In the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout 4, survival hinges not only on scavenging for resources but also on mastering the art of combat. Amidst the arsenal of weaponry at your disposal, grenades stand out as powerful explosives capable of decimating foes in a single blast. However, throwing grenades effectively requires more than just a flick of the wrist. Here’s a comprehensive guide to unleashing the full potential of grenades in Fallout 4, ensuring you overcome every encounter with explosive precision.
Before venturing into the heat of battle, it’s crucial to understand the mechanics of throwing grenades. Unlike traditional weapons, grenades follow an arcing trajectory when thrown. This means that you need to account for the distance between you and your target, as well as the height of your target relative to your position. To achieve maximum effectiveness, aim slightly above your target, allowing the grenade to gracefully arc over obstacles and land with pinpoint accuracy. Additionally, grenades can be cooked before throwing, reducing the time between impact and explosion. By holding down the throw button for a brief moment, you can tailor the grenade’s detonation timing to coincide with the arrival of enemy combatants.
Furthermore, Fallout 4 introduces a unique feature known as VATS, or the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System. VATS allows you to pause the game and target specific body parts of your enemies. This precision-based combat system can be particularly advantageous when throwing grenades. By targeting an enemy’s limb or other vulnerable area, you can maximize the damage inflicted by the explosion. Moreover, VATS can be combined with the aforementioned grenade cooking technique, enabling you to detonate the grenade precisely when it is in proximity to your intended target. Mastering VATS will undoubtedly elevate your combat prowess and ensure that your grenades pack a devastating punch in every encounter.
Understanding Grenade Types
In the Fallout 4 universe, a diverse array of grenades awaits your disposal, each serving a distinct purpose in combat. Understanding the attributes of these explosives is crucial for effective gameplay.
Fragmentation Grenades
Fragmentation grenades, the most common type encountered, excel in inflicting damage over a wide area. Upon detonation, they shatter into numerous lethal fragments, capable of shredding foes in a large radius. These versatile grenades prove invaluable in clearing out crowded areas or softening up groups of enemies before engaging.
Key Features
| Damage: Deals significant blast and fragmentation damage |
| Radius: Explodes with a wide, circular range |
| Special Effect: None |
Equipping Grenades
To equip a grenade, you must first open your inventory by pressing the “Tab” key. Once your inventory is open, navigate to the “Grenades” section. Here, you will see a list of all the grenades that you have in your possession. To equip a grenade, simply click on it and then click on the “Equip” button. The grenade will then be equipped to your character’s hotkey bar.
Using Grenades
To use a grenade, you must first select it from your hotkey bar. Once the grenade is selected, you can throw it by pressing the “G” key. The grenade will then be thrown in the direction that you are facing. You can also hold down the “G” key to cook the grenade, which will cause it to explode after a short delay.
Grenade Types
There are a variety of different grenade types available in Fallout 4, each with its own unique effects. Some of the most common grenade types include:
| Grenade Type | Effects |
|---|---|
| Frag Grenade | Explodes on impact, causing damage to nearby enemies |
| Plasma Grenade | Explodes on impact, causing damage to nearby enemies and setting them on fire |
| Cryo Grenade | Explodes on impact, causing damage to nearby enemies and freezing them |
| Pulse Grenade | Emits a pulse of energy that damages nearby enemies and knocks them down |
Selecting Grenade Throw Mode
Fallout 4 offers two distinct grenade throw modes: the classic “over-the-shoulder” throw and the more precise “aim-down-sights” (ADS) throw.
To toggle between these modes, simply press the “V” key on your keyboard or the “down” button on the D-pad of your controller. The current mode will be indicated by an icon that appears on the grenade’s HUD.
The over-the-shoulder throw is the default and most intuitive option. When using this mode, your character will automatically toss the grenade over their shoulder towards the target. The trajectory of the grenade is determined by the angle of your camera, and the distance it travels is based on the duration of your throw. This mode is well-suited for quick and accurate throws at close to mid-range targets.
The aim-down-sights (ADS) throw mode gives you more precision when throwing grenades. To use this mode, press the “V” key or the “down” button on the D-pad, then hold down the “ADS” button (right mouse button on PC, “LT” button on Xbox, “L2” button on PlayStation). While holding the ADS button, you can aim the grenade using your weapon’s reticle. The grenade will be thrown when you release the ADS button. This mode is ideal for throwing grenades at long-range targets or in situations where you need to pinpoint your trajectory.
Aiming Your Throw
Gage your grenade’s trajectory by holding down the designated throw button. A curved line will appear, with its apex indicating the peak of the grenade’s flight. The line’s color indicates the grenade’s trajectory: green for a safe throw, yellow for a cautionary one, and red for a risky throw. Consider the trajectory carefully to avoid unintended consequences.
Adjust the aiming line by moving the reticle. Depending on your platform, use the left stick on a gamepad or the mouse on PC. Experiment with different angles and distances to master precise grenade throws.
