VATS

The Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, or V.A.T.S. is a queuing system for Fallout 3, inspired partly by the ability to shoot specific body parts in the turn-based combat system of Fallout and Fallout 2.

While using V.A.T.S., the otherwise real-time combat is paused. Various actions cost action points, and both the player and enemies can target specific body areas for attacks, inflicting specific injuries.

When using V.A.T.S. against a humanoid enemy, there are generally seven different areas that are targetable; the head, torso, left arm, right arm, currently held weapon, left leg, and right leg. However, there may be other points available when specifically facing off non-humanoid creatures (e.g. Bloatfly wings, Ant's antenna).

When targeting a part, the screen displays a percentage of how likely the attack will hit the targeted area based on distance from the target, and combat skill. A higher percentage does not equate to more damage done; for example, an 80% hit to the head/sensors will likely do more damage than a 95% hit to an armored torso.

Unlike previous Fallout games, it is not possible to target the eyes or groin nor target any individual body parts in melee and unarmed combat, however there is a seemingly random chance to decapitate and slice off the limbs of the enemy even though you cannot aim for specific parts.