Fallout 76 Best Weapons
Uncover the top weapons for every stage in Fallout 76, from early struggles to late-game dominance, and which to avoid.
Fallout 76, the always-online prequel to the revered Fallout series, eschews the single-player narrative-driven experience of its predecessors for a more open-world, survive-and-thrive adventure in post-apocalyptic West Virginia. With this shift towards a community-based survival experience, the arsenal you carry becomes not just your lifeline but a reflection of your play style, progression, and even your status in the game's sprawling world. Understanding which weapons to wield--and when--can be the difference between thriving in the wasteland or becoming another cautionary tale for passing travelers. Let's dive deep into the best (and worst) weaponry Fallout 76 has to offer across different stages of the game, ensuring you're always locked, loaded, and ready for whatever the game throws at you.
Early Game
Embarking on your journey from Vault 76, you're as fresh-faced and green as the irradiated foliage surrounding you. In these initial hours, your primary goals are survival, understanding the game's mechanics, and beginning to explore the vast wasteland.
1. Hunting Rifle: This staple of the Fallout series makes an early appearance and remains a dependable choice. Its high damage output, especially with headshots, makes it invaluable for early encounters with wildlife and hostile survivors. Ammunition for it is also relatively easy to scavenge or craft.
2. Pipe Weapons: While not glamorous, pipe weapons are a mainstay in the early game due to their abundance and the ease with which they can be modified. A pipe revolver or bolt-action can be a workhorse weapon until better options are found.
3. Machete: Melee weapons are incredibly effective in the early stages when ammo can be scarce. The machete offers a good balance of speed and damage, making it ideal for those surprise close encounters with the less friendly residents of Appalachia.
Mid-Game
As you amass experience and resources, your arsenal should evolve to face tougher challenges and diversified threats. This is where your choice of weaponry begins to significantly impact your effectiveness in various game scenarios.
1. Combat Shotgun: Close quarters combat is where the combat shotgun shines, with its ability to deliver devastating damage at short range. It's perfect for clearing out densely populated areas without having to precisely aim.
2. Handmade Rifle: A fan favorite, the handmade rifle is versatile and powerful. Whether in PvP confrontations or PvE, this weapon's range, rate of fire, and damage make it a formidable choice.
3. Super Sledge: When it comes to melee, the super sledge is a mid-game powerhouse. Its staggering damage output can make short work of most enemies, though its slower speed makes timing your strikes essential.
Late Game
As you approach the zenith of your Appalachian adventure, the game throws the kitchen sink at you. Legendary creatures, high-level events, and the ever-present threat from other players mean your weaponry needs to pack a serious punch.
1. The Dragon: A muzzle-loading rifle that fires four .50 caliber balls simultaneously. Though it suffers from a slow reload time, the devastating initial volley it delivers is unparalleled, making it a prime choice for ambushes or as an opening salvo.
2. Gauss Rifle: Combining range, accuracy, and punch, the Gauss Rifle is a late-game favorite for snipers. Charging shots increases damage, allowing you to adapt to the needs of the situation, be it a quick skirmish or a stealthy takedown.
3. Power Fist: For melee enthusiasts, the power fist offers late-game viability with its high damage and armor penetration. It's especially effective for those who have specced into strength and melee damage perks.
Best Overall
In a world as volatile and unpredictable as Fallout 76's Appalachia, versatility and reliability are the hallmarks of the best weapons. While the "best" weapon can be somewhat subjective, based on playstyle and preference, there are standout choices that consistently rise to the top.
1. Fixer: This enhanced combat rifle boosts stealth, increases movement speed while sneaking, and offers a solid damage rate. Its versatility in both PvE and PvP situations secures its spot as one of the best all-around weapons in the game.
2. Gauss Shotgun: Leveraging the charging mechanic of the Gauss family, this shotgun's range and damage output defy the typical limitations of its class, making it a powerhouse in nearly any scenario.
3. Bloodied Weapons (Any): For players willing to live on the edge, weapons with the Bloodied legendary effect--which increases damage the lower your health--is a game-changer. When combined with the right build and perks, it allows for some of the highest damage outputs in the game.
Worst Weapons
Not everything you pick up in the wasteland is worth carrying, and some weapons might as well be paperweights for all the good they'll do you in a firefight.
1. Syringer: More a novelty than a viable weapon, the Syringer fires syringes with various effects. While amusing, its impracticality in most combat situations earns it a spot on the list.
2. Drill: Yes, you can find and use a drill as a weapon, but its abysmal damage output and lack of utility make it more of a curiosity than a tool of wasteland justice.
3. Flare Gun: Intended more for signaling than combat, the flare gun does negligible damage and takes up a slot that could be used for far more effective weaponry.
In summary, Fallout 76's vast arsenal offers a weapon for every situation, whether you're sneaking through dilapidated ruins, leading a group against a towering Scorched Beast, or defending your workshop from rival players. Your proficiency and preference will guide your choices, but understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Appalachia's armaments will invariably give you the edge in a world where only the strongest survive. Remember, the right tool for the job isn't just a saying in the wasteland--it's a way of life.