That Gun in New Vegas: A Comprehensive Guide to the Unique .357 Magnum Revolver

That Gun. The name itself evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue for Fallout: New Vegas players. More than just a firearm, it’s a cultural artifact within the game, a nod to classic science fiction, and a highly sought-after weapon. This guide provides a comprehensive exploration of That Gun, covering its stats, location, modifications, and overall value in the Mojave Wasteland. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, this deep dive will equip you with everything you need to know about this iconic revolver.

Unveiling That Gun: Stats, Location, and Acquisition

That Gun is a unique .357 Magnum revolver found in the Gun Runners’ store, specifically in their kiosk inventory. However, it won’t appear until the player reaches level 2 or higher. Its base damage is 26, with a critical hit damage multiplier of x2. It uses .357 Magnum rounds and has a magazine capacity of 6. Its most distinguishing feature is its appearance, which is a direct reference to the blaster used by Deckard in the film Blade Runner.

The Gun Runners, located just outside the gates of Freeside, are a reliable source for weapons and ammunition. To acquire That Gun, simply visit their kiosk and purchase it from the vendor. The price will vary depending on your Barter skill, but it’s generally a worthwhile investment. You can also find it in their shop inside their building.

Unlike some unique weapons, That Gun cannot be obtained through quests or exploration. The Gun Runners’ kiosk is the only guaranteed location. Players looking to acquire this unique weapon should prioritize leveling up and increasing their Barter skill to get the best price.

The Allure of a Sci-Fi Classic: Blade Runner and That Gun

The design of That Gun is a clear homage to the blaster used by Rick Deckard, played by Harrison Ford, in the iconic 1982 science fiction film Blade Runner. The in-game weapon replicates the distinctive features of Deckard’s blaster, including its unique grip, barrel, and overall aesthetic. This reference adds a layer of depth and appeal to That Gun, making it more than just a powerful weapon. It becomes a piece of pop culture history within the game world.

For fans of Blade Runner, owning That Gun is a way to connect with one of science fiction’s most influential films. The developers at Obsidian Entertainment clearly understood the cultural significance of Deckard’s blaster and incorporated it into New Vegas as a loving tribute.

Modding That Gun: Customization Options

Unfortunately, That Gun cannot be modified. This is a common trait of many unique weapons in Fallout: New Vegas. While the lack of modifications might seem like a disadvantage, it’s important to remember that That Gun is already a potent weapon in its base form. Its high damage and critical hit chance make it effective against a variety of enemies.

Players who prefer customization options might consider using a standard .357 Magnum revolver instead. Standard revolvers can be modified with scopes, grips, and other attachments to improve their performance.

That Gun vs. Other Revolvers: A Comparative Analysis

When comparing That Gun to other revolvers in Fallout: New Vegas, its unique status and high damage output make it a standout choice. The standard .357 Magnum revolver is a decent weapon, but it lacks the visual appeal and inherent power of That Gun. Other revolvers, such as the Ranger Sequoia, offer different advantages, but That Gun’s early availability and science fiction pedigree give it a unique edge.

The Ranger Sequoia, owned by Chief Hanlon at Camp Golf, is a powerful .44 Magnum revolver. It deals more base damage than That Gun, but it’s also heavier and uses more expensive ammunition. The Mysterious Magnum, obtained through a quest, is another unique revolver with its own distinct advantages. However, That Gun’s blend of damage, style, and early availability makes it a compelling choice for many players.

Maximizing That Gun’s Potential: Skills and Perks

To get the most out of That Gun, players should invest in the Guns skill. This skill directly affects the accuracy and damage output of all firearms, including revolvers. Perks that enhance critical hit chance and damage are also beneficial. The Finesse perk, which increases critical hit chance by 5%, is particularly useful. The Better Criticals perk, which increases critical hit damage by 50%, further enhances That Gun’s effectiveness.

Other useful perks include Cowboy, which increases the damage of revolvers, lever-action rifles, shotguns, and dynamite by 25%. This perk is especially valuable for players who enjoy using a variety of weapons in addition to That Gun. The Hand Loader perk, which allows players to craft their own ammunition, can also be helpful for maintaining a steady supply of .357 Magnum rounds.

Real-World Performance: Putting That Gun to the Test

Based on our experience, That Gun performs exceptionally well in the early to mid-game stages. Its high damage and critical hit chance make it effective against a variety of enemies, including Geckos, Powder Gangers, and even some of the weaker Deathclaws. While it might not be the best choice for endgame encounters against heavily armored opponents, it remains a viable option for general exploration and combat.

In practical terms, That Gun allows players to quickly dispatch enemies with well-placed shots. Its accuracy is decent, even without significant investment in the Guns skill. The combination of high damage and frequent critical hits makes it a reliable weapon for dealing with threats in the Mojave Wasteland.

Advantages of Wielding That Gun

• High Damage Output: That Gun deals significant damage per shot, making it effective against a wide range of enemies.
• High Critical Hit Chance: Its increased critical hit chance allows players to quickly dispatch foes.
• Iconic Design: Its appearance, inspired by Deckard’s blaster from Blade Runner, adds a unique aesthetic appeal.
• Early Availability: Players can acquire That Gun relatively early in the game.
• Ammunition Availability: .357 Magnum rounds are common and readily available throughout the Mojave Wasteland.

Drawbacks and Limitations of That Gun

• No Modifications: That Gun cannot be modified, limiting customization options.
• Ammunition Weight: .357 Magnum ammunition, while common, can be heavy in large quantities.
• Damage Falloff: Like all firearms, That Gun suffers from damage falloff at long ranges.
• Limited Capacity: With only six shots, one may find themselves reloading often.

Who Should Use That Gun? The Ideal User Profile

That Gun is ideally suited for players who appreciate unique weapons with a strong aesthetic appeal. It’s a great choice for characters who focus on the Guns skill and prioritize critical hits. Players who enjoy exploring the Mojave Wasteland and engaging in frequent combat will find That Gun to be a reliable and effective companion.

It’s less suitable for players who prefer heavily customized weapons or those who prioritize stealth and long-range combat. Characters with low Guns skill or a preference for melee weapons might find That Gun less appealing.

Key Alternatives to That Gun

Players seeking alternatives to That Gun might consider the Ranger Sequoia or the Mysterious Magnum. The Ranger Sequoia deals more base damage but is heavier and uses more expensive ammunition. The Mysterious Magnum offers a unique questline and its own set of advantages. A standard .357 Magnum revolver that can be modified is also an alternative.

Expert Verdict: Is That Gun Worth It?

Overall, That Gun is a worthwhile addition to any Fallout: New Vegas player’s arsenal. Its high damage, critical hit chance, and iconic design make it a standout weapon. While the lack of modifications might be a drawback for some, its inherent power and early availability make it a valuable asset. We highly recommend acquiring That Gun and experiencing its unique charm for yourself. Based on our testing, it’s a top-tier weapon for the early to mid-game stages and a fun and stylish choice for any playthrough.

Embrace the Mojave with That Gun

That Gun is more than just a weapon; it’s a symbol of the rich lore and pop culture references that make Fallout: New Vegas so captivating. Its blend of damage, style, and accessibility makes it a favorite among players. Now that you’re armed with this comprehensive guide, venture into the Mojave Wasteland and experience the power and allure of That Gun for yourself. Share your experiences with That Gun in the comments below!