How to perform executions?

[EldritchAbomination]

Well, since I started playing, I saw some executions with melee weapons, and some were very cool, actually. But, how do I trigger them? Sometimes they occured when I performed an heavy attack on a dying enemy, some other times on VATS.
But I can't understand how to trigger them. Are they triggered randomly, like Skryim? Do you need some requirements? (ex. a certain % of AP)
Tell me, please :D

[Xyzzy]

Grand Slam their heads clean off? It's a Perk, Big Leagues-5. [random ocuurerence]

[Novoke]

Use a Critical while in VATS, although I think you can execute them normally by using a heavy attack like you said

[Hobo Misanthropus]

Executions can only be performed otuside of VATS by using the Power-Attack. This was a smart call as it lets you control when they happen as opposed to Skyrim, which might lock you into an animation only to be killed as soon as you come out of it.

[EldritchAbomination]

Nice, thanks

[Tesityr]

Originally posted by Hobo Misanthropus:

Executions can only be performed otuside of VATS by using the Power-Attack. This was a smart call as it lets you control when they happen as opposed to Skyrim, which might lock you into an animation only to be killed as soon as you come out of it.

If I may pop in with a correction, the Executions do perform in V.A.T.S. (sorry, Hobo my man, but I routinely do it)...


To perform an Execution on-demand:

- Perform a Critical Hit (by pressing the Spacebar (on the PC), if one is available) and it may play an Execution Move or Combo
- Fighting with Melee, hit the Bash/Power Attack button (LeftALT on the PC) when near your opponent to see if it will perform one (some say Double-Tap the key, but I Hold it (as the pop-up tutorial stated, on PC) and it seems to work well), either in V.A.T.S. or outside of V.A.T.S.
- The chance of it occurring is even higher if it is the 'Killing Blow' to the opponent (your enemy is at the end of their Health and it is the last attack you do to them)
- The chance of it occurring is increased in Melee (as opposed to Ranged); but you will still get a nice 'final blow in slow motion' when using a Ranged Weapon (as long as it is the 'Killing Blow' in V.A.T.S., using a Gun you will still get a 'Killing-Blow-Slow-Mo')


Edit:
Yeah, I just tested it to make sure - I was in VATS and it did a Triple-Punch Combo to finish them off, heh

[EldritchAbomination]

Thanks!

[leonejoey5]

i was killed by a raider in the concord museum who domed me with a ppool cue by sticking it in my face like an axe and ripping it out, essentailly an execution