Is the Gatling Laser Good? Let’s Dissect This Beam of Destruction.
So, you’re asking: “Is the Gatling Laser good?” Grab a Nuka-Cola and let’s explore this iconic weapon.
Gatling Laser Versus the Arsenal: Heavy Weapon Showdown
With heavy weapons, you need performance. Let’s see how the Gatling Laser compares to other strong options.
Gatling Laser vs. Minigun: Accuracy and Ammo Economics
First, we have the Minigun. It’s loud and scattershot. The Gatling Laser, in contrast, has focus.
Damage and accuracy are key strengths of the Gatling Laser. One traveller said, “The Gatling Laser has more damage and accuracy than a tri-barrel minigun.” If you want to hit targets effectively while delivering pain, the Gatling Laser excels.
Next, let’s discuss caps. Ammo is costly in the wasteland. The Gatling Laser is more economical. “500 rounds for the Gatling Laser is 280+ caps, while the minigun costs 500 caps.” That’s a significant difference! In New Vegas, every cap counts.
In summary, the Gatling Laser wins: “The Gatling Laser has higher damage and accuracy. At higher levels, it is the better choice.” The Minigun? Not so great for your wallet.
Ultracite Gatling Laser: Dialing Up the Damage
If the regular Gatling Laser seems plain, check out the Ultracite version. It amplifies the original’s strengths.
Main difference? Damage per shot. “The Ultracite Gatling Laser has higher damage per shot.” It’s powerful for tougher enemies, like an angrier sibling.
Gatling Plasma: The King of Heavy Guns?
The Gatling Plasma is hailed as a top-tier heavy weapon in certain circles, especially in Fallout 76.
Why so praised? It offers massive Damage Per Second (DPS). It’s also ammo-efficient, with accessible crafting plans. “In Fallout 76, the Gatling Plasma is seen as the best due to high damage output, efficient ammo usage, and easy crafting.” If you’re optimizing your build, the Gatling Plasma could be your key weapon.
.50 Cal, Gauss Minigun, and the Heavy Weapon Hierarchy
Many heavy weapons exist. The .50 Cal Machine Gun is a classic. The Gauss Minigun adds tech finesse. Still, the Gatling Plasma usually shines brighter.
“Other weapons like the .50 Cal and Gauss Minigun are strong too, but the Gatling Plasma excels with high damage and easy access.” It’s the versatile choice – powerful yet manageable.
Sprtel Wood 9700: The Stylish Cousin with Green Lasers
Want style in your laser mayhem? Meet the Sprtel Wood 9700. This version focuses on visual appeal with modifications.
The main change? The laser color. “The Sprtel-Wood 9700 shoots green lasers instead of red.” Everyone loves green lasers! It’s like upgrading to a smartphone from a flip phone.
However, it’s also about performance. The Sprtel Wood has “an ammunition capacity of 90 electron charge packs” but suffers from “a slightly below-average critical hit chance.” It’s vibrant but lacks top-tier crit power.
Smitty Special: Is Unique Always Better?
Unique weapons can sound exciting. But often, “unique” is just “different.” The Smitty Special Gatling Laser exemplifies this idea.
Its rate of fire is high at first. “The Smitty Special has a higher rate of fire than an un-modded plasma caster,” but modifications alter that. “With the HS electrode mod, they have similar DPS, making this a questionable upgrade.” Ouch. “Dubious” isn’t what you want for a unique weapon.
Regarding critical hits, it struggles too. It shows “significantly lower critical rate and damage.” Sometimes, sticking to standard is wiser.
Laser Musket: Sniping with Lasers?
A sniper laser? Unusual, but the Laser Musket handles it well—especially with upgrades.
“When fully upgraded, the laser musket becomes a top sniper weapon, taking out Legendary enemies with one headshot.” This clunky musket turns into a silent, lethal laser rifle.
Gatling Laser: Stats, Strengths, and (Yes) Weaknesses
Now let’s dive into essential details about the Gatling Laser. What makes it special? Is it genuinely good?
Is it Worthy? Spoiler: Yes, with a Catch
So, is the Gatling Laser *good*? The answer: Yes. *If* you know how to use it.
“With enough damage perks, the Gatling Laser can shred heavily armored targets quickly.” Perks are essential. You can’t just wield it without skills to realize its potential.
Durability: Laser Longevity
Weapons can break. In the apocalypse, it’s vital to know durability. How long can the Gatling Laser endure before breaking down?
Surprisingly, it lasts a long time. “The Gatling Laser fires around 7,495 times using standard packs, equivalent to 32 reloads.” That’s many shots! More resilient than most wasteland relationships.
Ammo: Fusion Core Feast or Famine?
Ammo fuels weapons. The Gatling Laser consumes Fusion Cores. Are they common? And how much use do you get from each core?
“The Gatling Laser is a rapid-fire heavy weapon that uses fusion cores,” with “each core providing 500 shots.” This is decent for its ammo consumption rate. Fusion Cores aren’t rare, but monitor your supply.
