Throughout the series, the Fallout games have all featured varying combat systems due to the changing games.  In this post, we’re taking a look at the various games and their combat systems and then discuss what could possibly be in the Fallout 5.

Fallout and Fallout 2‘s combat system is turn-based. The game uses an action point system where in, each turn, multiple actions may be performed until all points in the pool have been expended. Different actions consume different numbers of points, and the maximum number of points that can be spent may be affected by such things as chems or perks. Combat gives them a number of action points to move, fire, check their equipment, reload and the like. When a player uses up all of their action points, they end their turn and enemies start theirs.

Combat in Fallout Tactics is more complicated than in the previous two Fallout games. Unlike those, which featured an individual turn-based system, Fallout Tactics features three modes of combat: Continuous Turn-Based (CTB), Individual Turn-Based (ITB), and Squad Turn-Based (STB). In CTB, everyone can act at the same time, and action points are regenerated at a rate based on Agility. ITB is the system used in the original games. STB is a variation of that; each turn is given to a squad. Other changes include the ability to change stance, modifiers for height, and setting sentry modes, which let characters shoot automatically in CTB upon encountering an enemy.

Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas feature the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, referred to as V.A.T.S.  a hybrid between timed turn-based and real-time combat.  Real-time combat is paused and action is played out from varying camera angles in a computer graphics version of “bullet time”.  The player can see both the damage that has been done to a target’s limbs and the percentage ratio for attempting to attack that limb.  Through the system, the player can not only switch between multiple targets (if there is more than one around at any time), but also target specific areas of them to inflict damage.

Returning to Fallout 4 gameplay feature is the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S.), which plays an important part in combat. It is by far the best combat system of all the Fallout games.  While using V.A.T.S., real-time combat is slowed down, and action is played out from varying camera angles in a computer graphics version of “bullet time”. Various actions cost action points, limiting the actions of each combatant during a period of time, and the player can target specific body parts for attacks to inflict specific injuries.  The combat is faster paced,movement is more responsive, especially the fact that it feels like the standards FPS.  Grenades, Molotovs, and other handheld explosives do not utilize V.A.T.S. and instead can be thrown at while shooting.

Fallout Shelter‘s combat differs from the other games in a few ways. There are two types of combat, Quest and Vault, though the two are similar.  In Quest combat, you have the option to assign your Dwellers to attack certain enemies. To do so, you can either tap/click on your Dweller and then on an enemy, or you can tap/click and drag your Dweller to the enemy. If you use the drag method, a targeting line will appear showing you which enemy your Dweller is targeting. In addition, combat speed is based on a Dweller’s Agility. The higher their Agility, the faster they attack.  In Vault, combat is limited to the room that the attackers are currently in.

But in the new Fallout game, there should be a combination of sorts. In the game Dragon Age: Inquisition, players are given the choice of chooses between the top-down (featured in Dragon Age: Origins) and the action oriented (featured in Dragon Age II) combat.  This concept should appeal to fans who had issues with Fallout 4‘s more fast paced combat system.

Another interesting aspect that could possibly reintroduce more tactical features to the combat while keeping it fast paced is possibly being able to assign certain targets to companions.  Or possibly have the companions target specific parts of a particularly difficult enemy.

Fallout 4‘s combat system probably wasn’t a good move in the RPG area but it definitely kept the battles intense, which I liked.  Fallout 4 had the best combat system hands down and should be implemented into the game.  However, some improvements could’ve been made to the melee combat.  Perhaps if players equip a sword or a bat, probably add shields to help with the defense.  Even with being able to dual wield weapons.

There is the issue of a cover system but this isn’t Gears of War and I’m not asking for the perfect game.  These are just some ideas for an improved combat system.

Thanks for the checking out the post and in the comment section below let us know what your thoughts are on the combat system for the Fallout 5.