Plasma Rifle (Fallout 3)

This Plasma Rifle, superior to the pre-War P94 Plasma Rifle, was developed by the Enclave after the Great War. By 2277, it was widely used by Enclave soldiers in the Capital Wasteland.

The Enclave Plasma Rifle is a high-energy-output assault weapon. The plasma burns and melts through the toughest opposition found in the wasteland. It utilizes a semi-automatic firing action and fires twelve rounds before reloading is required.

It is not without downsides, however. Plasma shots move slower than bullets and laser rounds, both of which hit almost instantly. Opponents can dodge the plasma bolt if the shot is not aimed correctly. Also, firing a plasma rifle produces a large burst of visible green radiation that partially obscures the player's view. These two factors relegate the Plasma Rifle to a close to medium-range assault weapon as opposed to the medium-to-long-range duties of the AER9 Laser Rifle. The Enclave Soldiers use a combination of Plasma and Laser Rifles in the field. A critical hit from a plasma rifle can reduce the target to a green pile of goo.

Appearances
The Enclave Plasma Rifle appears only in Fallout 3, replacing the P94 Plasma Rifle from previous Fallout games.