V.A.T.S., or more accurately, the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, used to be a bullet time mechanic in previous Fallout games. But, it has changed in Fallout 76, acting more as an aim-assist feature in online multiplayer. This change has confused some fans, as they can’t figure out how to use the new VATS now that it doesn’t freeze time. If that’s the case, use this practical manual to learn using VATS again like a pro survivor.
How to Use VATS in Fallout 76?
To activate VATS mode in Fallout 76, press Q near the enemies. PlayStation and Xbox players should press L1 or LB for the same effect. To enter the Critical mode in VATS, press Space on the keyboard, Y on Xbox, and Triangle on PlayStation. But to exit VATS, press Tab (B on Xbox, Circle on PlayStation).
When VATS is active, toggle between nearby targets using the D-pad or Z and C keys on the keyboard. To change parts or aim different limbs, use the right stick on the controller or the mousewheel on the mouse.
The way the new VATS works is that it auto-targets enemies at range, allowing for hip-firing them with no aim. But it consumes Action Points for that. Basically, the aim-assist remains active as long as the player has enough AP.
Unlike previous games, standard VATS doesn’t let players aim for different limbs. To turn on the body-part aiming feature, equip the Concentrated Fire perk card.
What Are the Best Perk Cards for VATS?
In Fallout 76, perk cards that accelerate Action Point regen and boost Agility and Perception are best for VATS builds. Rejuvenated, Action Boy, Lone Wanderer, Gun Fu, Better Criticals, and Critical Savvy are some of the ideal options.
How to Exploit VATS in Fallout 76?
There are two ways to maximize VATS’s effect: Eating AP-enhancing foods and equipping weapons with Legendary Effects. With the first method, eating food, players speed up the Action Point regen. And with the second one, having Legendary weapons, they take advantage of 3-Star booster effects.
Consume AP-Boosting Food
The best foods to get faster AP regeneration are Corn Soup and Tato Juice. Other vegetable-orientated stuff like Mutfruit Juice and Carrot Soup are also good for enhancing VATS performance, as they lift Perception and Agility.
Use 3-Star Legendary Weapons
A 3-Star weapon with a VATS effect and modifier increases the aim mode function by up to 30%. “Active,” for example, is a Special Weapon Modifier that offers 10 extra Action Points. And “VATS Enhanced” is a 3-Star weapon effect that reduces AP consumption by 25%.
Things to Know About VATS in Fallout 76
With the new functionalities come a few trivia that veteran VATS users must know. Here are some of the important ones.
- VATS can be used to scan the area. But it costs energy.
- When in a Power Armor, VATS consumes Fusion Core.
- Players might automatically rush toward the enemy when attacking them with a melee in VATS mode.
- Gunsmithing items like Swift Magazine reduce V.A.T.S’s AP consumption—although it’s not noted in their descriptions.
Fallout 76 is available now for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.