Aiming down sights, abbreviated as ADS or iron sights, is a gameplay mechanic introduced into the Fallout series in Fallout: New Vegas and appeared in Fallout 4 and Fallout 76. Fallout 3 intended to include iron sights, but this feature was cut and does not have true iron sights on any weapon, but has a simple zoom alongside the weapon (sans weapons with scopes).
Overview[]
When aiming down the sights, the camera shifts to behind the weapon's sights. This generally makes the weapon more accurate by eliminating some weapon sway, and may provide some zoom for more usability at longer ranges but also slows movement speed. The alternative to aiming down sights is to hip fire a weapon which has more sway and spread in comparison but allows for full movement speed.
Fallout: New Vegas[]
Usable iron sights were added on to nearly all weapons. Iron sights can vary wildly between weapons, with some weapons even having damaged sights.[1] When aiming down sights, weapon spread is decreased by using the weapon's iron sights and when certain conditions are met, such as Strength or skill requirements, and the movement and stance done when firing. The full list of penalties:
Penalties to accuracy[]
| Condition | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Running (fRunningSpreadPenalty) |
0.2 |
| Standing (fStandingSpreadPenalty) |
0.1 |
| No ADS (fUnaimedSpreadPenalty) |
0.2 |
| Walking (fWalkingSpreadPenalty) |
0.1 |
| Using a one-handed weapon with one arm crippled (fCrippledArm1HSpreadPenalty) |
0.2 |
| Using a one-handed weapon with two arms crippled (fCrippledArm2HSpreadPenalty) |
0.4 |
| Using a two-handed weapon with one arm crippled (fCrippledArms1HSpreadPenalty) |
0.4 |
| Using a two-handed weapon with two arm crippled (fCrippledArms2HSpreadPenalty) |
0.6 |
| Per point under the Strength requirement (fWeapStrengthReqPenalty) |
0.025 |
| Per point under the skill requirement (fWeapSkillReqPenalty) |
0.01 |
These variables specifically affect player's spread. Total spread is then calculated against the weapon's spread. A weapon's spread is completely static and based on the weapon's "Min Spread" value.
Player spread variables[]
- Associated weapon skill
- Perk effects
- Crouching
- Aiming, scoped/sighted
- Standing/Walking/Running
- Using a 1 or 2 handed weapon and having 1 or 2 arms crippled
- Weapon's required strength
- Weapon's required skill
Weapon spread variables[]
- Weapon mods with Decrease Spread effects
- Ammo Effects that alter spread, such as 5mm surplus rounds (spread x 1.2)
Perks[]
Fallout 4[]
Aiming down the sights is a basic way to improve accuracy with firearms, whether they use iron sights, reflex sights or scopes. Certain weapon modifications increase accuracy while aiming down the sights or firing from the hip, however, these weapon mods will also take a toll on accuracy when not aiming as the mods are intended. Scoped weapons will have noticeable sway when being used, but armor mods for arms have stabilizing modifications for mitigating weapon sway on scoped weapons.
Perks[]
Fallout 76[]
The game inherits the mechanics of Fallout 4, making aiming easier and more precise when aiming down sights. In terms of mechanics, the aim model attached to the weapon defines a multiplier that's applied to the cone of fire of the equipped weapon when aiming down sights. The multiplier varies:
- Pistols, automatic pistols, hunting rifles, revolvers, alien blasters, combat rifles, assault rifles, laser guns, plasma guns, pipe guns, pipe revolvers, pipe bolt action rifles, radium rifles, harpoon guns, lever action rifles, Fat Men, flare guns, missile launchers, broadsiders, railway rifles, Gauss rifles, 10mm submachine guns, cryolators, compound bows (most weapons) gain 60% accuracy (0.4 multiplier).
- Miniguns, Gatling lasers, Gatling plasmas, .50 caliber machine guns, flamers and Pepper Shakers weapons only gain 20% accuracy (0.8 multiplier).
- Double-barreled shotguns, and combat shotguns only gain 10% accuracy (0.9 multiplier).
- Grenade launchers are not affected.
Perks[]
Behind the scenes[]
Fallout: New Vegas is the only game with the option to "turn off iron sights."