Melee Tactics

Use melee weapons like the sledgehammer and Ripper to cripple unarmed enemies by aiming for their legs, then finish them with headshots.

Use melee weapons like the sledgehammer and Ripper to cripple unarmed enemies by aiming for their legs, then finish them with headshots.

Use melee weapons like the sledgehammer and Ripper to cripple unarmed enemies by aiming for their legs, then finish them with headshots.

Use melee weapons like the sledgehammer and Ripper to cripple unarmed enemies by aiming for their legs, then finish them with headshots.

Use melee weapons like the sledgehammer and Ripper to cripple unarmed enemies by aiming for their legs, then finish them with headshots.

Fallout

Master melee combat in Fallout with the sledgehammer, Ripper, and spiked knuckles. Learn how to cripple enemies and score critical hits.

By teroqim·Originally published: November 2018·Updated Feb 2025·10 min read·Multi-source verified

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87 Metacritic ★★★★☆ 34 reviews

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Walkthrough

1
Equip a sledgehammer or Ripper.
2
Target unarmed creatures and aim for their legs to cripple them.
3
Once an enemy's legs are crippled, you can easily score aimed shots to their head and eyes for critical hits.

Tips

Rippers are as effective as sledgehammers.
If you have Power Armor and spiked knuckles, you can use them against any creature, regardless of their armor.
Spiked knuckles can deal significant damage; one player reported dealing 46 damage to a Deathclaw's eyes with a critical hit.
Power fists, Super Sledgehammers, and Rippers are highly effective melee weapons.

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