Plasma rifle (Fallout 3)
 | For an overview of plasma rifle models, see plasma rifle. |
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The urban plasma rifle is an energy weapon found in Fallout 3.
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[edit] Background
Plasma rifles or plasma casters are high tech weapons firing superheated bolts of plasma, powered by either microfusion cells or heavy energy cells, which find numerous applications in military and industrial fields. The bolts form into toroids in the plasma chamber, which is then sent down a superconducting barrel,[1][2] propelled by, and in some models stabilized by electromagnetic claws upon exiting it.[3]
Initially, the weapon was a bulky, industrial plasma caster, manufactured by Winchester Arms; while it performed admirably, it was expensive and required specialized training to use. However, later developments for the US Army would lead to a more compact design that was cheaper to produce and easier to train for, perfectly suited for urban warfare.[4]
Regardless, all types of plasma weapons have a common feature - when a critical hit is delivered, they can literally melt down enemies. While most industrial casters aren't powerful enough to dissolve bones, subsequent models have no problem converting the entire target into a puddle of goo.
This plasma rifle is a lightweight urban warfare weapon[4] created by REPCONN Aerospace for the US Army based on engine parts from the failed Z43-521P - "Green Bean" plasma-powered rocket. Like the AER9 laser rifle, it uses a micro fusion cell as its power supply. It taps into the cell, essentially a small fusion reactor, to produce a toroid of plasma that is ejected down a superconductor barrel.[2] In contrast to the Winchester P94, it does not have the electromagnetic claws.
As of 2277, these plasma rifles can usually be found in use by Enclave soldiers on the East Coast. By 2281, they can be found less commonly throughout the Mojave Wasteland.
[edit] Characteristics
The plasma rifle uses microfusion cells, the same type of ammunition used by the laser rifle and commonly found throughout the Capital Wasteland, and can discharge up to twelve green, self-illuminated plasma bolts before requiring a reload.
The plasma rifle fires projectiles that inflict potentially heavy damage at a fairly quick semi-automatic rate of fire. The plasma bolt moves at sub-sonic speeds, giving enemies the chance to dodge the plasma bolts. Because of this, the plasma rifle is most effective in close to medium range combat, as opposed to the laser rifle which is better suited to long range. Due to its fast semi-automatic rate of fire, it empties its 12-shot magazine rather quickly, and its reload time is somewhat longer than most other small guns/energy weapons. Maintenance is a combination of perks and drawbacks; like other energy weapons, it has a high maximum condition compared to small guns, but is expensive and/or difficult to repair. A plasma rifle in poor condition (under 10%) can cost over 1000 bottle caps to repair. The plasma rifle has twice the chance of inflicting a critical hit than most other weapons, and can turn enemies into piles of green goo if the killing blow is a critical hit. Like all energy weapons, the plasma rifle's plasma bolt can ignite gas leaks.
A fully-repaired plasma rifle can fire 666 bolts, or 55 and a half full cells, before breaking.
[edit] Variants
- A3-21's plasma rifle, a unique variant and one of the most powerful energy weapons, rivaling Lincoln's repeater in damage per shot.
[edit] Comparison
| Name | Type | Dmg/shot | DPS | Att/sec | Crit mult | Crit dmg | Spread | AP cost | Ammo | Ammo cap | Weight | Item HP | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma rifle | Energy rifle | 45 | 90 | 2 | x2.0 | 44 | 0.2 | 25 | Microfusion cell | 12 | 8 | 900 | 1799 |
| A3-21's plasma rifle | Energy rifle | 50 | 100 | 2 | x2.5 | 44 | 0.2 | 25 | Microfusion cell | 12 | 8 | 1200 | 2200 |
[edit] Locations
- Fort Independence, inside a weapons armory (the key to the armory door is inside one of the footlockers in the quarters).
- The Citadel Laboratory, on the table (note there a possible chance that power armor can be there instead of plasma rifle)
- Issued to many Enclave soldiers wearing Tesla or Enclave Hellfire armor. Some wearing hellfire power armor will have heavy incinerators instead of plasma rifles; these will be noted by the name Enclave Hellfire trooper rather than Enclave soldier.
- In Broken Steel, Brotherhood soldiers may frequently be armed with plasma rifles, presumably captured by the Brotherhood and re-issued amongst the ranks. Officer Lepelletier is also armed with one. It is possible to obtain it passing a speech check.
- In Mothership Zeta, at least two plasma rifles can be found; one in the weapons lab and the cargo hold.
[edit] Gallery
Fallout 3 plasma rifle concept art.
A plasma rifle critical hit on a raider.
Concept art by Adam Adamowicz
[edit] Sounds
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[edit] References
- ↑ In-game description for the plasma rifle in Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics. [1][2][3]
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Research Note - Plasma rifle, Fort Independence terminal entries. [1]
- ↑ Chris Taylor interview for Vault13.net. [1]
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Cover of Future Weapons Today. [1]
