In the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout 4, grenades prove indispensable for clearing hordes of feral ghouls, super mutants, and other deadly adversaries. Mastering their use grants a significant advantage in combat. To unleash the explosive power of grenades, one must first equip them through the inventory screen. By selecting the desired grenade, it can be assigned to a hotkey for quick access during combat. This allows for rapid deployment against unsuspecting foes, making it an effective means of ambushing or breaking enemy formations.
Grenades differ in their properties and applications. Frag grenades, ubiquitous in Fallout 4, boast a substantial blast radius, making them ideal for clearing densely packed groups of enemies or flushing out entrenched foes. Conversely, plasma grenades excel against heavily armored targets, utilizing their high-energy payload to pierce through defenses. Cryo grenades, on the other hand, prove effective against nimble adversaries, slowing their movements and making them easier to eliminate. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each grenade type empowers players to adapt their strategies and maximize their effectiveness in various combat scenarios.
Employing grenades effectively requires careful consideration of the timing and placement. Lobbing grenades directly at enemies is often ineffective, as they may quickly dodge or seek cover. Instead, predicting their movements and aiming grenades accordingly increases the likelihood of a successful detonation. Additionally, utilizing the environment to one’s advantage, such as bouncing grenades off walls or throwing them into enclosed spaces, can amplify their impact and maximize damage to unsuspecting foes. Mastering the art of grenade usage transforms players into formidable adversaries, capable of overcoming even the most daunting challenges in the desolate world of Fallout 4.
Understanding Grenade Types in Fallout 4
Grenades in Fallout 4 come in a diverse array, each serving a distinct purpose in combat. To effectively utilize these explosive devices, it’s crucial to grasp the various types and their unique characteristics.
Fragmentation Grenades
Fragmentation grenades, also known as “frags,” are the most common type of grenade in Fallout 4. They explode upon impact, releasing a shower of shrapnel that inflicts substantial damage to nearby targets. Frags are highly effective against groups of enemies and can be particularly useful for flushing out enemies hiding behind cover.
Types of Fragmentation Grenades
| Grenade Type |
Damage Type |
Range |
| Standard Fragmentation |
Explosive |
8 meters |
| MIRV Fragmentation |
Explosive |
12 meters |
| Quantum Fragmentation |
Explosive, Radiation |
10 meters |
* Standard Fragmentation Grenades: These are the basic frags found throughout the Commonwealth. They deal pure explosive damage with a radius of 8 meters.
* MIRV Fragmentation Grenades: MIRV frags split into multiple smaller grenades upon detonation, creating a wider area of effect. They have a larger blast radius of 12 meters.
* Quantum Fragmentation Grenades: Quantum frags are unique grenades that emit a pulse of radiation upon explosion. They deal both explosive and radiation damage with a radius of 10 meters.
Equipping and Activating Grenades
Grenades are versatile explosives in Fallout 4 that can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes. Equipping grenades is a simple process:
- Press the “Tab” key to open your inventory.
- Select the desired grenade from the “Ammo” tab.
- Drag and drop the grenade into the “Grenades” slot on your hotbar.
Activating Grenades
To activate a grenade, press and hold the “E” key to enter “Grenade Mode.” In this mode, a reticle will appear on the screen. Use the mouse to aim the grenade and release the “E” key to throw it. Grenades have a set fuse time before they explode, so be sure to give yourself enough time to get clear before they detonate.”
Delay Effect
Grenades are equipped with a delay effect, which gives you time to cook the grenade before throwing it. Cooking a grenade means holding onto it for a few seconds before throwing it, which reduces the fuse time and allows the grenade to explode sooner after impact. This can be useful for catching enemies off guard or detonating the grenade in a specific location.
| Fuse Time |
Cooked Fuse Time |
| 2.5 seconds |
1.5 seconds |
| 3.5 seconds |
2.5 seconds |
| 4.5 seconds |
3.5 seconds |
Throwing Grenades for Maximum Effectiveness
Grenades are a valuable tool in Fallout 4, allowing you to deal significant damage and clear out groups of enemies. To use them effectively, consider the following range, blast radius, and enemy positioning:
Range
The range of a grenade is determined by your Strength stat. Each point of Strength increases the throwing distance by 25 feet. For example, with a Strength of 10, you can throw a grenade up to 250 feet.
Blast Radius
The blast radius of a grenade is determined by the type of grenade you are using. Each type of grenade has a different blast radius, so be sure to choose the right one for the situation.
The following table shows the blast radius of each type of grenade:
| Grenade |
Blast Radius |
| Fragmentation Grenade |
15 feet |
| Plasma Grenade |
20 feet |
| Cryo Grenade |
15 feet (slows enemies down) |
| MIRV Grenade |
30 feet (splits into eight smaller grenades) |
Enemy Positioning
When throwing grenades, be aware of the positioning of your enemies. If they are bunched together, a single grenade can take out multiple targets. However, if they are spread out, you will need to use multiple grenades to hit them all.
