download the outer worlds beginner guide

Shotguns in The Outer Worlds, for example, basically want you to be inside the monster to deal damage.

You can also augment some weapons and armor with mods to increase their potency.

The weapon is far lower level than the enemies you're trying to fight.

The weapon is damaged and must be repaired at a workbench (or in the field, if you have the skill).

The enemies are strong against that particular weapon (for example, robots take more damage from electrical weapons than regular bullets).

If you find your weapons doing ridiculously inadequate amounts of damage, it may be one of the following problems: While out in the field, you'll get weapons and armor that are appropriate to your level, but some of the game's more unique named weapons, armor, and 'Science' weapons will remain at the level you found them at unless you tinker them up.

Tinkering allows you to increase the level of an item, effectively, increasing its damage or defensive properties. If you put 20 points into engineering or have a companion with engineering capabilities, you'll unlock the ability to 'tinker' with weapons and armor. Source: The Outer Worlds (Image credit: Source: The Outer Worlds)

Download the outer worlds beginner guide