Viable to do an all VATS build?

[SlashPatriarchy]

So I was never a fan of the fps Fallout games because they didn't feel enough like rpgs and as shooters the gunplay just felt kind of boring to me. As a result, I hated New Vegas and only made it about 3 hours in to this game before I got bored. But I thought maybe if a did a character that used the VATS system and only the VATS system for all combat, it might make the game feel a bit more like the old turn based Fallout games that I loved so much. But my question is, is that a viable option? Even if I max out my agility, is it realistic to expect to be able to use VATS all the time?

[EnStorEn]

Yes. VATS is incredibly over powered in F3, since Bethesda clearly was aware that their gunplay was complete ♥♥♥♥. Game is hilariously easy if you build a VATS focused character.

[Wasted_46]

VATS is super easy for mid and short range fights
you wont be able to snipe super-long range though, as the VATS percentages you get will be terrible, while if you aim manually with a good sniper rifle and good small guns, you can snipe super far

[SlashPatriarchy]

So if I'd be using rifles and hand guns (in the old Fallout games switching to energy or big weapons by the latter half of the game was necessary for survival, but I never noticed them being particularly strong in New Vegas, so I'd probably just ignore them), how many points in agility would I want in order to be using VATS all the time?

[Wasted_46]

Originally posted by SlashPatriarchy:

So if I'd be using rifles and hand guns (in the old Fallout games switching to energy or big weapons by the latter half of the game was necessary for survival, but I never noticed them being particularly strong in New Vegas, so I'd probably just ignore them), how many points in agility would I want in order to be using VATS all the time?

I kinda remember that it was only necessary to switch to energy wpns in FO1, bc the gauss gun was considered a small gun in both FO2 and FO:T.
In the 2 newer games (FO3 and FONV) both small guns and energy weapons are viable thru all the game. (bigguns as well, if you can supply them with ammo). But small guns remain the most versatile and easy to supply with ammo. The damage is on par across all 3 classes.

If you wanna do a small guns agi build I'd recommend getting agility really high. Depending on how much content you have for the game (DLC-wise) and how much of a perfectionist/min-maxer you are, you should start with 8 agi (if you are willing to turn over every stone in the game, or min-max your character) and then get it up to 10 later, or start right out with 9-10 agi (if you just wanna go through the game).

One note though, the AP bonus you get per AGI point is not too significant. So you will want high agi for other reasons, like a bonus on small guns and on sneak.

On another note, most likely you wont be able to VATS 100% of the time, at least not until lvl 20. The amount of enemies rushing you vs. the amount of APs is just too high.

[SlashPatriarchy]

Originally posted by Wasted_46:

If you wanna do a small guns agi build I'd recommend getting agility really high. Depending on how much content you have for the game (DLC-wise) and how much of a perfectionist/min-maxer you are, you should start with 8 agi (if you are willing to turn over every stone in the game, or min-max your character) and then get it up to 10 later, or start right out with 9-10 agi (if you just wanna go through the game).

One note though, the AP bonus you get per AGI point is not too significant. So you will want high agi for other reasons, like a bonus on small guns and on sneak.

On another note, most likely you wont be able to VATS 100% of the time, at least not until lvl 20. The amount of enemies rushing you vs. the amount of APs is just too high.

So if Agility doesn't give you much bonus to action points, what does? Or is AP more just something you build more of with each level and agility just gives you a small bonus?

Also, if I did start out with 10 agility, would that leave me a little crippled, especially before level 20, when I wouldn't be able to use VATS all the time? If I spend that many points on agility during character creation, I wouldn't have many points left for other attributes. Strength wouldn't be a big deal, since I wouldn't be using heavy weapons, but I assume intelligence is pretty important

[Wasted_46]

I think you start with 75 AP on average AGI and with maxed out AGI you get like 85. So thats like a 13% increase with 5 SPECIAL points invested. Not much. Even with 1 AGI you have like 70? AP so thats a whoopping 30% increase over 9 AGI points difference.

Later on you'll get a perk that adds +25 AP thats like 17 AGI points.

I usually dont do a 10 AGI sniper build, the last sniper I played was like

5 str
6 per (not rly important tho, only increased to 6 bc it feels weird to play a "sniper" who is essentially blind),
5 end (you need 5 end for a great perk)
2 Chr (not rly important for a sniper build),
9 Int (easily the best SPECIAL)
7 AGI (more than enough to pick any good perk up),
9 LK (the second best SPECIAL)

or somehting like that. Essentially, you need 5 str 5 end for a great perk, you need high int for skillpoints, you need at least 6 agi for as couple of sniping and VATS -related perks and the rest dump on LK for those crits.

Note that you get a perk EVERY level in FO3.

[EolSunder]

ranger combat armor (+5 ap), L's hockey mask (25 aps i think), grim reaper spirit (replenishes aps ), nerves of steel (aps regen faster), in really tough fights can use jet or ultrajet for extra APs, mmm higher agility..