Interested to see what your fave Assault Rifle is.

[Leigh]

Yes, there are weapons guides. Yes, there are recommended builds and playstyles, but its my first playthrough, I'm making mistakes, I'm learning, I'm having fun. I am playing on normal and not rushing the main quest. Wandering the wastes killing bandits for loot and exp and (mostly) doing good deeds is my thing right now.

I think I am level 11, but because of some savvy gear hoarding (and a little extortion) I'm pretty well geared from all the rubles I'm earning.

I have had a HK33 for a little while which I enjoy, and have found a AKMS, which I have yet to try. I'm mostly a single round person with ARs, shooting at range. So the potentially higher damage from the AKMS could work well. For close bursts, I either use the AR or my sub machine gun, pending on how I feel.

As stated, I've read a reasonable amount into this, best weapon for companions, MC can do better etc, but some of this info is outdated so I'm asking now; What is your fave Assault Rifle for your main character? And are you ever tempted by LMGs?

[flushfire]

AKS74U early on (I started this game with 6 dex) to HK33
I keep an AK47 with just 1 mag of AP ammo for when I need to kill something quick

Vintorez/VSSM are obtainable quite early, but the ammo is problematic
AKMS does good damage, but the AP costs are awkward and burst is lower than regular AK

That's pretty much it for me until the PKM

[Dorok]

It depends of many factors:
- Number of AP, even 9AP and 10AP is quite different. For example with 10AP the RPK74 is rather special.
- Decide use shield+Pistol or equip 2 Automatic. Pistols could play the role for single shot and aimed shot, or it's an Automatic. Then if you equip 2 Automatic the second slot is typically for LMG. With Pistol and Automatic it will depends.
- When in a play. Too soon in game ammo management can be a problem, when later you can use rest at KRZ to refill weapon shop.
- Party ammo usage. For example with MC/Fidel/Hexogen using automatic, use Vintorez or AC Val isn't worse than have two using RPK74.

I'd say that to temper ammo management I use two Automatic even with a Pistol. I travel with the most powerful Automatic equipped but at start of combat I could switch the whole party weapons.

With 10AP for me the RPK74 allowing two burst of 6 bullets with low spreading is the goal. Eventually not used for weaker combats or use Pistol mainly. Before that, AKS74U or HK33, and later game eventually Vintorez or AC Val until using RPK74 or to spread ammo types used. AK47 is a good choice for a second weapon with burst until there's LMG.

With 9AP, RPK74 during a long time, later game eventually Vintorez or AC Val, and eventually for some combats RPD or RPK. AK47 as second weapon until LMG is a good option too.

The problem of FN Minimi and PKM is I tend finish the game before.

Myself I don't see the point of AKMS/M16. If I use them sometimes with MC or companions it's only because I haven't AK47 or HK33 already.

[Leigh]

Thanks for your comments, both.

[flushfire]

The way automatic guns are right now, they feel too similar esp the ARs. Even going from AKS to HK33, you hardly feel the damage difference. AK would've been the best overall if it didn't have 6AP aimed shots, and AKMS if the burst wasnt limited. Even the VSSM is kind of meh because the damage isn't anything special. Kind of makes for a really boring midgame onwards. If only the PKM didn't appear so late.

Rifles have a much clearer upgrade path in comparison, anything>scoped SKS>SVD>PTRD/VER every upgrade actually feels like an upgrade.

[Dorok]

I don't see how an upgrade path with 3 weapons is better, no choice is tedious for me.

[Dorok]

About Vintorez I quoted its ammo isn't that rare, and it ammo has 30% better ArmP than 5.45mm (AKS74U, HK33, RPK-74, FN Minimi). It's exceptional low ActP cost for aimed shot and burst gives it a lot of flexibility. The high spread is a negative but it allows some extra mobility that can hep manage it. Moreover it seems better for "long" range aimed shot than other Automatic allowing it. It can't compare the firepower of the RPK-74 with its low spread, but it is a lot more flexible and it is a great alternative to lower ammo usage for 5.45mm.

The problem is it is spawned certainly too late, I had one sooner only because of an infamous NPC murdering. Also you can't use it too soon because its ammo won't be spawned much at lower levels.

I need use more the AS "Val", its less good ActP cost is compensated by a "real" burst, except that with high spread, I don't think it worth it expect with top skill and very high ATT.

[flushfire]

You can steal a VSSM from the KRZ weapon store with 67 stealth, 80 lockpick and a bit of patience.

[Dorok]

Ha ha ok, but the lockpick is a problem, I wonder with a companion.