Combat skills are unaffected by difficulty settings.
Small Guns
Determines your proficiency with conventional firearms such as pistols, rifles, shotguns, and submachine guns. Because these weapons are common, versatile, and readily available throughout much of the game, Small Guns is an excellent combat skill for characters of any experience level.
Gameplay Notes:
- Governs the use of pistols, rifles, shotguns, and submachine guns.
- Commonly used throughout the early and mid-game.
- Higher skill improves your chance to hit with Small Guns.
- Benefits greatly from a high Agility.
Related Skills:
- Big Guns
- Energy Weapons
- Throwing
Big Guns
Governs the use of heavy weapons such as miniguns, flamethrowers, and rocket launchers. These weapons deliver tremendous firepower but are uncommon, require specialized ammunition, and are typically acquired later in the game.
Gameplay Notes:
- Governs heavy weapons such as miniguns, flamethrowers, and rocket launchers.
- Heavy weapons are powerful but relatively rare.
- Ammunition is heavier and often more difficult to obtain.
- Most useful during the later stages of the game.
Related Skills:
- Small Guns
- Energy Weapons
- Strength
Energy Weapons
Determines your proficiency with advanced laser and plasma weaponry. While these weapons are uncommon early in the game, they become some of the most effective tools against heavily armored opponents.
Gameplay Notes:
- Governs laser and plasma weapons.
- Energy weapons become more common later in the game.
- Particularly effective against heavily armored enemies.
- Higher skill improves accuracy with energy-based weapons.
Related Skills:
- Small Guns
- Big Guns
- Science
Melee Weapons
Governs combat using close-range weapons such as knives, clubs, spears, and sledgehammers. Characters who specialize in melee combat can deal significant damage without relying on ammunition.
Gameplay Notes:
- Governs the use of melee weapons.
- Does not require ammunition.
- Requires close proximity to enemies.
- Benefits from higher Strength and Agility.
Related Skills:
- Unarmed
- Throwing
- Strength
Unarmed
Unarmed determines your effectiveness in hand-to-hand combat using punches, kicks, and specialized equipment designed for unarmed fighters. Although it requires fighting at close range, skilled unarmed characters can become formidable opponents.
Gameplay Notes:
- Governs attacks made without conventional weapons.
- Includes specialized equipment such as the Power Fist.
- Does not require ammunition.
- Benefits from higher Strength and Agility.
Related Skills:
- Melee Weapons
- Strength
- Agility
Throwing
Determines your accuracy with muscle-powered ranged weapons such as throwing knives, spears, and grenades. While it is rarely a character’s primary combat skill, it provides useful tactical options throughout the game.
Gameplay Notes:
- Governs thrown weapons, including knives, spears, and grenades.
- Improves accuracy with thrown attacks.
- Often serves as a supplemental combat skill rather than a primary focus.
- Benefits from higher Strength and Perception.
Related Skills:
- Small Guns
- Melee Weapons
- Perception