The Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (or VATS, for short) has been a staple in the Fallout series since Fallout 3, and it's likely to return in Fallout 5. In-game, it works as another method of dealing damage, an alternative to the usual shooting or slashing. According to the lore, VATS is a pre-war combat tool whose origins have been lost to time, which is probably why there are only a few people who have access to it in the wasteland.

That said, the VATS mechanic has undergone plenty of changes since its first appearance in Fallout. Bethesda ought to take the system's evolution into account while deciding how Fallout 5 might improve the system.

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VATS in the Early Fallout Games

Vault 15 in Fallout 2.

First, here’s a little history of Fallout’s VATS mechanics. It technically wasn’t a feature in the original Fallout or Fallout 2. Because those games were played with the turn-based, isometric-view, they were very different from the modern titles. However, they still had what could be considered the “early” or “original” VATS mechanic.

When entering combat, the game’s timing would change as it enters turn-based mode in Fallout. In it, players would be given the option to choose their moves per turn. This sequence would alternate between the player, their followers, and hostile entities based on their respective stats. If the player wished to attack an enemy, they could do so as long as it was within range. However, they could also choose to execute an Aimed Shot, which targeted a specific body part. This brought up a menu that showcased the enemy’s different body parts as well as the player’s chance of landing a hit on each. Crippling specific body parts resulted in different handicaps for the enemy.

This system was the main method for attacking in Fallout 1 and 2. Bethesda simply gave it a name and reintegrated it into the following games, which featured real-time gunplay. VATS then became an alternative attack option rather than the primary method of combat. This could have been Bethesda’s way of incorporating old features into the new generation of Fallout.

VATS in Fallout 3 and New Vegas

Fighting enemies in Fallout 3

Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas used this new version of the original VATS mechanic, and it worked very differently, considering the change in perspective alongside the real-time combat. VATS was relegated to somewhat of a secondary role as the shooting mechanics took center stage.

Now, players needed to activate VATS mode to make use of its targeting feature. In Fallout 3 and New Vegas, this stopped time, allowing players to cycle between potential targets and pinpoint which body parts they wanted to try hitting. Each successful hit has an increased chance of dealing critical damage. The more Action Points a player has, the more attacks they can execute in VATS mode. Lastly, like the original titles, each limb had a corresponding hit percentage, which changes based on the player’s stats as well as the enemy’s distance and visibility.

Crippling was also incorporated into the system, meaning players could hamper an enemy’s offensive abilities through targeting the right limbs. However, players could no longer target a hostile’s eyes or groin anymore, unlike in the first two Fallout titles. It’s also no longer possible to target specific limbs with melee weapons. Finally, the official introduction of the VATS mechanic also brought in VATS-related skills, most notably the Action Boy/Girl perk.

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VATS in Fallout 4 and Fallout 76

Fallout 4 VATS

Fallout 4 doesn’t make many changes to the VATS mechanics in Fallout 3 and New Vegas, although notably, entering VATS mode slows time instead of freezing it. The game also altered the chances of getting critical hits using VATS mode. Instead of a base increase to critical hit chance, players can choose when to land their critical hit, which becomes available anytime they fill the Crit Bar in VATS mode.

Fallout 76 also made some significant changes to the system, though these are primarily due to the title’s multiplayer gameplay. Instead of slowing or stopping time, Fallout 76’s VATS mode acts as a real-time aim assistance tool. This allows players to move around while targeting enemies in VATS mode. The downside, however, is that enemies will also be moving normally, making the player more vulnerable to taking damage. The critical hit system is similar to that of Fallout 4.

Fallout 5 VATS Changes

FAllout 5 title card

Fallout 4 arguably has the most polished version of all the games, so Fallout 5 would do well to emulate it. Admittedly, the community is split when it comes to how time should be altered in VATS mode. One solution to this is to allow players to choose between stopping or slowing time. Since VATS is supposedly an advanced combat tool in the player’s Pip-Boy, then there should be some way to explain why there are different mechanics to it. Perhaps there are different VATS modes, which the player can then choose from to suit their playstyle.

Another worthy improvement for Fallout 5 would be changing up how VATS crippling works. Many players would like to see the return of the “Eyes” and “Groin” target options, as they were only ever available in the isometric titles. These two options were among the deadliest in terms of damage as landing a hit on the enemy’s eyes could blind them, while hitting the groin could knock them down. Both targets also ignore armor and have a heightened chance of scoring critical hits.

It would also be worth implementing the VATS targeting system to melee weapons, as this isn’t present in Fallout 3 onwards. When attacking with any melee weapon, players can’t target any specific limb and can only swing in the enemy’s general direction.Targeted melee attacks would allow players with melee builds to fully utilize the VATS system. The same could be said with throwables, like grenades and mines. In general, the specificity gives players more freedom to experiment with their combat methods, making for a more enjoyable experience.

Fallout 5 has been announced.

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