Summary
Fallout 3has a wide array of rifles to choose from as players seek to traverse and service the Capital Wastelands. This includes the variousenergy/plasma riflesthat can be found in the open world. Today though, this list is going to stick with the rifles that fire rounds rather than lasers.
The rifles on offer inFallout 3are varied, from sniper rifles to fully automatic assault rifles, with each one having as many as 3 variants. It can be hard to know where to start even if players know the sort of weapon that would suit their playstyle and build. This list will hopefully simplify this process by drawing from the entire pool of rifles available and detailing where to find the weapon.
6Assault Rifle
For General Purposes
TheAssault Rifleis a weapon that players will soon get used to coming across. The weapon of choice for the many human enemies that players will come up against. It is a decent multi-purpose weapon that deals low damage with a good fire rate which means some worthwhile damage can be dealt at lower levels. If a fully repaired one can be found, it can fire over 1200 shots before reloading.
As stated before, players will almost certainly naturally come across these weaponson Raiders orjust around the game world. If it is a struggle,2 assault rifles can be bought from Flak N' Shrapnelin Rivet City.
5Perforator
Found In The Pitt (DLC)
A unique variant of the assault rifle, the Perforator is a weapon that only be found in theadd-onThe Pitt. The weapon is owned by a man calledEverett,he will hand over the rifle if players give him 90steel ingots. He can be found in the Mill and will grant the player a new item for every 10 ingots given to him.
A better version of the assault rifle, this weapon does a higher standard damage (8 to 10) and a far higher crit damage (8 to 14). The suppressor is a nice addition if players wish to have stealth as an option but some new problems also arise. The fire rate is now poorer than it was and it is less durable.
4Railway Rifle
Pin Those Limbs
Certainly the most unusual weapon on this list, best used at shorter to medium ranges, theRailway Rifledeals fairly good damage but the main selling point here is the limb damage it can deal. It has a 3x limb damage multiplier and a chance on a critical hit to pin limbs to objects such as walls. Despite the poor rate of fire, it is very good to use in the right circumstances and is especially effective through V.A.T.S.
Players will needto craft this weaponif they want it. Firstly acquire the schematic as a quest reward from’Stealing Independence', this quest can be started by talking toAbraham Washingtonin Rivet City. All of the items listed on the schematic can be found in the open world but also atFort Independenceor theRobco Facility.
3Sniper Rifle
Best Of The Three
The Sniper rifle is one of three long-ranged rifles inFallout 3. Offering a critical hit chance of x5 and damage of 40, it is effective at longer ranges. Its two unique variants, theVictoryandReservistrifles offer a knockdown chance with critical hits but with a reduced chance to x3 and a faster rate of fire but with only 3 bullets in the chamber respectively. It is best to keep it simple with the sniper rifle as these supposed benefits aren’t all that useful.
Players can find a sniper rifle most often being usedby raiders orit will be suppliedfor free if players go to the Underworld and accept the quest entitled You Gotta Shoot ‘Em in the Head from Mister Crowley.
2Lincoln’s Repeater
For Those With A Steady Hand
A unique variant of the lever action rifle, this weapon is an incredibly accurate rifle that deals very high damage. The crit chance of x2 is useful and the crit damage of 50 is very good. These stats make the weapon perfect for medium ranges and can deal massive damage over its large magazine capacity. This is despite the poor rate of fire.
This weapon islocated inside the Museum of History located onThe Mall. Enter the museum’s offices and keep going until a prison door is located. Beyond this door, go up the staircase and through a hole in the wall. The weapon will be on display.
1Xuanlong Assault Rifle
Stability Of An Assault Rifle With The Fire Power Of An SMG
This rifle is the best in class due to its very high damage output and the ease at which the player can deal it. With a very low spread and a good critical hit damage of 12, all shots being hit can lead to around 140 damage per second. The high capacity and low reload time (2.2 seconds) enable the player to deal this damage over longer periods of time.
Considering its appeal, the weapon is difficult to get. Players first need to complete the questJiggs’ Lootwhich can be started by entering theMuseum of Technologyandinvolves solving puzzles. Once this is done, players will find the weapon on the body ofPrimein theJury Street Metro.