Take into account the distance to your target. The longer the distance, the higher you may need to aim to compensate for the grenade’s descent. Keep in mind that grenades do not travel in a straight line but follow an arc-shaped trajectory.
| Platform | Throw Button |
|---|---|
| Xbox | RB |
| PlayStation | R1 |
| PC | Left Mouse Button |
Lobbing Grenades
Grenades are a powerful tool in Fallout 4, but they can be tricky to use effectively. One of the most important things to master is how to lob grenades, which allows you to throw them over obstacles and into hard-to-reach areas.
To lob a grenade, hold down the grenade button (default: G) and pull back on the mouse. The further you pull back, the higher and farther the grenade will go.
Once you have pulled back the grenade, release the button to throw it. The grenade will travel in an arc, so aim above your target to compensate for the drop.
Timing Your Throw
It’s important to time your throw carefully when lobbing grenades. If you throw it too soon, it will fall short of your target. If you throw it too late, it will explode in mid-air, wasting your precious ammunition.
The best way to practice timing your throw is to experiment in a safe area. Find a spot where you can safely throw grenades without harming yourself or others, and practice throwing them at different distances and heights.
Lobbing Over Obstacles
Lobbing grenades is a great way to attack enemies who are behind cover or in hard-to-reach areas. By lobbing the grenade over the obstacle, you can still damage or kill the enemy without exposing yourself to their fire.
Using Grenades in VATS
You can also use grenades in VATS, which allows you to target specific enemies and throw grenades with pinpoint accuracy. To use grenades in VATS, simply select the grenade from your inventory and then target an enemy. The grenade will explode on impact, vaporizing the enemy or dealing heavy damage to them.
Fallout 4 Grenade Types
| Grenade Type | Effects |
|---|---|
| Frag Grenade | Explodes on impact, dealing heavy damage to nearby enemies |
| Pulse Grenade | Releases a pulse of energy that damages and disorients nearby enemies |
| Nuka Grenade | Explodes on impact, dealing radiation damage to nearby enemies |
| Cryo Grenade | Explodes on impact, freezing nearby enemies |
| Poison Grenade | Explodes on impact, poisoning nearby enemies |
Cooking Grenades
In Fallout 4, you can “cook” grenades before throwing them to delay the explosion. This can be useful for getting grenades into specific locations or for timing explosions to coincide with enemy movements. To cook a grenade, hold down the throw button until the grenade flashes and beeps. The longer you hold the button, the shorter the fuse will be.
Timing the Explosion
The table below shows the fuse times for different cooking times.
| Cooking Time | Fuse Time |
|---|---|
| 1 Second | 5 Seconds |
| 2 Seconds | 4 Seconds |
| 3 Seconds | 3 Seconds |
| 4 Seconds | 2 Seconds |
| 5 Seconds | 1 Second |
Remember, the fuse time is only approximate and can vary slightly depending on the situation.
Tips for Cooking Grenades
Here are some tips for cooking grenades effectively:
- Only cook grenades that you are ready to throw. If you cook a grenade and don’t throw it, it will explode in your hand.
- Be aware of your surroundings when cooking grenades. Make sure that there are no enemies or other objects in the way of the explosion.
- Practice cooking grenades in a safe place before using them in combat.
- Use cooked grenades to surprise enemies or to take out multiple enemies at once.
- Cooked grenades can be used to destroy objects or to clear a path.
- Experiment with different cooking times to find the ones that work best for you.
Throwing Multiple Grenades
Grenades can be thrown one at a time or in quick succession for maximum impact. To throw a single grenade, simply select it from your inventory and press the designated grenade button. For rapid-fire grenade tossing, follow these steps:
1. Bind Grenades to a Hotkey: Assign a dedicated key or button to quickly equip grenades, especially if you don’t have them equipped as your secondary weapon.
2. Prepare Your Arm: Hold down the grenade button to prime the grenade for throwing. As you hold the button, the grenade indicator appears on the screen.
3. Adjust the Aim: While holding down the button, use the aiming reticule to adjust the trajectory and target of your throw. Note that grenades have an arc trajectory, so anticipate the distance and height accordingly.
4. Time the Release: Release the grenade button when the reticule is positioned over your desired target. The grenade will be launched, maintaining the trajectory and speed you set while holding the button.
5. Follow Up: Quickly switch back to your primary weapon or equip another grenade to continue the assault. Rapidly throwing multiple grenades can overwhelm enemies and create a formidable barrage.
Using Grenade Perks
Grenade perks in Fallout 4 enhance your ability to throw and use grenades effectively. Here’s a detailed description of each perk:
Demolition Expert
Increases the damage of all explosives, including grenades, by 20% per rank. It has five ranks, offering up to 100% damage increase.
Example: If a grenade deals 100 damage, Demolition Expert (Rank 3) will increase its damage to 160.
Grenadier
Reduces the weight of all grenades by 0.5 pounds per rank. It has five ranks, allowing you to carry more grenades with ease.
