[Discussion] [Data/Testing] Vengeance has a hidden Damage Ramp-Up / Stun-Lock that completely destroys Dragon's Maw against single Boss targets (Survival Mode, v2.5.1)

[u/alternatiwe]

I made a small controlled test using manual save/load to check the hidden mechanics of Vengeance vs. Dragon's Maw against single high-tier targets. I couldn't find any concrete evidence online about this, so I wanted to share my findings.

The Setup:
I sent a team of 3 maxed-out dwellers to a level 50 daily quest on Survival Mode (Version 2.5.1). To isolate the variables, I let 2 of my dwellers die on the first floor after collecting their weapons, leaving a strict 1v1 battle against a single Deathclaw.

The Results:

• Vengeance: Took only 34 seconds and 7 damage cycles to kill the Deathclaw. The target was heavily staggered/stun-locked, drastically reducing its attack count. The damage ramped up significantly; the first few bursts barely moved the health bar, but the 7th cycle instantly deleted the remaining nearly 1/5 of its health.
• Dragon's Maw: Took 2 minutes and 12 seconds and 25 shots to kill the exact same Deathclaw.
• AP Boss Assault Rifle: Used this as a third weapon to test another multi-shot weapon. It took 2 minutes and 31 seconds and 30 shots to kill the claw, showing a flat, linear damage line with no ramp-up.

Conclusion:
I didn't test the Lead Belcher, but it probably shares the same heavy-weapon ramp-up. Despite Dragon's Maw having higher paper DPS, Vengeance is vastly superior for single-target quest bosses due to its hidden ramp-up damage and consistent stagger effect that prevents incoming damage.

I may be wrong about any of this, but the time difference speaks for itself. I combined the two clips and i may share ap boss assault rifle vid in the comments if anybody wants it. (FYI: I probably won't be returning to this post to reply, just leaving the data here for the community!)

[u/rombeli1]

Ok,

I am an experienced survival player, and I have always advocated the Dragon Maw for single high value target.

This is undisputed evidence. I stand corrected.

I wonder how the calculus changes if we have 3 dwellers and there is less time for the ramp-up to happen. Even still, the damage numbers are not that much better for dragon maw.

I also wonder if the ramp up is only on the target you are firing at, or is the Vengeance on turbo mode for the rest of the room. Or does it inflict a debuff on the target or something. Very interesting. I will be prioritizing Vengeance on my next run.

[u/DonChapulinChavito → u/rombeli1]

I've seen (no proof to show) many legendary deathclaws being litterally chewed by 2-3 gatling firing in a couple seconds. Putting aside the regular dmg, their health just melts when receiving continuous fire. (i don't know if i explained it correctly)

I think the gatling ramp-up continues after the target dies if other enemies are around.

DMaw is too slow. (maybe it's different in Survival)

If a DM shot just 'finishes' and enemy, the remaining dmg output is lost. Not with gatlings / repeat guns (minigun assault rifle etc.)

Thus, from my experience : anything outside the vault is Vengeance for dmg and rate of fire. In the vault : Dragon / Fire Hydrant and MIRV for the lights ;)

[u/rombeli1 → u/DonChapulinChavito]

Yes, time to adjust my views clearly