Additionally, consider the environment when throwing grenades. Grenades can bounce off walls and other objects, so you can use this to your advantage to hit enemies around corners or in cover.
Explosive Damage
Grenades in Fallout 4 deal explosive damage, which is a type of area-of-effect damage that can affect multiple enemies within a certain radius. The base damage of a grenade is determined by its type, with frag grenades dealing the most damage and pulse grenades dealing the least. However, the damage can be increased by various factors, such as perks, skills, and equipment.
Radius of Impact
The radius of impact of a grenade is the area around the point of detonation that is affected by the explosion. The radius of impact is determined by the type of grenade, with frag grenades having the largest radius and pulse grenades having the smallest. The radius of impact can also be increased by various factors, such as perks, skills, and equipment.
Factors Affecting Explosive Damage and Radius of Impact
The following factors can affect the explosive damage and radius of impact of a grenade in Fallout 4:
- Type of grenade: Different types of grenades have different base damage and radius of impact.
- Perks: Certain perks can increase the explosive damage and radius of impact of grenades. For example, the Demolition Expert perk increases the damage of explosives by 20% per rank.
- Skills: The Explosives skill can increase the damage and radius of impact of grenades.
- Equipment: Certain pieces of equipment can increase the explosive damage and radius of impact of grenades. For example, the Grenadier perk increases the radius of impact of grenades by 20% per rank.
- Legendary effects: Certain legendary effects on weapons and armor can increase the explosive damage and radius of impact of grenades. For example, the “Explosive” legendary effect increases the explosive damage of weapons by 15%.
| Grenade Type |
Base Damage |
Base Radius of Impact |
| Frag Grenade |
100 |
5 |
| Pulse Grenade |
50 |
3 |
| Cryo Grenade |
50 |
3 |
| Molotov Cocktail |
50 |
3 |
| Plasma Grenade |
100 |
4 |
Timing Grenades for Precise Detonation
Mastering the timing of grenades is crucial in Fallout 4 combat. By carefully adjusting the detonation delay, you can optimize their effectiveness and maximize damage output.
Standard Grenades
Standard grenades have a base detonation time of 5 seconds. They explode on impact or after the timer runs out.
Delay-Type Grenades
Delay-type grenades, such as the Nuka Grenade and the Quantum Grenade, have an extended detonation time of 8 seconds. This allows for more precise placement and greater control over the blast radius.
Proximity Grenades
Proximity grenades, like the Pulse Grenade and the MIRV Grenade, detonate when they detect nearby movement. This makes them ideal for surprise attacks or defending strategic locations.
Cooked Grenades
Cooking a grenade involves holding it for a short period before throwing it. This effectively reduces the detonation time, allowing for more immediate explosions. Experiment with different cook times to find the optimal settings for various situations.
Throwing Techniques
Your throwing distance and accuracy influence the effectiveness of grenades. Over-the-shoulder throws provide greater range, while underhand throws offer more precision for close-range combat.
Detailed Analysis of Cooking Times
To master grenade cooking, it’s important to understand the precise detonation times associated with different hold intervals. The table below provides an in-depth breakdown:
| Hold Time (Seconds) |
Detonation Time (Seconds) |
| 0.5 |
4.5 |
| 1 |
4 |
| 1.5 |
3.5 |
| 2 |
3 |
| 2.5 |
2.5 |
| 3 |
2 |
| 3.5 |
1.5 |
| 4 |
1 |
| 4.5 |
0.5 |
By carefully considering the hold time, you can tailor your grenade throws to achieve the desired detonation window, increasing your tactical advantage in combat.
Cooking Grenades for Enhanced Explosions
Explosives in Fallout 4 possess a unique mechanic known as “cooking.” By holding down the throw key, you can delay the detonation of a grenade, allowing it to explode closer to your target for maximum damage. This technique is particularly effective in close-quarters combat or when targeting enemies behind cover.
The cooking time varies depending on the type of grenade. Frag Grenades have a short cooking time, while Mini Nukes have a longer one. The optimal cooking time depends on the distance to the target and the desired blast radius.
To cook a grenade, simply hold down the throw key until the desired delay is reached. The grenade will then explode immediately upon release. This can be a risky maneuver, as you may accidentally cook it too long and detonate it in your own hand. Therefore, it’s crucial to practice and develop a keen sense of timing.
