Fallout 76 Does Swing Speed Work On Chainsaw

Caroline Mae

less than a minute read

·

05-01-2025

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The question on many Wastelanders' minds: does swing speed actually impact the damage output of the fearsome chainsaw in Fallout 76? The short answer is a bit nuanced. While it doesn't directly increase the raw damage per swing, swing speed indirectly affects your overall DPS (Damage Per Second). Let's break it down.

Understanding Chainsaw Mechanics

Unlike many other melee weapons in Fallout 76, the chainsaw's damage isn't solely determined by its base damage stat and your Strength. Its damage is calculated based on a combination of factors:

• Base Damage: The inherent damage value of the chainsaw itself.
• Strength: Your Strength attribute contributes to the overall damage output.
• Swing Speed: This affects how quickly you can deal those base damage hits.

The Indirect Impact of Swing Speed

Here's the key takeaway: a faster swing speed means more hits per second. While each individual swing may not deal more damage due to increased swing speed, the frequency of those damage instances significantly boosts your DPS.

Think of it like this: a chainsaw with a slower swing speed might deal 100 damage per hit, but only manages two hits per second. A faster chainsaw might deal 80 damage per hit but manages four hits per second. The faster chainsaw ultimately delivers more damage overall (320 DPS versus 200 DPS).

Optimizing Your Chainsaw Build

To maximize your chainsaw's effectiveness, focus on attributes and perks that improve both damage and swing speed. This includes:

• Strength: Higher Strength increases the raw damage of each swing.
• Perks: Perks that boost melee damage and attack speed are crucial for optimizing DPS. Experiment with different perk loadouts to find the best balance for your playstyle.

Conclusion

While swing speed doesn't directly increase the damage of a single chainsaw swing in Fallout 76, it profoundly impacts your overall DPS. A faster swing speed translates to more hits in a given timeframe, making it a critical factor to consider when building a chainsaw-focused character. Prioritize both raw damage and swing speed for optimal performance in the wasteland.