Understanding Weapon Roles and Synergies
The wasteland of Fallout 4 is a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Survival demands more than just grit; it requires strategy, adaptability, and the right tools. Among these tools, your weaponry is paramount. While your primary weapon is crucial, relying solely on one firearm is a recipe for disaster. That’s where the power of a well-chosen *Fallout 4 2nd gun options* shines. Having a reliable backup, a specialist tool, or a weapon that complements your primary is not just beneficial; it’s essential for thriving in the ruins of the Commonwealth. This article will delve into the best *Fallout 4 2nd gun options* to enhance your combat effectiveness and ensure your survival.
Before diving into specific weapon recommendations, it’s critical to grasp the underlying principles of weapon roles and how they interact. Think of each weapon as a specialist, designed to excel in certain combat scenarios. Some weapons are designed for close-quarters combat, maximizing damage at point-blank range. Others are built for precision at longer distances, allowing you to pick off enemies from afar. A versatile loadout acknowledges these roles and combines them effectively.
Consider this: if your primary weapon is a long-range sniper rifle, your biggest vulnerability is an enemy that gets too close. Your effective range is nullified. A secondary weapon, such as a shotgun or submachine gun, allows you to rapidly dispatch any foes that breach your perimeter. Alternatively, if your main weapon is a rapid-firing automatic rifle, you might complement it with a high-damage pistol for VATS builds or to conserve precious ammo.
The crucial point is *synergy*. Your second gun should not simply be another weapon; it should work with your primary to cover weaknesses and maximize your combat potential.
The game also heavily utilizes a perk system that will strongly influence the effectiveness of your weapon choice. Perks such as “Big Leagues”, “Shotgunner”, “Rifleman”, and “Gunslinger” significantly alter how the weapon performs. Considering how your character build and the skills you are investing in will influence your choice of a *Fallout 4 2nd gun*.
Ammo availability also plays a crucial role in weapon choice. Although the game provides a wide array of weapon types, specific ammo types can be scarce, especially in the early game. You wouldn’t want to equip a weapon using ammo that’s difficult to find, rendering it useless when you actually need it. The smart wastelander balances weapon effectiveness with ammo practicality. When choosing a *Fallout 4 2nd gun*, ammo availability should be high up on your list.
Top Second Gun Recommendations
These recommendations are designed to cover a broad range of playstyles and scenarios, offering a strong basis for your arsenal.
Close-Range Options
Shotguns: The Crowd Control Kings
Shotguns are your best friends in enclosed spaces or against swarms of enemies. Their devastating damage output at close range makes them ideal for clearing out buildings, fighting off feral ghouls, or dealing with any opponent that gets too close for comfort.
Several shotgun models are available in Fallout 4, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The *Combat Shotgun* is a balanced choice, offering good range and damage. The *Double-Barrel Shotgun* packs an enormous punch, capable of one-shotting many enemies at extremely close ranges. The *T-51b Tactical Shotgun*, if you’re lucky to find it, offers the benefits of a shotgun paired with the aesthetics and strength of power armor.
Customization options like different barrels and stocks allow you to tailor the shotgun to your needs. For example, the “Long Barrel” can increase range and accuracy, while the “Serrated Blade” bayonet can make it a deadly melee weapon if you wish to quickly change to it.
When should you employ a shotgun? Anytime you expect close-quarters combat. This includes infiltrating buildings, clearing out bunkers, or fighting in urban environments with narrow streets and hallways. They are particularly effective against groups of enemies, allowing you to unleash a devastating blast that can cripple or kill multiple foes simultaneously.
*Perk Considerations:* Invest in the “Shotgunner” perk to increase the damage of your shotgun, the “Heavy Gunner” if you decide on the combat shotgun. The “Big Leagues” perk, despite technically being a melee perk, also boosts the damage of your shotgun, as it is considered a melee weapon for some calculations.
Submachine Guns: The Rapid-Fire Specialists
Submachine guns (SMGs) offer a different approach to close-range combat, trading raw power for sustained damage and rapid fire rate. They excel at suppressing enemies, shredding armor, and quickly taking down fast-moving targets.
The *Submachine Gun* (also known as the Tommy Gun) and the *10mm Submachine Gun* are the most common SMG models. The 10mm version is readily available and can be found early on in the game.
Like other weapons, SMGs can be customized to your play style. The “Suppressor” mod reduces noise, ideal for stealth builds, while the “Large Quick Eject” magazine increases your reload speed.
When should you choose an SMG? When dealing with enemies that constantly move, especially creatures like bloatflies or radroaches, and when you need sustained fire to keep them pinned down or to quickly reduce their health. They are also effective in situations where you might need to quickly switch targets or spray a large area.
*Perk Considerations:* The “Commando” perk is essential, drastically increasing the damage of your SMG. “Gunslinger” also provides damage bonuses to pistols and other sidearms, which may be useful in conjunction.
Mid-Range Options
Assault Rifles: The Versatile Workhorses
Assault rifles offer a balance between range, damage, and rate of fire, making them excellent all-around weapons for the majority of situations. Their versatility makes them ideal for filling the role of *Fallout 4 2nd gun*.
