weaponry enthusiasts.
Turbo Plasma Rifle
The Turbo Plasma Rifle stands at the pinnacle of destructive capability. An upgraded version of the Plasma Rifle, it shoots faster, hits harder, and embodies the ultimate late-game weapon for any serious wasteland warrior.
Best Overall
While the journey through the Wasteland is fraught with peril and the choice of weaponry vast, one armament stands above the rest for its versatility, power, and sheer game-changing impact: the Turbo Plasma Rifle. With its unparalleled rate of fire and destructive capability, this weapon can carry you through the toughest of encounters, making it the quintessential tool for wasteland domination.
Worst Weapons
Not all weapons are created equal, and amid the pantheon of armaments available in Fallout 1, a few are best left forgotten, gathering dust in the corners of some long-abandoned bunker.
Rope
While not technically a weapon, the Rope’s inclusion in certain combat scenarios has puzzled many a Vault Dweller. Its utility is situational at best, and it occupies valuable inventory space that could be better allocated to actual armaments.
BB Gun
The BB Gun, a relic of pre-war days gone by, offers little more than nostalgic value. Its damage output is laughably minimal, making it more of a toy than a legitimate weapon in the fight for survival.
Brass Knuckles
In a world where your foes are armed to the teeth with guns and energy weapons, bringing Brass Knuckles to a fight is akin to bringing a knife to a gunfight—except even the knife would serve you better. Their damage output is negligible, and they necessitate getting dangerously close to enemies who can easily outmaneuver and overpower you.
In Summary
The path through Fallout 1’s wasteland is beset with dangers, and the right or wrong choice of weapon can significantly impact your journey’s success. From the humble beginnings with a 10mm pistol to the late-game annihilation through a Turbo Plasma Rifle, your arsenal is your lifeline. Remember, the wastes are unforgiving, and the weapon at your side is your best friend. Choose wisely, wanderer, and may your aim be true and your blade sharp.