That Gun: A Comprehensive Guide to Fallout: New Vegas’ Iconic Weapon

Introduction

Few weapons in Fallout: New Vegas are as instantly recognizable or coveted as That Gun. More than just a powerful pistol, That Gun represents a fascinating piece of gaming history, a loving homage to a science fiction classic, and a testament to Obsidian Entertainment’s attention to detail. This unique .45 Auto Pistol, found nestled in the dusty town of Novac, holds a special place in the hearts of many Mojave Wasteland wanderers. This guide will delve into the history, stats, performance, modifications, and cultural impact of That Gun, exploring why it remains a fan favorite weapon in Fallout: New Vegas.

Echoes of the Future: The Blade Runner Connection

Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the pistol in the pocket. That Gun is undeniably a direct homage to Deckard’s iconic sidearm from the seminal science fiction film, *Blade Runner*. The resemblance is uncanny and clearly intentional. The distinctive bullpup design, the overall shape, and even the raised scope mount are all lifted directly from the futuristic firearm wielded by Harrison Ford’s character. The Fallout: New Vegas team didn’t just borrow inspiration; they recreated a piece of cinematic history within the game’s world.

The visual similarities are striking. Comparing images of both weapons reveals the clear influence *Blade Runner* had on the design of That Gun. While not an exact replica (Fallout’s post-apocalyptic aesthetic ensures some modifications and variations), the core design elements remain instantly recognizable. This clever incorporation of pop culture references is a hallmark of the Fallout series, and That Gun stands as one of the most successful and memorable examples. Its almost as if the wasteland has echoes of neo Los Angeles.

Delving deeper, speculation exists regarding potential real-world firearms influences, beyond the obvious *Blade Runner* inspiration. Some theorize that elements of the Steyr Mannlicher AUG, a bullpup assault rifle, may have contributed to That Gun’s overall form factor. While unconfirmed, the resemblance is worth noting and adds another layer of intrigue to the weapon’s design. The weapon stands as a testament to the imagination and inspiration that can be drawn from all over the world to create a unique design.

While explicit in-game lore about That Gun’s origin is scarce, its very presence hints at the rich history of the Fallout universe. The fact that such an advanced-looking weapon exists in a post-apocalyptic world suggests that pre-War firearms technology was far more sophisticated than one might initially assume. Perhaps That Gun was a prototype weapon developed before the Great War, or a custom piece created by a wealthy gun enthusiast. Whatever its true origins, That Gun adds another layer to the immersive world. It serves as a reminder of what was lost, and what now must be rebuilt from the ashes.

Numbers and Mayhem: Stats and Performance

Beneath its iconic design lies a surprisingly effective weapon. That Gun functions as a unique .45 Auto Pistol, boasting solid stats that make it a viable choice throughout much of the game. Its base damage is respectable, allowing for quick takedowns of weaker enemies and decent performance against more heavily armored foes. The rate of fire is reasonable for a semi-automatic pistol, allowing for rapid follow-up shots.

That Gun utilizes .45 Auto ammunition, a relatively common type found throughout the Mojave Wasteland. This makes it relatively easy to keep the weapon supplied, ensuring that you’re never caught short in a firefight. It’s also a practical alternative to other guns that utilize the same ammo, providing the player a variety of play styles with the same resources.

Compared to other pistols and small arms in Fallout: New Vegas, That Gun holds its own in damage per second (DPS) output. While not the absolute highest DPS weapon available, its accuracy and manageable recoil allow for consistent damage dealing, especially in the hands of a skilled player. Its high damage potential makes it viable to use even into late game scenarios.

That Gun truly shines when combined with critical hit builds. Its already decent damage is amplified significantly by critical hits, making it a deadly weapon against even the toughest opponents. Equipping perks that increase critical hit chance and damage can transform That Gun into a veritable headshot machine. This versatility has contributed to its long lasting appeal for players.

Of course, That Gun is not without its drawbacks. Its condition degrades at a moderate rate, requiring regular maintenance to keep it in top working order. Additionally, its relatively low magazine capacity can be a hindrance in prolonged firefights. However, these cons are easily mitigated with proper maintenance and tactical awareness. It is important to be mindful of its deficiencies as well as its strengths.