Example: If a frag grenade weighs 5 pounds, Grenadier (Rank 5) will reduce its weight to 0 pounds, making it weightless.
Quick Draw
Reduces the time it takes to throw a grenade by 20% per rank. It has three ranks, speeding up your grenade throws significantly.
Example: If it takes 1 second to throw a grenade, Quick Draw (Rank 3) will reduce the throw time to 0.4 seconds.
Shrapnel Perk
When a grenade explodes, it deals an additional 50 damage to all enemies within a small radius around the center of the explosion.
Stun Grenade
Grenades that inflict stun damage will now behave like a stun grenade, disorientating foes within the blast radius.
Revenge Trigger
Each successful hit on you will drop a live grenade on the ground at the attacker’s feet, dealing 100 damage in a small radius.
Pyromaniac
Increases the damage of incendiary explosives by 50%. This includes grenades like the Bottlecap Mine and Molotov Cocktail.
| Perk | Effect |
|---|---|
| Demolition Expert (Rank 5) | 50% bonus damage to explosions |
| Grenadier (Rank 5) | Weightless grenades |
| Quick Draw (Rank 3) | 70% faster grenade throws |
| Shrapnel Perk | 50 bonus damage in a small radius |
| Stun Grenade | Stun grenades disorient enemies |
| Revenge Trigger | 100 damage grenade on successful enemy hits |
| Pyromaniac | 50% bonus damage to incendiary explosives |
Avoiding Friendly Fire
9. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the most important things to keep in mind when throwing grenades is to be aware of your surroundings. This means being aware of where your teammates are, where the enemy is, and where any obstacles are that could block your grenade’s trajectory. If you’re not sure whether or not your grenade will hit a friendly target, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not throw it.
Here are some specific things to look for when assessing your surroundings:
- Teammates: Make sure you know where your teammates are before you throw a grenade. If you’re not sure, it’s best to communicate with them via voice chat or text chat.
- Enemies: Be aware of where the enemy is located. If you’re throwing a grenade at an enemy who is close to you, be careful not to hit your teammates in the blast radius.
- Obstacles: Look for any obstacles that could block your grenade’s trajectory. This includes walls, trees, and other objects. If you’re not sure whether or not your grenade will clear an obstacle, it’s best to not throw it.
| Blast Radius | Damage | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Low | Short |
| Medium | Moderate | Medium |
| Large | High | Long |
Mastering Grenade Mastery
1. Assign a Grenade Key
Customize your controls to map a specific key or button to grenades, making it easier and faster to throw them.
2. Practice in VATS Mode
Use VATS to preview the trajectory and accuracy of your grenade throws before committing.
3. Utilize Grenadier Perks
Invest skill points into the “Grenadier” perk to increase the throwing distance and damage of your grenades.
4. Aim for Groups
When throwing grenades at enemies, aim for clusters or groups to maximize the impact and take out multiple enemies at once.
5. Anticipate Enemy Movement
Consider the enemy’s movement patterns and throw grenades in advance to catch them off guard or block their escape routes.
6. Use Cover Effectively
Take cover behind objects or buildings to protect yourself from enemy fire while preparing your grenade throws.
7. Prepare Smokescreen Grenades
Craft smokescreen grenades to create a dense fog, obscuring enemy vision and allowing you to approach or retreat unnoticed.
8. Experiment with Different Grenade Types
Fallout 4 offers a variety of grenade types, each with unique effects such as fragmentation, plasma, or radiation damage. Experiment to find the ones that best suit your playstyle.
9. Utilize Throwback Perks
Invest skill points into the “Throwback” perk to enable the ability to catch and return grenades thrown at you, giving you an advantage in combat.
10. Master the Overhand Throw Technique
Hold down the grenade key longer to charge and throw a grenade with increased distance and accuracy. This technique is ideal for long-range engagements or hitting moving targets. The optimal charging time varies depending on the grenade type, so practice to determine the best timings for each.
| Grenade Type | Charging Time |
|---|---|
| Fragmentation Grenade | 0.5 seconds |
| Plasma Grenade | 1.0 second |
| Radiation Grenade | 0.75 seconds |
How To Throw A Grenade In Fallout 4
To throw a grenade in Fallout 4, you can either use the default grenade key (G) or hold down the R key and then press the 1 key. If you’re using a controller, you can press the left bumper (LB) or the right bumper (RB) to throw a grenade. Once you’ve selected a grenade, you’ll need to aim it. To do this, use the left analog stick to move the grenade and the right analog stick to adjust the angle. You can also use the D-pad to adjust the angle of the throw.
Once you’re happy with the aim, press the R key or the LB/RB button to throw the grenade. Grenades will explode on impact with an enemy or object, so be sure to aim carefully. You can also cook grenades by holding down the R key or the LB/RB button. This will cause the grenade to explode sooner after it’s thrown, which can be useful for surprise attacks.
