How to use VATS in Fallout 76 – Get VATS Criticals

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Are you wondering how to use VATS in Fallout 76? The Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System is a powerful tool that every Vault Dweller has at their disposal. Using it will help better your shots in combat and allow you to target specific body parts.

This powerful tool is very useful when dealing with multiple enemies. You will find it useful when trying to use Nuke Codes to launch a nuclear bomb in the wasteland.

If you want powerful shots whether you are using a rifle or a melee weapon, you should consider using this targeting system. Here is how to use VATS in Fallout 76.

How do you use VATS in Fallout 76?

Learn how to use VATS effectively in Fallout New Vegas.
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To activate the targeting system, press LB on Xbox, L1 on PlayStation, or the Q key on PC. If an enemy is in sight, it will zoom in on the foe and surround it with a green line. Unlike in previous Fallout games, time does not go in slow motion and everything moves at normal speed so you will need to be a bit quicker when using VATS in Fallout 76.

While in this view, you can use the arrow keys, or the D-Pad to cycle between targets. If you have the correct perks, you can also target specific limbs on these enemies, further increasing your accuracy.

V.A.T.S only lasts for as long as you have stamina or AP to make it work. While using this system, you will use AP each time you fire a shot or swing your weapon. Depending on your stamina, VATS might have a very short duration.

Online Multiplayer

V.A.T.S does not work against enemy players. Because of this, VATS builds are ineffective against another player character and should only be used against normal enemies.

At the bottom of your screen, you will see a critical meter. As you get hits while using V.A.T.S, this meter will increase. Once full, your next hit will be a critical hit.

Best Perk Cards to use with VATS in Fallout 76

There are a good number of perk cards that can better your usage of the targeting system. The following perks should be considered when creating a build:

  • Concentrated Fire – Allows you to target specific limbs
  • Gun Fu – Automatically swaps targets on kill, increasing your damage with each target up to +60%
  • Better Criticals – Critical hits now deal more damage
  • Four Leaf Clover – Each hit has a chance to fill your critical meter
  • Grim Reaper’s Sprint – Chance to restore all action points with a kill
  • Mysterious Stranger – Chance for the Mysterious Stranger to appear and aid your shots
  • Psychopath – Chance for a kill to fill your critical meter
  • Critical Savvy – Critical hits consume less of the critical bar

There are more perk cards that can help you out such as Action Boy/Girl which helps replenish your AP. Remember, managing your stamina is important when using V.A.T.S. Keep in mind that there are also legendary effects that you can combine with V.A.T.S to boost your damage output. This system is best used with pistols and rifles.

That is everything you need to know about using VATS in Fallout 76. Be sure to also check out how to install modes in Fallout 4.

Fallout 76 VATS – FAQ

What are the best perks to use with VATS in Fallout 76?

The best perks to use are Concentrated Fire, Gun Fu, Better Criticals, Four Lead Clover, Mysterious Stranger, and Psychopath.

How do you get a critical hit using VATS in Fallout 76?

You can score a critical hit after filling up the critical hit bar that appears on the VATS screen. Once full, your next hit will be a critical.

About the Author

Aden Carter

Aden Carter is a guides writer for VideoGamer with a focus on action RPGs and adventure games. When he isn't busy writing, he is spinning tales with his friends at the local game shop.

Fallout 76

  • Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • Genre(s): Action, Adventure, RPG
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