Ripper (weapon)

The RipperTM vibroblade is a melee weapon found in Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3 and Fallout Tactics. Powered by a small energy cell, the chainblade rips and tears into its target.

Fallout 3
Rare compared to other melee weapons in Fallout 3, the Ripper is unique as a player can hold down the attack button and an enemy at melee range will continuously receive damage. It does considerably more damage if used with V.A.T.S. It also does not require an energy source, unlike in previous games, though it seems to deteriorate quite quickly in use.

Locations

 * One can be found in the Marigold Station, behind the locked door with the turning light.
 * A Ripper can be found on the AntAgonizer.
 * Outcast gatekeeper Protector Henry Casdin at Fort Independence can be seen carrying a Ripper, if he has not picked up a better weapon from the occasional random encounter.
 * There are around 5 Rippers in Andale, both in the basement and in the shed.
 * Enclave soldiers occasionally carry them and will rush at you with them while some of their squad covers them from afar.
 * Some Brotherhood of Steel members around the Citadel have them.
 * A unique ripper called"Jack" can be found on a dead Enclave Officer in the Deathclaw Sanctuary.

Trivia

 * This weapon may be a nod to the chainswords wielded by the Spacemarines from the Warhammer 40K universe, as the one-handed design is strikingly similar.
 * Horror movies like Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) could very well have been the prime source of influence.
 * There is a Ripper in Fallout 3 called Jack. (Jack the Ripper)
 * In the film Hotshots Part Deux, Charlie Sheen's character uses a knife that has a chainsaw blade attached; it looks identical to the Ripper in Fallout 1.
 * Rippers can be used to repair the AutoAxe from The Pitt, but cannot be done vice versa.

Bugs

 * When encountering (or getting close to) a character carrying a Ripper, the sound of the weapon will sometimes continue to play for a time at its full volume even when out of plausible earshot. It is unconfirmed whether the sound stops after a specific (or random) time, or after you are a certain distance the Ripper (this has occurred on the PS3 version, but currently isn't confirmed or disproved for other versions).

Weapons Lists
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