ARCHIMEDES II



 is a deadly orbital laser super-weapon powered by Helios One and controlled with Euclid's C-Finder in Fallout: New Vegas.

Characteristics
Before can be used, it must be activated by choosing to divert the power of Helios One to it at the end of the That Lucky Old Sun quest.

Triggering it by "firing" Euclid's C-Finder at a target causes three laser beams to converge on the target, followed by a massive blue laser beam from the sky which causes massive damage. Keep in mind that the laser must charge before each subsequent use after the first. For more about its weapon characteristics, see "Euclid's C-Finder".

should not be confused with Archimedes I, a related weapon that acts as a security system for Helios One.

Appearances
appears only in Fallout: New Vegas.

Behind the scenes

 * The ancient writers Lucian and Anthemius of Tralles wrote that the Greek scientist Archimedes built a 'heat ray' weapon using mirrors to focus the sun's energy on enemy ships. It was purportedly used at the Roman Siege of Syracuse from 214-212 BC. Most scientists are skeptical that such a device would be practical or efficient; however, the machine's ultimate effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) may be deduced from the fact that the Romans ultimately succeed in taking the city.
 * This weapon is very similar to the Ion Cannon used by the Global Defense Initiative from the Command and Conquer series, and is possibly inspired by it.

Bugs

 * The weapon may show the opening "target" lasers, but never fire. (note* less common on Xbox due to update)
 * Solution: Save the game with Euclid's C-Finder drawn. Quit the game and restart (or reboot the console). Reload the save game and wait for the laser to fire. Note that the laser will immediately perform the firing sequence upon wherever it was aimed before the save, so make sure you aim away from any friendly NPCs to avoid accidentally killing them (and/or any followers if Hardcore Mode is enabled).
 * The weapon may not fire and only do as above, sadly, there is no way to fix this.(Xbox 360 confirmed)
 * The weapon may also fire immediately after loading a save cronologically after the laser was targeted so aim away from everything able to be killed (Xbox 360 confirmed)