Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon the Junk Mortar in Fallout 4 and thought, "What in the wasteland is this thing?" Well, you're not alone! This quirky weapon is one of the many bizarre and fun additions to the game, allowing you to launch… well, junk, at your enemies. If you're scratching your head trying to figure out how to make this thing work, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to effectively use the Junk Mortar in Fallout 4, turning trash into treasure, or at least, into a very unconventional form of ammunition.

Understanding the Junk Mortar

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of firing this bad boy, let's understand what exactly the Junk Mortar is. Essentially, it's a heavy weapon that uses, you guessed it, junk as ammunition. Unlike most weapons that require specific ammo types, the Junk Mortar feeds on the piles of garbage you've been hoarding since you left Vault 111. Tin cans, broken bottles, teddy bears – if it's junk, the Junk Mortar can probably fire it. This makes it incredibly versatile, especially in survival mode where ammo can be scarce. However, don't get too excited; while it can use almost any junk item, the damage output varies significantly depending on what you load into it. Generally, denser and heavier items will result in more impactful (and hilarious) projectiles.

The Junk Mortar operates on a simple principle: load junk, aim, and fire. But mastering it takes a bit more finesse. The weapon's range and accuracy aren't exactly top-notch, so you'll need to get a feel for its trajectory and adjust your aim accordingly. Think of it like lobbing a trash can at a super mutant – because, well, that's essentially what you're doing. Furthermore, the weight of the junk you load affects the firing arc, meaning you'll need to compensate differently depending on whether you're using a lead weight or a plastic fork. Experimentation is key here. Try out different junk items to see what flies best and what packs the most punch. Believe me, there's a certain satisfaction in taking down a deathclaw with a well-aimed tire.

Also, keep in mind that the Junk Mortar is a heavy weapon, which means it'll eat through your AP (Action Points) in VATS like a hungry ghoul at a buffet. While you can use VATS to get a better shot, it's often more effective to aim manually, especially at longer ranges. The VATS targeting system can be a bit wonky with the Junk Mortar due to its unique projectile behavior. So, practice your free-aiming skills, and you'll be turning raiders into pincushions of pre-war scrap in no time. In essence, the Junk Mortar is a weapon that rewards creativity and resourcefulness. It's not the most powerful weapon in the game, but it's certainly one of the most entertaining, and in the right hands, it can be surprisingly effective.

Gathering Junk for Ammo

Okay, so you're ready to rain down garbage on your enemies, but first, you need the ammo. The beauty (and the curse) of the Junk Mortar is that its ammunition is… well, everywhere. Fallout 4's world is littered with junk, from abandoned houses to raider camps, making it a walking scavenger's paradise. But not all junk is created equal. Some items are better suited for launching than others. So, what should you be looking for?

First off, prioritize denser, heavier items. Things like lead weights, gears, screws, and metal scrap will generally result in higher damage and better projectile stability. These items have the heft to really pack a punch when they hit, and they're less likely to be affected by wind or other environmental factors. On the other hand, lighter items like plastic forks, empty cans, and paper scraps will still work, but they'll have a much weaker impact and a less predictable trajectory. They might be good for distracting enemies or adding a bit of comedic flair to your attacks, but don't expect them to take down a super mutant behemoth.

Next, consider the abundance of the junk item. While a single gold bar might do massive damage, you're probably better off using it for crafting or selling. Instead, focus on collecting items that are common and easy to find. Tin cans, for example, are practically everywhere in the Commonwealth, making them a readily available source of ammunition. Similarly, broken bottles and ceramic scraps are often found in settlements and abandoned buildings. The more you have of a particular item, the more you can afford to use it for your Junk Mortar. And remember, scavenging is a way of life in the wasteland. Take the Scrounger perk early on to increase your chances of finding more ammo (or, in this case, junk) in containers.

Also, don't forget to visit vendors and trade for junk. Many merchants throughout the Commonwealth sell bulk junk items, which can be a great way to stock up on ammo without having to spend hours scavenging. Look for traders like Trashcan Carla or Ronnie Shaw, who often carry a wide variety of junk. Finally, consider setting up scavenging stations at your settlements. Assign settlers to scavenge for resources, and they'll automatically collect junk items for you, providing a steady stream of ammunition for your Junk Mortar. With a little bit of planning and a lot of scavenging, you'll have no problem keeping your Junk Mortar loaded and ready for action.

