Fallout 76: How to Use VATS

How to Use VATS in Fallout 76

• By pressing L1/LB, you will enter VATS mode and automatically target an enemy. The Concentrated Fire perk card enables you to target specific limbs.
• If you have enough AP, you can take the shot by pressing R2/RT.
• Based on the percentage, you may or may not connect with the shot, but these numbers will be influenced by your stats and perk cards.

Fallout 76 is almost upon us and one of the most asked questions is, “How will VATS work?” Well, here’s what you need to know about how to use VATS in Fallout 76.

One of the defining features of the 3D Fallout games has been the inclusion of VATS, or Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System. This feature has always allowed the player to essentially slow down the game to target specific areas of an enemy for a chance at increased damage.

Based on player stats, the chance of critical hits would be higher, or even just likelihood that a shot would connect in the first place. The likelihood of a possible shot connecting is displayed by a percentage.

The incorporation of VATS has given the recent Fallout games a more tactical feeling, much like the turn-based entries in the past. So, when Fallout 76 was revealed to be an online-focused game, fans were concerned with how the system would work, since it normally slows down time in the single player Fallout entries.

The migration to online does impact the way VATS works, as to be expected. In Fallout 76, the game does not pause or slow down when using the system, but you are still able to target different enemies’ limbs for increased damage.

Upgrading VATS and Using AP in Fallout 76

You can upgrade your VATS to allow for limb targeting with a perk card. Acquiring the Concentrated Fire perk card will allow you to do so, and improve your combat capabilities.

By pressing L1/LB, you will enter VATS mode and can select an enemy player’s different limbs. If you have enough AP, you can take the shot by pressing R2/RT. Based on the percentage, you may or may not connect with the shot, but these numbers will be influenced by your player’s stats and perk cards.

You can also fire at multiple enemies at once by maneuvering through them right and left with your d-pad. This is especially useful for taking out lots of different enemies’ limbs at once. Again, this is all provided you have enough AP points.

AP, or action points, if you aren’t familiar, is kind of like a stamina meter in Fallout 76. A couple of things you do will deplete AP, like sprinting, or using the aforementioned VATS system.

When leveling up your character in Fallout 76, you’ll gain access to SPECIAL skill points and perk cards. To manage your AP meter, you can put points into your Endurance and Agility.

Endurance is your entire AP bar, while agility impacts how fast you deplete AP. Keep this in mind when leveling up your character, and when using the aiming, as it may help you emerge victorious in a firefight in the wasteland of Fallout 76.

And that’s all you need to know about how to use VATS in Fallout 76. Be sure to check our Fallout 76 guide wiki for more information and tips on the game.