The Essential New Vegas Weapon That Must Return in Fallout 5

Highlights

Fallout 5 needs to have strong weapon variety, and bringing back iconic weapons like the Anti-Material Rifle from Fallout: New Vegas can help with that.

The lackluster range of weapons and unbalanced gameplay in Fallout 76 emphasize the importance of maintaining the strength of the Anti-Material Rifle in Fallout 5, should it make a comeback. This formidable firearm in Fallout: New Vegas proves to be effective against formidable adversaries, serving as an excellent choice for players and a valuable asset for NPC companions.

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In addition to addressing the concerns about power armor, Fallout 5 must also revamp the arsenal of weapons. Fallout 76's unpopular shift in weapon balancing calls for a return to iconic weapons from past games like Fallout: New Vegas in order to steer the franchise back on course.

Bethesda is known for incorporating eccentric weapons into the Fallout series, such as a neon billboard used as a melee weapon or a handheld naval cannon. However, they also have a collection of standard weapons that possess considerable power. The Anti-Material Rifle, although straddling the line between reality and fantasy, demonstrates that ballistic weaponry remains a dependable choice within the franchise. It rightfully deserves the spotlight in another installment of Fallout, particularly in Fallout 5. Nevertheless, other future Fallout games, even unofficial ones like Fallout Miami and Fallout London, should also explore the potential of this firearm.

Why Fallout 5 Needs the Anti-Material Rifle and Other Returning Weapons

The weapon variety in Fallout 76 falls short in comparison to its predecessors. While there are technically a wide range of weapons available, most of them prove to be ineffective choices for endgame scenarios. This issue may arise from the fact that Fallout 76 brings the franchise into the realm of online multiplayer, whereas previous games focused on single-player experiences. Consequently, the weapon balancing in Fallout 76 leaves several weapons in an unfavorable state. Specifically, shotguns and pistols fail to offer substantial competition when compared to heavier weaponry, rifles, and melee weapons. Even with significant investment in perks and Legendary weapon traits, these firearms are easily surpassed. Although the Anti-Material Rifle does not fall into the category of shotguns or pistols, it is crucial for Fallout 5 to ensure its strength and guarantee that the weapon balancing issues present in Fallout 76 are not replicated.

The Anti-Material Rifle is a formidable weapon when utilized by players implementing a gunslinger build in Fallout: New Vegas. Even without specialized attributes, this firearm remains formidable against formidable adversaries such as deathclaws, radscorpions, and cazadors. While players may choose to bypass certain optional areas in their quest to complete Fallout: New Vegas, the sheer power of the Anti-Material Rifle provides ample reason to explore even the most perilous corners of the Mojave Wasteland. In addition to its effectiveness, the weapon's appearance in the game's opening cutscene, where an NCR Ranger employs it to eliminate a Fiend, solidifies its iconic status.

Furthermore, players can also employ this weapon strategically by bestowing it, alongside appropriate ammunition, upon a compatible companion. One particularly lethal companion in Fallout: New Vegas is Craig Boone, who possesses exceptional proficiency with sniper rifles. Regarded by many players as an exceptionally powerful ally, Boone possesses the ability to completely alter the course of even the most arduous battles, rendering the Anti-Material Rifle an excessive tool in his capable hands.

Fallout 5 should build upon and enhance numerous features from its predecessors, while also ensuring it doesn't neglect some of the most powerful weapons. Fans are particularly keen on seeing the return of iconic weapons like the Junk Jet from Fallout 4, but it is essential for Fallout 5 to prioritize the inclusion and expansion of the revered Anti-Material rifle.