The Aeternus Gatling Laser offers an ammo hack: “It has true unlimited ammo.” It uses a fusion core at first but doesn’t deplete charge while firing. Infinite laser beams? Yes! Finding one is like winning a lottery.
Charging Barrels: Accuracy vs. All-Out Mayhem
Mods impact weapon performance. Charging Barrels are popular for the Gatling Laser. But are they truly worth it?
It’s a choice to make. “A non-Legendary gatling laser does better DPS with standard barrels but has improved accuracy with charging barrels.” Standard barrels focus on raw DPS, while charging barrels offer range and precision.
However, if you’re using a
*Legendary* Gatling Laser is like Final Judgement. Using charging barrels is obvious. “With Final Judgement, charging barrels are indispensable due to the legendary effect.” Legendary effects often pair well with mods, boosting a weapon from decent to exceptional.
If you favor V.A.T.S., charging barrels still deliver “10 shots, making them very potent.” Whether you charge in or use V.A.T.S. strategically, charging barrels are a good option.
Damage: Does It Pack a Punch?
The Gatling Laser *can* deal hefty damage. “With sufficient damage perks, the Gatling Laser can tear through heavily armored foes within seconds.” Perks matter. With the correct build, you will melt enemies like butter.
Weaknesses: Every Weapon Has a Kryptonite
No weapon is flawless. The powerful Gatling Laser has weaknesses. Fast enemies and crowd control are its downfall.
“The Gatling Gun struggles against crowds.” When swarmed by ghouls and rats, its slow spin-up can become a liability. It isn’t meant for taking down hordes.
“The Gatling Gun struggles against fast foes like Raptors.” It can’t power up quick enough to hit a Raptor. Anything agile can avoid your beams while you’re still winding up. You’ll need a more agile weapon against speedy foes.
Perks and Mods: Powering Up Your Pew-Pew
Want to elevate your Gatling Laser from “good” to “unstoppable”? Perks and mods are essential. Let’s examine the key ones.
Nuclear Physicist: Fusion Core Fanatic
When using a Gatling Laser, Fusion Cores are necessary. Consequently, get the Nuclear Physicist perk.
Ranks in this perk “enhance the radiation damage from weapons and prolong the duration of fusion cores with Power armor or a Gatling laser.” More radiation damage is great. But the core duration increase is even better. Fewer scavenging trips and more vaporizing enemies.
Heavy Gun and Science Perks: Double the Boost
Lorem for perk strategists! “Gatling laser and ultracite gatling laser require both heavy gun and science perks.” That’s right. You enjoy dual damage boosts. Heavy Gun perks raise raw damage, while Science perks enhance energy weapons. It’s a win-win.
Bloody Mess, Adrenaline, Nerd Rage: The Usual Suspects
These perks excel for damage builds, and the Gatling Laser is no different. “They benefit from Bloody Mess, Adrenaline, Nerd Rage etc.” Bloody Mess brings extra damage, Adrenaline stacks combat boosts, and Nerd Rage provides damage resistance and buffs at low health. Classic perks for amazing results.
Stabilized: Power Armor Perfection
If you wear Power Armor, it helps when using the Gatling Laser. “They benefit from classic perks but Stabilized requires Power Armor.” It drastically lowers recoil and raises accuracy with heavy weapons. For the unwieldy Gatling Laser, Stabilized is invaluable. Don’t head out without it (or your Power Armor).
Commando: Nope, Not for Lasers
Commando perk fans? This one *doesn’t* work with Gatling Lasers. “The perk impacts automatic heavy weapons like the minigun and Gatling laser.” Commando applies to automatic *rifles*. Heavy weapons are different. Save your perk points.
Mods: Crafting Your Perfect Laser
Mods fine-tune the Gatling Laser. Crafting is easy. “Location Craftable at any weapons workbench.” Any weapons workbench works.
If you’re adventurous, hunt for loose mods. “Loose mods may be found in Ash Heap, Savage Divide, Toxic Valley, The Mire and Cranberry Bog.” Vendors may also sell them. Start exploring and scavenging for those perfect enhancements.
Lasers in the Real World: From Games to Battlefields (and Legality?)
We’ve nerded out about lasers in games. Yet, real-world laser weapon development is happening. There are surprising facts about laser legality.
Laser Weapon Development: Not Just Science Fiction Anymore
Lasers as weapons? Sounds like video game fun, right? Wrong. Companies like Lockheed Martin are advancing laser weapon technology. “On July 31, 2023, Lockheed Martin announced their progress on a 500 kW-class laser weapon, now the most powerful laser weapon, surpassing their 300 kW-class laser.” 500 kW! That power fascinates.
This weapon isn’t a lab creation. The US military actively develops laser defense systems like “the Valkyrie… a cutting-edge laser defense developed under indirect fire protection capability.” Lasers are moving from fiction to reality on the battlefield. Other nations are also experimenting “with deuterium as fuel” for stronger lasers. The future is bright.
Laser Legality and Safety: Pointers and Power
Ever wondered about owning a laser that pops balloons? Perhaps something stronger?
