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. It fires bright self-illuminated green bolts of plasma, utilizes Microfusion cells for ammunition, and reduces targets to piles of glowing green goo when the killing shot is a critical hit.

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. Its heavy damage and fast semi-automatic fire rate makes it a brutal short-range 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. Its magazine size is also only 12 shots, causing frequent need to reload.

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.

Once you have encountered the Enclave via the main quest, you will continue to encounter them around the wasteland. If you are seeking to obtain a Plasma Rifle, you can do so easily outside of Arlington Library. There are at least 3 Enclave, and they are usually fighting groups of Giant Ants or Giant Radscorpions, and one or two may die before you reach them. Either way, there is plenty of Microfusion Cell and spare parts for the Plasma Rifle.

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