Loading and Firing the Junk Mortar

Alright, you've got a pile of junk ready to be launched into the faces of your enemies. Now, how do you actually load and fire the Junk Mortar? It's a surprisingly simple process, but there are a few nuances to keep in mind to maximize your effectiveness. First, equip the Junk Mortar like any other weapon in your inventory. Once it's in your hands, you'll notice that it doesn't require a specific ammo type like bullets or fusion cells. Instead, it draws directly from your junk inventory.

To load the Junk Mortar, simply aim down the sights and press the reload button (usually 'R' on PC, 'X' on Xbox, or 'Square' on PlayStation). The game will automatically select a junk item from your inventory to use as ammunition. The specific item that's chosen is somewhat random, but it tends to prioritize items that you have in larger quantities. If you want to use a specific junk item, you can drop all other junk items from your inventory, but this is not advised since you can always pick it up later. Once the weapon is loaded, you'll see the selected junk item displayed on the weapon itself.

Now comes the fun part: firing the Junk Mortar. Aim at your target and pull the trigger. The weapon will launch the selected junk item in a high arc, similar to a grenade launcher. The trajectory of the projectile will depend on the weight of the junk item and the angle at which you're aiming. Lighter items will have a higher arc and shorter range, while heavier items will have a flatter trajectory and longer range. So, you'll need to adjust your aim accordingly based on the type of junk you're using.

One important tip is to practice your aiming. The Junk Mortar isn't the most accurate weapon in the game, so it takes some getting used to. Find a safe place (like your settlement) and experiment with different junk items to see how they fly. Pay attention to the arc and the range, and try to develop a feel for how to compensate for different distances. Also, keep in mind that the Junk Mortar has a relatively slow rate of fire. After each shot, there's a brief delay before you can reload and fire again. So, don't expect to be able to spam junk at your enemies like a machine gun. Instead, focus on making each shot count.

Tips and Tricks for Effective Use

So, you've got the basics down. But how do you take your Junk Mortar skills to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks to help you become a true master of trash warfare.

• Use VATS Strategically: While VATS can be helpful for aiming, it's not always the best option with the Junk Mortar. The VATS targeting system can be a bit unreliable with the weapon's unique projectile behavior. However, VATS can be useful for getting a quick shot off in close quarters or for targeting specific body parts. Just be mindful of your AP, as the Junk Mortar consumes a lot of it in VATS.
• Experiment with Different Junk: Don't be afraid to try out different junk items to see what works best. Some items may surprise you with their damage output or their unique trajectory. For example, bowling pins can be surprisingly effective due to their weight and shape.
• Aim for Choke Points: The Junk Mortar is great for controlling areas and funneling enemies into choke points. Aim your shots at doorways, narrow corridors, or other tight spaces to maximize the impact of the blast.
• Use it for Crowd Control: While the Junk Mortar isn't the best weapon for single-target damage, it's excellent for dealing with groups of enemies. A well-placed shot can stagger multiple opponents, giving you time to reload or reposition.
• Pair it with Demolition Expert: The Demolition Expert perk increases the damage of explosive weapons, which includes the Junk Mortar. This perk can significantly boost the weapon's damage output, making it a much more viable option in combat.
• Consider a Stealth Build: While it may seem counterintuitive, the Junk Mortar can be effective in a stealth build. Use it to take out enemies from a distance before they can detect you, or use it to create distractions that allow you to sneak past them.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Junk Mortar master. So, grab your weapon, load it up with some trash, and get ready to unleash a storm of garbage on your enemies!

Conclusion

The Junk Mortar in Fallout 4 is more than just a novelty weapon; it's a testament to the game's creativity and its emphasis on resourcefulness. While it may not be the most powerful weapon in the game, it's undoubtedly one of the most fun and versatile. Its ability to use almost any junk item as ammunition makes it a valuable asset in survival mode, and its unique projectile behavior adds a layer of strategy to combat. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the wasteland, the Junk Mortar is worth experimenting with. So, grab your weapon, gather your junk, and get ready to turn trash into treasure. After all, in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 4, one person's trash is another person's… explosive ammunition. Happy junking, guys!