Top Melee? Minigun Shredder, Chainsaw, auto-axe?

[Accel Lex]

I hear other answers like the plasma cutter, or hammers, but these three are the most consistent answers.
I'm a heavy weapon Power Armor build. Usually Bloodied build. The Anti-Armor Minigun (no ammo) Shredder does minimal damage compared to any of my guns, but I'm not specced for melee, so I don't know if that makes a difference.
I hear auto-axe does more damage than Chainsaw, but is bulkier in first person, so people like Chainsaw better.
Some posts say Minigun Shredder is "better" because it doesn't lose durability for that purpose, while the others do. Shredder also doesn't count for melee when I fought that giant Titan Mole that needed Melee to strike the crystals, but bashing did.

I'm considering trying the Chainsaw or Auto-Axe since I hear they're good, and I like the idea of auto-attacks being more convenient.
But if there's another heavy hitter, I'd like to know.

I don't have melee cards equipped, only 3 heavy weapon ones, but I don't think that applies to Shredder.
If I'm impressed with a weapon, I may consider speccing more cards for it.
I'd also like to know what are the best rolls for the legendaries. I hear it's Anti-Armor, Bloodied, Vampire, Junkie for some builds. Also Strong attack damage, or attack speed.

[Razer]

I believe auto Axe has highest dps. Not sure. But chainsaw is much easier to get and max. In the end they do so much damage it doesn't really matter so use what you like best.

For chainsaw I prefer the legendary perk that gives health on hit.

[teksuo]

can the ripper get any good? that thing looks nifty

[3rd Charger]

I use Vampire chainsaws with +40% power attack damage. Moving in a circle around the target (circle strafe) will give the increased damage. Durability (+50%) is the best third star since they break quickly- carry repair kits or extra chainsaws. Use it in PA (any type) and you will be immortal. PA needs optimized bracers and try to use Incisor with lots of AP buffs.

Avoid Dodgy or you might find yourself standing in front of a Firestarter SM with a dead chainsaw. Been there, done that.

[Wade]

Auto Axe is the beast, especially with Electricified mod and Science perks. Quite OP in my opinion, even with full health build. Totally insane.

[NIkto Barada]

Originally posted by teksuo:

can the ripper get any good? that thing looks nifty

no good mods afaik, ive had one.

[Grendalcat]

Vampire's Dual Bar Flame Mod Chainsaw ftw!

[fredingue]

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3173962052

Vampire, of course + Mods as Grendalcat pointed.
It makes a considerable difference if i compare to my other char with a non-vampiric one.
With Perks and gear that lowers weight and increase durability, it can last for quite a long tiime when it has been repaired to 2x.
So says the guy who saw his chainsaw explose when he was cutting down an Ogua at Beasts of Burden some hours ago...but i just jumped there after some series of fights :p

I did not test the autoaxe as i can craft it but found no Mods yet for it ( and i'm not in the mood to craft/script hundreds)

[Mari]

My best melee weapons so far was the vampire chainsaw, reading these comments makes me want to pick up this gun again

[Simple]

Vampire/40% Power Attack Damage/+1 Strength Auto axe with Electrified mod

[virpyre]

For the Minigun Shredder to work you must have 2 things - 1) Bash Damage perk cards. 2) Bash Damage Legendary affix otherwise it's a waste to use the Shredder.

[Dirk Mcstride]

The plasma cutter is quite good, maybe not best.

The best before iwas the bloodied deathclaw gauntlet with extra claw mod with pure melee build, mutation and everything. Unyielding gear with +1 str on all items. And brawling mod on all gear. Not sure how good its now after the nerf. Don't see anyone using it anymore.

[Aesthier]

My personal experience is that autoaxe is capable of more DPS however the way I am built it eats through my AP like a rocket I will on the rare occasion break it out when I go see Earl. I am lazy like that, less running like a headless chicken when it cuts through him faster.

Vamp chainsaw is my mainstay on everything else. It keeps my health topped off with my build so well that I no longer use food, drink, buffs, or or even rest unless a daily tells me to.

I just hop in my PA and go straight to cutting.

Pure laziness :)

[Spartykins]

if you're using any of the automatic melee weapons (autoaxe, chainsaw, ect) you should really consider getting mods for the arms of your chosen armor that reduces power attack AP

I honestly don't know why I wasn't doing that lol

[Vic Evicerator]

Originally posted by fredingue:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3173962052

I did not test the autoaxe as i can craft it but found no Mods yet for it ( and i'm not in the mood to craft/script hundreds)

You have to buy the mods from Giuseppe (?), the stamp vendor in the Whitespring Refuge. You can get fire, electric, poison, or turbo-speed. I personally like fire because it syncs with the Friendly Fire perk, but I've heard different others say both the electric and the poison mods absolutely shred mobs.

[Fartikus]

Does anyone use the "All Rise" sledgehammer much?