In Fallout 76, two powerful energy weapons stand out among the rest: the Gatling Laser and its upgraded variant, the Ultracite Gatling Laser. Both are formidable choices for players seeking high damage output, but they differ in several key aspects. This article will delve into the differences between these two weapons, helping you decide which one suits your playstyle better.
Acquisition
Gatling Laser: This weapon can be obtained through various means, including purchasing from the Modus terminal vendor in the White Spring bunker after joining the Enclave, finding it in government supply crates, or as rewards from events. The plan for crafting it is relatively accessible compared to its Ultracite counterpart.
Ultracite Gatling Laser: Acquiring the Ultracite version is more challenging. Players must first obtain the crafting plan, which can be found through events in the Cranberry Bog or occasionally by completing specific daily quests. Crafting it requires scrapping multiple Gatling Lasers to obtain necessary mods, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Performance
Damage Output: The Ultracite Gatling Laser generally deals more damage than the regular Gatling Laser. At level 45, the Ultracite version does 60 damage, while the regular Gatling Laser does 53 damage. This increased damage output makes the Ultracite variant more effective against tough enemies.
Fire Rate and Efficiency: Both weapons have a high damage potential, but the Ultracite Gatling Laser tends to have a slightly faster fire rate or more efficient damage output in practice. However, the actual difference may depend on the specific legendary effects and mods applied.
Ammo Efficiency: Both weapons use fusion cores, but the Ultracite version can benefit from crafting Ultracite fusion cores, which offer better efficiency with the right perks and legendary effects. The Power User perk is particularly useful for doubling the ammo capacity, making it more practical for extended combat sessions.
When choosing between the Gatling Laser and the Ultracite Gatling Laser in Fallout 76, players must also consider the economic aspect of acquiring and using these weapons. The Ultracite Gatling Laser, with its enhanced damage and efficiency, often requires more Fallout 76 Caps to craft, especially when obtaining the necessary blueprints and components. Furthermore, continually using these powerful weapons can consume significant resources, including Fallout 76 Caps, for repairs and ammunition, making long-term usage a considerable investment. Thus, the choice between these weapons not only depends on combat effectiveness but also on the player's financial situation within the game's economy.
Modifications and Legendary Effects
Prime Receiver: For both versions, the Prime Receiver is highly recommended as it significantly increases damage output. However, it is dropped by Scorchbeasts and can be challenging to obtain.
Legendary Effects: The choice of legendary effects can greatly enhance the performance of either weapon. Effects like Anti-Armor or Faster Fire Rate can make a significant difference in combat effectiveness.
The Ultracite Gatling Laser offers superior damage output and potentially faster or more efficient combat performance compared to the regular Gatling Laser. However, its acquisition is more difficult, requiring a rare crafting plan and significant resources. For players willing to invest the time and resources, the Ultracite version is generally the better choice. On the other hand, the regular Gatling Laser is more accessible and still a formidable weapon, especially with the right mods and legendary effects.
Ultimately, the decision between these two weapons depends on your playstyle and the resources available to you. If you prioritize raw damage and are willing to put in the effort to obtain it, the Ultracite Gatling Laser is the superior choice. Otherwise, the regular Gatling Laser remains a powerful and reliable option.