While using V.A.T.S, real-time combat is slowed down, and action is played out from varying camera angles in a computer graphics version of 'bullet time.' Attacking in V.A.T.S. Another returning gameplay feature is the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S.), which can play a critical part in combat. Players can also find game cartridges with retro themed mini-games which can be played on the Pip-Boy. The player character, the Sole Survivor, accesses the in-game menus through a Pip-Boy to manage statistics, maps, data, and items. Enemies such as mole rats, mirelurks, raiders, super mutants, deathclaws, and ghouls return to the series.
Additional features include a split-piece armor system (reminiscent of the armor system in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind), base-building, a dynamic dialogue system, an in-depth crafting system that makes use of every lootable object in the game as a source of raw material and more. The gameplay is largely similar to that of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, with the ability to switch from first to third-person view.
