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The Cryolator is a unique weapon in Fallout 4.

Background[]

The Cryolator was developed by the overseer of Vault 111 as a way to occupy time, waiting for the All-Clear signal from Vault-Tec that never came. Using chemicals and components readily available within the Vault, the prototype was able to be completed, making cryogenic freezing available in a portable, on-demand form.[1] Conceptually, it is a flamer that shoots ice.

Characteristics[]

The weapon creates a cryogenic spray when fired that fades away at mid-range. Firing continuously at an enemy may freeze it solid and render it unable to move or attack for a period of time. More durable enemies will require a longer exposure to the cryogenic spray, and some cannot be frozen at all. The Cryolator can quickly use up large amounts of ammunition.

The crystallizing barrel mod will convert the weapon into an automatic crystal shooter. This makes the weapon far more ammo-efficient, as well as granting additional benefits, such as increased range, increased damage (crystals do ballistic as well as energy damage) and a very small area of affect. However, the projectiles do not travel particularly quickly and suffer from a noticeable flight trajectory.

Weapon modifications[]

Slot Mod Description Weapon prefix Damage per shot change Fire rate change Range change Accuracy change Weight change Weapon value change in caps Components Form ID
Barrel Standard barrel Standard. Circuitry x2
Glass x3
Plastic x3
Screw x3
Steel x4
001A8A5A
Crystalizing barrel Shoots cryogenic capsules. Superior range. Crystallized +20 Explosion +61 +4 +5 +40 Adhesive x4
Circuitry x4
Fiber optics x3
Glass x3
Plastic x7
Screw x6
Steel x7
001916A8
Stock Standard stock Better recoil. Adhesive x6
Plastic x2
Screw x8
Steel x13
0023994D
Recoil compensating stock Exceptional recoil. Recoil compensated +6 +1.5 +45 Adhesive x6
Aluminum x11
Fiberglass x11
Rubber x1
Screw x8
Spring x6
001916A7
Sights Standard sights Standard. Adhesive x1
Plastic x2
Steel x2
001A8A5B
Glow sights Improved focus and better sighted accuracy. Glow-sighted +1 +17 Adhesive x3
Nuclear material x2
Plastic x3
Steel x3
001916A9

Location[]

Inside Vault 111, in a display case in the overseer's room behind a Master level lock. It cannot be picked up at the beginning of the game due to the inability to pick Master level locks before exiting the Vault. Interaction with the case prompts a line from the Sole Survivor, saying that they will return for it later. An entry on the overseer's terminal in the same room can be found detailing the weapon and why it was built.

Notes[]

  • A version of the Cryolator was supposed to appear in the final version of Fallout 3 but was ultimately cut. The two versions have significant differences, such as the longer base stock in the Fallout 3 version and a smaller sized ammunition source in Fallout 4's version.
  • Cait may be able to unlock the case far earlier than the Sole Survivor can, granting early access to the weapon.
  • The Cryolator's weapon modifications do not require any levels in the Gun Nut or the Science! perks, making it easy to upgrade, even if it is obtained early in the game.
  • If a Cryolator is given the Freezing legendary effect, it will increase the weapon's energy damage by 19 points instead of 15 which the description states.
  • The Cryolator's model appears to be missing a trigger.
  • The Cryolator incorrectly uses fusion cell textures for the cryo cell loaded into it, as well as the cell itself being backwards, with the contact point facing outwards.
  • The Cryolator deals energy damage like a Freezing weapon does, despite cryogenic grenades and cryo mines dealing ballistic damage.

Bugs[]

  • PCPC Playstation 4Playstation 4 Xbox OneXbox One After a cleared area resets, enemies killed with the Cryolator may respawn lying on the ground, completely unable to move or attack. These enemies will be in this immobile state every time they respawn. [verified]
  • PCPC Playstation 4Playstation 4 Xbox OneXbox One Even though it is classed as a heavy weapon, it cannot be placed onto the Contraptions Workshop heavy weapons stand, nor any other weapon rack included in the add-on. [verified]
  • PCPC In Fallout 4 VR, the player character can simply reach through the case and pick up the Cryolator at the beginning of the game. [verified]
  • PCPC Playstation 4Playstation 4 Xbox OneXbox One Dogmeat can no longer be ordered to get the weapon after the 1.34 update. Doing so will glitch the game and Dogmeat will either grab a pipe gun or a combat shotgun and sometimes nothing and the Cryolator will disappear. (Information reported as false; the dogmeat exploit still works as of 9/7/23)[verified]

Sounds[]

SingleShotVB SingleShotVB
ReloadVB

Gallery[]

References[]

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