The *Combat Rifle*, *Handmade Rifle*, and *Assault Rifle* are all excellent choices. The Combat Rifle is a readily available, reliable weapon. The Handmade Rifle is unique in the game as a moddable weapon, offering great customization to make it even more effective.
Assault rifles can be customized for different combat scenarios. You can attach scopes for medium-range engagements, extend the barrel for increased accuracy, or add a drum magazine for extended ammo capacity.
When should you use an assault rifle? In most combat scenarios. They are useful in general combat, balanced encounters, and for engaging enemies at medium ranges.
*Perk Considerations:* The “Rifleman” perk will significantly boost the damage of non-automatic rifles, while “Commando” benefits automatic variants.
Laser Rifles: Energy Weapon Powerhouses
Laser rifles offer a different damage profile, utilizing energy damage. They are particularly effective against enemies with high armor, like synths or robots, as their energy attacks bypass armor. They also offer a different ammo type, which may be a benefit given your primary weapon’s ammo supply.
Specific models include the *Laser Rifle* and unique variants. The *Laser Rifle* also has plenty of customizable options like focusing lenses and beam splitters, and unique variants that give them a specific advantage.
When should you choose a laser rifle? Against energy-resistant enemies, like synths and robots. Against enemies with high armor, where the energy damage can bypass damage resistance.
*Perk Considerations:* The “Rifleman” perk benefits non-automatic laser rifles, but “Science!” is critical, allowing you to craft and modify the weapons effectively. “Gun Nut” helps you customize the weapon more.
Speciality Options
Pistols (High Damage): The Quick Draw Wonders
Pistols are often underestimated, but a well-chosen pistol can be a lifesaver. Some pistols offer a high damage output and are a perfect quick weapon. They can be a welcome addition as a *Fallout 4 2nd gun*.
The .44 Pistol, and Western Revolver, are excellent examples of a high-damage pistol, capable of dealing significant damage.
Customizing your pistol can also significantly improve its effectiveness. Attaching a long barrel increases range and accuracy. Adding a scope allows for more precise shots, while an improved magazine increases your ammo capacity.
When should you utilize a pistol? The perfect time for your sidearm is in VATS builds or as a backup weapon. Pistols, with the correct perks, can allow you to take down enemies quickly, especially if your main weapon has a slow reload.
*Perk Considerations:* The “Gunslinger” perk is essential for maximizing pistol damage, and the “Guerilla” perk also improves the damage of pistols.
Explosives: The Devastating Demolitions
Explosives, such as grenades and the Fat Man, offer a high-explosive approach to combat. They are extremely useful as a *Fallout 4 2nd gun*.
The main benefit of this as a *Fallout 4 2nd gun* is its power and damage. It is a perfect weapon to have when you need to clear out a room quickly, and eliminate multiple enemies at once.
*Perk Considerations:* “Demolition Expert” is a must-have perk, it increases the explosive damage and radius.
Energy Weapons (Specialized Builds): The Elemental Specialists
For those who specialize in energy weapons, certain energy weapons can be great additions to their build. These weapons deal a lot of damage, perfect for enemies with low energy resistance.
With energy weapons, you will need to choose a laser or plasma weapon that can easily damage enemies. The specific energy weapon, such as the plasma caster, offers an alternative method of dealing massive damage.
Customization includes a high-damage receiver, focusing lenses, and beam splitters.
*Perk Considerations:* “Science!”, the specific energy weapon perks, and “Gun Nut” are required to maximize the damage output.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Second Gun
The right *Fallout 4 2nd gun* goes beyond simply selecting a weapon. You must consider several factors to ensure it fits your overall playstyle:
- Ammo Availability: As mentioned previously, consider the availability of ammo. Choose a weapon that complements your primary weapon’s ammo or that uses a readily available ammo type.
- Character Build: Your perk choices and character stats should guide your selection. If you have invested heavily in Rifleman, then a sniper rifle and combat rifle might be best. If you have high agility, the Gunslinger pistol perk might be what you are looking for.
- Enemy Types: Prepare for various enemy encounters. Have a weapon that will allow you to defeat enemies.
- Playstyle: Adapt your choice based on your preferences. Do you prefer stealth and precision, or do you prefer a run-and-gun approach?
- Weapon Mods and Customization: Prioritize weapons with good mod support. Modifications greatly increase a weapon’s effectiveness and make it more versatile. Experiment with different mods to find the combinations that suit your style best.
Conclusion
Having a well-chosen second gun in Fallout 4 is not just an option, but a necessity for surviving the perils of the wasteland. By understanding weapon roles, considering synergies, and adapting your loadout to the situation, you will significantly increase your chances of success. Whether you choose a shotgun for close-quarters dominance, an assault rifle for general versatility, or a high-powered pistol as a quick draw, make sure your *Fallout 4 2nd gun* complements your primary weapon and fills a critical role in your combat strategy. Experiment with different weapons, customize them to your liking, and find the combinations that work best for you. So, equip yourself, choose wisely, and go forth to dominate the wasteland!
