S.A.T.S. (Also known as Stable-Tec Arcane Targeting Spell) is an ability that allows you to fire shots that are automatically aimed at highlighted locations or enemies.
Usage[]
Some targets being selected in S.A.T.S.
By pressing [V] or [Mouse Wheel], you will pause the game and bring up the S.A.T.S. targeting screen. Any targets in direct sight of the player will be highlighted, showing their name and a percentage chance of hitting them, based on your weapon's range stat and how far away your target is.
Your weapon's trajectory is shown with a green line, showing you how your projectiles will travel, including if it will impact any solid walls along the way. Melee weapons will show an aura of range around you. Grenades and grenade launchers will show a curved arc instead, due to them being affected by gravity, as well as the splash radius of the explosion. Offensive spells will show the trajectory coming from your horn instead of your weapon.
Pressing [left-click] on any location or highlighted target will select them, using up some of your action points in the process. Some weapons will fire several times each time a target is selected (assault rifles and flamethrowers for example). Pressing [Q] will cancel the most recent selection, while pressing [E] or [V] will fire your weapon at each location and/or target you have selected in the order you selected them.
Action points[]
Action points, or AP, are what S.A.T.S. uses to fire at enemies. Each time a target is selected, some action points will be used up based on the weapon that is being used. Having insufficient action points will not allow you to select a target. Your action points will slowly recover over time, up to your maximum amount.
There is a variety of things that can be used to increase the amount of action points you have. You start with 75 action points.
| Name | Type | Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Cogitator | Artifact |
+25 action points. |
Main quest item. |
| Transistor module | Augmentation |
+25 action points. |
|
| Action pony 1-3 | Perk |
+25 action points per level. |
|
| Dash effect | Status effect |
+30 action points. |
Applied after using Dash. |
| Ultra-dash effect | Status effect |
+70 action points. |
Applied after using Ultra-dash. |
| Dash after effect | Status effect |
-10 action points. |
Inflicted once Dash effect or Ultra-dash effect runs out. |
| Dash addiction 1-3 | Status effect |
-10 action points per level. |
Inflicted once Dash effect or Ultra-dash effect runs out, and you're addicted to Dash. |
| Effect of food | Status effect |
+20 action points. |
Applied after eating an egg, butter or fried potatoes. |
Other[]
Certain other things will affect S.A.T.S. in various ways.
| Name | Type | Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insufficient skill penalty |
+33% AP consumption if you're 1 level below a weapon requirement, or +100% consumption if you're 2 levels below. |
Increases the cost, making you shoot less. | |
| Tactical analyzer | Augmentation | While in S.A.T.S., enemies highlighted will show their level, health and armor. | |
| Cold-blooded | Perk | No bonuses are applied when using S.A.T.S. | |
| Duelist | Perk |
-25% AP consumption while using Firearms pistols. |
Decreases the cost, allowing you to shoot more. |
| Math logic 1-2 | Perk |
-15% AP consumption for first level, -25% consumption for second level. |
Decreases the cost, allowing you to shoot more. |
| Run and gun | Perk | No bonuses are applied when using S.A.T.S. |
Notes[]
- The game pauses to select targets, however the shots are fired in real time, meaning that shooting at a moving target may miss anyway, due to your weapon's projectile speed and S.A.T.S.'s lack of movement prediction.
- S.A.T.S.'s trajectory prediction only takes into account 0% weapon spread. Shots that require high amounts of accuracy may still miss, due to the weapon's natural spread. This also includes grenades.
- Mines and bombs are not supported by S.A.T.S., and therefore it cannot be used while holding them.
- Despite the fact that the Alicorn Armor is described as being "like S.A.T.S. working in real time", you cannot activate S.A.T.S. at all while wearing it.
Trivia[]
- You can have a maximum of 285 action points if you combine your base amount (75) with either the Quantum Cogitator or Transistor module (25), Action pony 3 (75), Ultra-dash with the Combat stimulators perk (90) and a food item (20). Additionally you can have up to a 43.75% reduction in AP consumption with both Math logic 2 and Duelist while using pistols, resulting in an equivalent of 506 action points.