Finding and Enhancing: Acquisition and Modifications

Obtaining That Gun is a relatively straightforward process, though it does require a trip to Novac and a meeting with Cliff Briscoe, the owner of the town’s gift shop. He can be found at Dino Dee-lite gift shop. Cliff will sell the gun to the player at a high price. Alternatively, a skilled player can lift the gun without being noticed.

The Guns skill requirement for effectively wielding That Gun is relatively low, making it accessible to players early in the game. With a little investment in the Guns skill, you can start wreaking havoc with That Gun almost immediately. That Gun truly shines when its owner knows what they’re doing.

While That Gun is a formidable weapon on its own, its true potential is unlocked through modifications. Several modifications are available that can enhance its performance in various ways. A scope can be added to improve accuracy at longer ranges, extending its effective range. A laser sight can be added to improve hip-fire accuracy, making it more effective in close-quarters combat.

The modifications have an impact on the weapon’s stats. For example, the scope will increase accuracy but may slightly increase the weapon’s weight. The laser sight will improve hip-fire accuracy but may reduce the weapon’s concealment. Experimenting with different modifications is essential to finding the perfect configuration for your playstyle. Knowing the effects of each upgrade can give players an edge in combat.

Mastering the Mojave: Strategies and Builds

That Gun synergizes exceptionally well with character builds focused on Guns and critical hits. Investing points in the Guns skill will increase the weapon’s accuracy and damage, while perks like Gunslinger and Better Criticals will further enhance its effectiveness. A well-optimized build can transform That Gun into a true force to be reckoned with. Its best to experiment with different perks to optimize your play style.

Several perks further enhance That Gun’s performance. Gunslinger increases the accuracy of pistols, while Better Criticals increases critical hit damage. These perks, combined with other Guns-related perks, can make That Gun an incredibly deadly weapon. The wasteland is a dangerous place. Its important to take every advantage that you can get.

Tactically, That Gun excels at medium ranges, where its accuracy and damage can be fully utilized. It’s particularly effective against lightly armored enemies and those with weak spots. However, it may struggle against heavily armored opponents or large groups of enemies.

While That Gun is a fantastic weapon, it’s not the only option available. Alternatives include the Ranger Sequoia, a powerful unique revolver, and the Hunting Revolver, a versatile weapon that can be customized with various modifications. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, so choosing the right one depends on your playstyle and preferences. Having multiple options can make the game much more interesting.

Lasting Impressions: Community and Legacy

The Fallout: New Vegas community has embraced That Gun as one of its most beloved weapons. Fan art, mods, and countless discussions online attest to its enduring popularity. It is a fan favorite for a reason.

Fans love That Gun for a variety of reasons. Its unique design, inspired by *Blade Runner*, gives it a distinct aesthetic appeal. Its effectiveness in combat makes it a practical choice for players of all skill levels. And its rarity adds to its allure. Seeing That Gun in the hands of another player is a sign that they know what they are doing.

Numerous mods exist that enhance or alter That Gun in interesting ways. Some mods add new modifications, while others rebalance its stats or even change its appearance. These mods demonstrate the community’s dedication to That Gun and their desire to keep it relevant in the game. Its always interesting to see how other players use That Gun.

That Gun reinforces several key themes present in Fallout lore. Its existence highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of humanity in the face of adversity. It also serves as a reminder of the pre-War world and the technological advancements that were lost during the Great War. The future is now. And it’s more deadly than ever.

Like many popular weapons, That Gun has its critics. Some argue that it’s overpowered, while others find its design to be too derivative. However, these criticisms are largely outweighed by the overwhelming positive reception it has received from the community. Its impossible to please everyone, but That Gun comes close.

Final Verdict: The Gun That Keeps on Giving

In conclusion, That Gun is more than just a weapon; it’s a symbol of Fallout: New Vegas’ unique blend of science fiction, post-apocalyptic themes, and engaging gameplay. From its origins as a loving homage to *Blade Runner* to its lasting impact on the game’s community, That Gun has earned its place as one of the most iconic and memorable weapons in Fallout history. Its stats, combined with the various weapon perks make it an amazing addition to any players arsenal.

Have you wielded That Gun in the Mojave Wasteland? What are your favorite builds and strategies for using this iconic weapon? Share your experiences and let us know why That Gun holds a special place in your Fallout: New Vegas adventure! Share your thoughts and stories with us!