How to Throw a Grenade in Fallout 4 – Using grenades effectively in Fallout 4 can be a game-changer, especially when facing large groups of enemies or tough opponents. While the game’s mechanics allow for a variety of weapons, grenades offer a powerful tool for dealing damage quickly and disrupting enemies. If you’re new to Fallout 4 or just haven’t yet mastered grenade usage, this guide covers everything you need to know to throw grenades effectively, from basic controls to advanced tips.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to throw grenades in Fallout 4, written with SEO-friendly language to rank well on search engines and help gamers find quick, effective tips.
Why Use Grenades in Fallout 4?
Grenades in Fallout 4 can offer several strategic benefits, whether you’re trying to clear out enemies quickly, gain a tactical advantage, or just add some variety to your combat style. Here’s why they’re worth adding to your arsenal:
- Crowd Control: Grenades are great for dealing damage to multiple enemies at once. If you’re overwhelmed, a well-timed grenade can clear a path.
- Burst Damage: When you need to do a lot of damage quickly, a grenade’s explosive power can be a lifesaver, especially when facing tough enemies.
- Diverse Effects: Different types of grenades have unique effects. From the basic Frag Grenade to the pulse grenades and Molotov cocktails, each type offers specific advantages based on your combat needs.
Understanding how to use grenades is key to making the most of them, so let’s dive into the mechanics of grenade use in Fallout 4.
Step 1: Equipping a Grenade in Fallout 4
Before you can throw a grenade, you’ll need to equip it. Grenades are handled a bit differently than regular weapons in Fallout 4, so make sure you’re comfortable with the following steps:
- Access Your Inventory: Press the B button on Xbox, Circle on PlayStation, or Tab on PC to bring up your Pip-Boy inventory screen.
- Navigate to “Weapons”: Grenades are located under the “Weapons” category in the Pip-Boy, even though they’re throwable items rather than traditional guns or melee weapons.
- Select Your Grenade: Scroll through your weapons until you find the grenade you want to use. This could be a standard Frag Grenade or something specialized, like a Molotov cocktail or Pulse Grenade.
- Assign It to a Quick Slot (Optional): To make throwing grenades faster and easier, consider assigning your grenades to a quick slot on your favorites wheel. This allows you to switch to grenades quickly without having to open the Pip-Boy each time.
Once equipped, the grenade will remain active until you either switch weapons or manually unequip it.
Step 2: Basic Grenade Throwing Controls
After equipping your grenade, you’re ready to throw it. The actual control for throwing a grenade can vary depending on your platform, so here’s a quick rundown of the controls for each system:
- On Xbox: Press and hold the RB button to prepare the throw, then release to throw the grenade.
- On PlayStation: Hold R1 to ready the grenade, then release to throw it.
- On PC: Press and hold the Alt key by default (you can change this in settings if you prefer a different keybind).
It’s important to remember that simply pressing the button will not throw the grenade—you need to hold the button down to ready the grenade, then release to throw it.
Step 3: Aiming and Timing Your Throws
Unlike guns, grenades in Fallout 4 don’t have a precise aim or scope. Instead, you’ll need to rely on the reticle and your own sense of timing and distance.
- Use the Reticle as a Guide: When you hold down the grenade throw button, you’ll notice a small reticle appear on the screen. While this reticle doesn’t show the exact throw arc, it can help you aim your grenade in the general direction you want it to go.
- Consider Gravity and Arc: Grenades don’t fly in a straight line; they follow an arc. This means that if you’re aiming at something far away, you’ll need to aim slightly higher to compensate for the grenade’s downward trajectory.
- Practice Throwing Distance: Each grenade type has a different weight and throw distance. Spend some time practicing your throws in open areas to get a sense of how far each grenade type will travel.
- Use Cover and Corners: Grenades are most effective when used strategically. Try throwing them from behind cover or around corners to avoid exposing yourself to enemy fire.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Grenade for the Situation
In Fallout 4, there are several types of grenades available, each with its unique effects and best-use scenarios. Here’s a quick breakdown of some common grenades and when to use them:
- Frag Grenade: This is your standard grenade and a great all-around choice. It deals significant explosive damage and is ideal for groups of enemies.
- Molotov Cocktail: These incendiary grenades create a fire hazard on the ground. They’re effective against enemies in tight spaces or for blocking off certain areas.
- Pulse Grenade: Pulse Grenades are designed to deal extra damage to robotic enemies. If you’re facing off against Synths or other robots, these grenades are your best option.
- Plasma Grenade: Plasma grenades deal both explosive and energy damage, making them powerful against almost any enemy, especially those with armor.
Step 5: Advanced Tips for Grenade Use
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start using grenades in more advanced ways. Here are some tips to maximize your grenade effectiveness:
- Cook Your Grenade: If you’re facing enemies that tend to dodge, try holding the throw button a little longer before releasing to give the grenade less time to hit the ground before it explodes.
- Use VATS to Line Up Throws: You can use VATS to help line up your grenade throws, especially when targeting a specific enemy or area. While VATS doesn’t directly affect grenades, it can slow down time and help you position yourself.
- Combine Grenades with Gunfire: Throw a grenade to disrupt an enemy group, then follow up with gunfire to take down survivors. This combo is especially effective against groups of weaker enemies.
- Avoid Using Grenades Indoors: Due to the limited space and the risk of self-damage, be cautious when throwing grenades indoors. If you’re in a tight spot, consider using a weapon instead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grenades can be incredibly effective but only if used properly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using grenades in Fallout 4:
- Throwing Too Close: Grenades have a wide blast radius, so make sure you’re at a safe distance before throwing. It’s easy to take self-damage or even die if you’re too close to the blast.
- Forgetting to Equip: Unlike other games, grenades need to be equipped before they can be used. Make sure you have the right grenade equipped before you head into combat.
- Not Using Cover: When preparing to throw a grenade, use nearby cover to shield yourself from incoming enemy fire.
Final Thoughts on Using Grenades in Fallout 4
Mastering grenade use in Fallout 4 can add a whole new layer of strategy to your gameplay. With practice, grenades can become a powerful tool for crowd control, burst damage, and tactical advantage. Remember to practice the basics, choose the right type of grenade for the situation, and use advanced techniques to maximize your effectiveness.
By following these tips, you’ll be ready to handle any challenge the Wasteland throws at you. Now, go out there and start tossing some grenades like a pro!