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. The plasma rifle does big damage but can also be fired rapidly, combined with a relatively small clip (12) its easy to get stuck reloading in the middle of battle. For these reasons combined with its slow projectile speed which opponents can dodge outside of vats mode, and the colossal muzzle flare which obscures your vision of the target - it might be best to stick to using V.A.T.S. with this weapon.

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. This relegates 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. A critical hit kill from a plasma rifle will reduce the target to a green pile of goo.

The Enclave Soldiers use a combination of Plasma and Laser Rifles in the field. There is also a Plasma Rifle lying on a table in The Citadel Laboratory. Its on the ground-floor in the room that you have to go through to reach the armory.

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