In the US, laser ownership is surprisingly relaxed. “To clarify: There’s no limit on how powerful a laser you can possess in the US.” That’s intense. But there are regulations. “Federal law allows selling any laser above 5 mW, pending compliance with FDA/CDRH requirements for labeling, safety, quality control, etc.” Ensure it’s not sold as a “laser pointer.”
Laser pointers are different. “Anything above 5 mW is a class 3B laser; it’s illegal to promote such devices as laser pointers!” If marketed as a “laser pointer” over 5mW, forget it. FDA emphasizes laser pointer safety.
With good reason. Lasers can be hazardous. “Even lasers under a watt may cause severe vision loss under certain conditions, making them potentially incapacitating.” Eye safety matters. Lasers pose risks even if not lethal. The FDA may tighten regulations on “blue lasers” due to hazards.
Laser Sights: Aiming for Accuracy (and Intimidation?)
Switching from weaponized lasers, let’s discuss laser sights. Are they effective? Are green lasers superior to red?
“In daylight, they perform like iron sights for short-range shooting.” Thus, not a big advantage at close range unless in dim conditions. “In low light, lasers outperform traditional iron sights.” In darkness, they greatly expedite aiming.
What about color? “For visibility, green lasers are favored for gun sights since they are brighter and easier to spot in diverse lighting.” Green lasers win because of visibility in various circumstances.
Beyond mere aiming, laser sights create another effect: intimidation. “Studies show that suspects confronted by lasers respond differently.”
Lasers with sights make surrender more likely, even for armed individuals. Seeing a red or green dot on their chest may change their choices. It shows a clear shot, adding intimidation. It’s like saying, “I’m serious about this.”
Green lasers work well in daylight and at night. My lasers activate when I grip my pistol. They align with the bullet’s path, hitting 1 1/2″ above the dot. Lasers on guns are legal in most areas. Many find them useful for accuracy and persuasion.
Laser Weapons: The Edge of Technology
Laser weapons are advancing quickly. What are the most impressive systems available?
Top Systems: Aegis and Others
For advanced lasers, the Aegis Combat System stands out. “The Aegis Combat System is for the U.S. Navy and six allies.” This system is sophisticated, increasingly integrating laser weapons.
Power: Watts to Petawatts
Laser power measures in watts, kilowatts, even petawatts. That’s massive power. “The Vulcan 20-20 laser generates 20 Petawatts (PW) and eight beams at 20 Kilojoules (KJ).” A petawatt equals one quadrillion watts. The Vulcan 20-20 aims to be the world’s most powerful laser at a UK facility.
Military Interest: Airborne Lasers
The military focuses on laser weapons. The “Airborne Laser program” showcases this. “The Airborne Laser is the closest hard-kill weapon for the US military.” The Air Force places it behind the F-22 fighter for equipment priorities. Lasers play a key role in future military strategy.
Weapon Restrictions: No Blindness Allowed
Some ethical matters exist with lasers. International law prohibits “weapons designed to blind.” Blinding lasers are forbidden under humanitarian law. However, lasers that could cause blindness as a side effect remain gray areas.
Other Weapons: A Quick Look
Let’s explore some other powerful and odd weapons, both real and fictional.
Powerful Laser: Vulcan 20-20
We already covered it, but it’s noteworthy: “Vulcan 20-20 laser generates 20 Petawatts (PW) and eight beams at 20 Kilojoules (KJ).” Twenty petawatts is immense.
Metal Storm Gun: Insane Rate of Fire
Talk about rate of fire! The Metal Storm gun is something else. “METAL STORM fires a million rounds per minute, destroying anything.” That’s not a mistake. It’s weaponized dakka.
M134 Minigun: The Classic
The M134 Minigun is known for its rate of fire, but it looks slow next to Metal Storm. “A Metal Storm fires in one second what an M134 Minigun does in two and a half minutes.” The Minigun seems quaint now.
The infamous quote says, “It costs four hundred thousand dollars to fire this weapon for twelve seconds.” This comes from Team Fortress 2, not real-world costs, though firing one likely costs a lot.
Anti-Tank Guns: Piercing Armor
For armored targets, you need anti-tank guns. “Anti-tank guns destroy vehicles from defensive positions.” These guns are designed to penetrate tank armor easily. Not subtle but very effective!
B83 Gravity Bomb: Nuclear Power
For massive destruction, we use nuclear weapons. “The B83 gravity bomb yields 1.2 megatons, 80 times stronger than Hiroshima.” This bomb illustrates modern weaponry’s incredible potential. We hope to never see it in games or real life.
The Dragon: Fallout 76’s Weapon
Back to gaming, “Enter The Dragon: a powerful Black Powder Rifle in Fallout 76.” The Dragon delivers high damage, making it top-tier. Old-school tech can be very effective when combined with some extra power.
Is the Gatling Laser good? Yes, it’s accurate, powerful, ammo-efficient for a heavy gun, and can be a wasteland-shredding machine with the right perks. Just beware of Raptors and Wheelbarrows.