Tips for Cooking Grenades Effectively:
| Tip |
Description |
| Practice in Unoccupied Areas |
Experiment with different grenades and distances to master your timing. |
| Cook for a Shorter Duration |
If you’re unsure about the optimal cooking time, err on the side of caution and release early. |
| Use Visual Cues |
Pay attention to the grenade’s fuse and listen for the hissing sound to gauge the cooking time. |
| Consider the Blast Radius |
Factor in the blast radius of the grenade to avoid damaging yourself or allies. |
| Use Grenadier Perk |
The Grenadier perk increases the blast radius of grenades, making cooking even more potent. |
| Cook Multiple Grenades |
If facing a large group of enemies, consider cooking several grenades simultaneously for a devastating effect. |
Using Grenades in VATS for Accuracy
Maximizing Explosive Power
When using grenades in VATS, aim for specific body parts to inflict maximum damage. Critical hits are more likely when targeting the head or torso, significantly increasing the grenade’s impact.
Limb-Disabling Tactics
Grenades can also be highly effective in disabling enemy limbs. By aiming at the legs or arms, you can slow down pursuers or disable powerful melee opponents. This strategy is particularly useful in crowded combat situations, where mobility and dexterity are crucial.
Strategic Timing
Timing is key when using grenades in VATS. Allow sufficient time for the grenade to detonate after it leaves your hand. This ensures the target has less time to react and take cover, maximizing the blast radius impact.
Distance and Angle Precision
Mastering the distance and angle of grenade throws is essential for accurate VATS targeting. Experiment with different angles and distances in practice mode to determine the optimal trajectory for your target.
Calculating for Cover
Obstacles and cover can obstruct grenade trajectories. When targeting an enemy behind cover, aim higher or adjust the angle to prevent the grenade from hitting the obstacle.
Reloading in the Heat of Battle
It’s imperative to reload quickly after using a grenade. Keep a supply of grenades handy and use the weapon wheel to select them swiftly. Seamless reloading allows you to maintain momentum in combat.
Waste Management
Grenades require a significant amount of gunpowder to craft. Conserve ammunition by strategically using grenades only when necessary. Alternatively, utilize the Demolition Expert perk to increase the effectiveness of each grenade, reducing the need for excessive use.
Perk Synergy
Various perks can enhance the effectiveness of grenades in VATS. The Demolition Expert perk increases the damage of all explosives, while the Grenadier perk extends the blast radius and reduces the chance of self-damage.
| Perk |
Effect |
| Demolition Expert |
Increases explosive damage |
| Grenadier |
Increases blast radius, reduces self-damage |
Grenade Strategies
Choose the Right Variant
Fallout 4 offers various grenades, each with unique effects. Consider your target and situation when selecting.
Target Concentration
Grenades are effective against groups. Aim for clusters of enemies to maximize damage and improve odds of hitting multiple targets.
Cover and Concealment
Use cover and concealment to protect yourself from enemy fire while throwing grenades. This allows for a safer and more accurate attack.
Enemy Grouping
Encourage enemies to group up by using distractions like noise or explosives. This creates an opportunity for a devastating grenade throw.
Target Vulnerability
Identify enemy weaknesses, such as low health or vulnerable armor. Use grenades to exploit these weaknesses and swiftly eliminate threats.
Combat Applications
Suppressing Fire
Grenades can be used to suppress enemy fire, forcing them into cover and disrupting their attacks.
Flank and Attack
Throw grenades to flank enemies and attack them from unexpected directions. This can confuse and overwhelm opponents.
Area Denial
Use grenades to create danger zones, preventing enemies from entering or traversing specific areas.
Breaking Cover
Grenades can be used to force enemies out of cover, leaving them vulnerable to your attacks.
Crowd Control
Frag grenades are excellent for crowd control. Aim for dense groups of enemies to maximize casualties and break up enemy formations.
| Grenade Type |
Effect |
| Frag Grenade |
High-explosive damage with a large radius |
| Pulse Grenade |
Electromagnetic pulse that disables electronics and stuns targets |
| Plasma Grenade |
High-energy explosion with lingering radiation damage |
| Cryo Grenade |
Freezes targets, slowing them down and making them more fragile |
| Molotov Cocktail |
Ignites an area, inflicting fire damage over time |
| Mini Nuke |
Devastating nuclear explosion with a massive yield |
How To Use Grenades Fallout 4
Grenades are a powerful tool in Fallout 4, capable of dealing massive damage to your enemies in an instant. They come in a variety of types, each with its pros and cons, which makes adaptable for any battle.
To use a grenade, you first need to equip it from your inventory. Once it is equipped, you can throw it by pressing the “R” key. The grenade will travel in a straight line until it explodes, so be sure to aim carefully before throwing it.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using grenades. First, they have a limited range, so you need to be close enough to your target to hit them. Second, they can damage you if you are too close to the explosion, so be sure to throw them from a safe distance.
Grenades are a great way to take out large groups of enemies or to deal heavy damage to a single target. Just be sure to use them carefully, and you will be able to reap the benefits of their destructive power.
People Also Ask About How To Use Grenades Fallout 4
Yes, grenades explode on impact in Fallout 4
You can find grenades in Fallout 4 by looting them from enemies, finding them in containers, or purchasing them from vendors.
