What compliments a melee build?

[RubrumCustode]

I've started a fresh character that has a background as a Fireman, so one of his core weapons used is going to be either the Fire Axe or Sledge Hammer, but I'm struggling to find another category of weapons that would compliment a two-hand melee build in order to add some variety.

My character is a Fireman that has over-relied on Chems while on duty and has built a tolerance for them. After leaving the Vault, he encounters the remnants of the Responders, eventually becoming a Fire Breather.

But Fire Breathers use a variety of weapons. I was thinking of the Railway Rifle as a ranged option that has simple ammunition AND has good enough alpha damage to cripple limbs. On the other hand, there's the Bow Category, which can do the same at cheaper ammunition, but lacks the punchiness.

I'm aware that people might point out the Flamer, which is another option, but the Strength allocation for both heavy weapons and slugger and the other buffs would be astronomical.

[lordoftheapes79]

You'll get over the axe pretty quickly, they're pretty awful. The one drawback to the perk system, is that to maximize a weapon, you have to go all in with that weapon. Grenades synergize well with any build if you're using explosive legendary effects and legendary perks.

[Chris Hansen with Dateline NBC]

I know its Auto-Melee, but the Auto-Axe looks like it could fit a fireman theme.

Also the Bow punches pretty hard if its a good roll and a bow build. You will get a crit every other shot and it can take down a Super Mutant with one headshot.

[fredingue]

If you just to RP at some moments, be audacious and favor a combo of look and efficiency !

Auto-Axe (i must admit i never tryed it)
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3240555439
Good o' Chainsaw
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3240555055
Cremator
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3240554919
Cryolator
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3240554697

Best is to roll vampiric for the melee weapons. I appreciate weight reduction or decay reduction for the ranged, but...

Hand weapons clothes set is Fireman chief, ranged is Fireproof something...
If you missed them in the Shop, they will probably be back, or you can ask the support to get them.

EDIT : a suggestion from my alt :
Sledgehammer + flames, this one is a good roll. I use it mostly for dailies/weeklies with crippling or use of blunt weapons to kill this or that.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3240569376
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3240569472

Sorry for french, i logged to Public test server i run in english...but the weapon was not in my stash there, no idea why. it's vampiric + 90% weight reduction + crippling + damage to members, so, it's a cool one good looking too.

[Niche Defoe]

There are ways to do it.

You could say he served in military as an engineer, so he can use some explosives like mines. Or he was a crew member of some support vehicle so he carries a compact weapon - 10mm smg, or shorr barrel no stock rifle like Handmade Rifle. Soviets gave short AK's to tank crew.

You can use repurposed tools stated by by gentelmen above. Plasma Caster is actually an industrial tool. Th only problem is that it's locked behind a lengthy main quest

Pipe weapons, also revolvers and 10mm pistol are fine too. You pick up it, you use it. Semiauto rifles like lever action are fine too, considering most of Americans shot one once. But auto rifles require training to use properly

[Traveler]

Originally posted by Chris Hansen with Dateline NBC:

I know its Auto-Melee, but the Auto-Axe looks like it could fit a fireman theme.

Also the Bow punches pretty hard if its a good roll and a bow build. You will get a crit every other shot and it can take down a Super Mutant with one headshot.

Yeah, the auto-axe looks way more like a real rescue tool than anything found in a steelmill. The electro version is a total beast but it takes so many stamps.......

[NIkto Barada]

perception and agility are left.
you can invest in PER and get most auto/rifles.
carrying capacity might be a problem.
use something longrange like a bow to start the fight and have something for medium on the wheel.
switch to melee.
action boys a must.
vats on melee i dont see as necessary, but it depends for you.
what mutations?

[RMPyro]

Some mods on armor increase melee dmg, for hitting melee weapons try get swing speed legendary, and for saws get attack power. There are some muitations that increase the dmg on melee but lower the dmg on range. Unyielding +1str on armor might be best for the extra strength.

[RubrumCustode]

Originally posted by NIkto Barada:

perception and agility are left.
you can invest in PER and get most auto/rifles.
carrying capacity might be a problem.
use something longrange like a bow to start the fight and have something for medium on the wheel.
switch to melee.
action boys a must.
vats on melee i dont see as necessary, but it depends for you.
what mutations?

No mutations, full health build. As an EMS Firefighter, he would be averse to intentional sicknesses of any kind, even Chem Addictions.

I was thinking of using Power Armor and becoming a tank-esque character, as T-45 could've probably been repurposed as a First Responder equipment. It also kind of relieves carry capacity issues.

The intent for the ranged weapon is mainly crippling limbs, which the Railway Rifle does pretty well with the right perks and legendary effects.

There is a way of working in a Flamer into the build, however, it's going to require some sacrifices to damage and a heavier reliance of armor pen/weapon mods.

[Spartykins]

stack strength for extra damage basically

[Grendalcat]

Are you the kind of Fireman who puts out fires? Axe, Auto Axe, Chainsaw

Or the kind who starts fires? Holy Fire, Cremator, Molotov Cocktails