Top Fallout 76 Weapons: A Guide to the Best Gear and How to Obtain Them

In the early game of Fallout 76, players will notice a continual change in their weapon selection. As foes gain strength, it becomes apparent that the initial pipe pistols are no longer effective. Consequently, players frequently scrap old weapons to craft or loot new ones. Initially, it may seem as though no weapons possess distinctive characteristics worth preserving. However, over time and with increasing difficulty, certain weapons will stand out as the best choices in Fallout 76.

Compiling a list of top firearms and melee weapons in Fallout 76 is a nuanced task. Player style and perk selections significantly influence which weapons excel in various circumstances. This guide will offer an array of options, focusing on versatility and overall effectiveness while avoiding a strict ranking.

Updated December 14, 2024, by Christopher Norman Worcester: In preparation for the close of 2024, we are revisiting our most popular guides to ensure the information remains current and useful. This update on the best weapons in Fallout 76 is designed to provide the most accurate guidance as we approach new content in 2025.

As a constantly evolving online experience, Fallout 76 continues to introduce new elements. This list presents the finest weapons available in Fallout 76 for 2024, with plans for updates as fresh ammunition options come into play next year.

Top Weapons in Fallout 76 – Skyline Valley Update

The Skyline Valley update introduces a limited range of new weapons. Instead, it refreshes existing popular options, many of which have maintained their status as top weapons in Fallout 76 for 2024. Here, we highlight two standout weapons from this recent pool.

Shattered Grounds

This new iteration of the Handmade Rifle quickly emerged as one of our favorites, bolstered by explosive rounds that enhance damage by 20% alongside a 90% weight reduction. The Junkie effect also increases damage with each addiction status accumulated, capping at 50%.
How to Acquire: Follow the main quest line in Skyline Valley until you encounter Stolz, the Overseer, and Oberlin, the head of security. Progressing through Oberlin’s quests, particularly “Double-Crossed Wires,”will reward you with Shattered Grounds.

V63 Shock Baton

For melee enthusiasts, this weapon has claimed the title of best melee weapon in the game. With notable effects increasing durability, armor penetration, and a chance to cripple limbs, this baton excels with the right perk setup. Utilize the Incisor perk to bypass enemy armor and Martial Artist to enhance swing speed, effectively taking down newer Lost enemies.
How to Acquire: Obtain the V63 Shock Baton by completing Oberlin’s initial quest, “Housekeeping for Hire.”

Plasma Caster – Special Mention 2024

While it wasn’t added in the Skyline Valley update, the Plasma Caster has gained significant popularity since the first map expansion. This Heavy Weapon operates like a Gatling Gun, shooting plasma rounds.
How to Acquire: After completing the Settler or Raider questlines from the Wastelanders update, you can purchase its plans from Regs for 750 Gold Bullion. Additionally, it drops from Legendary enemies or can be obtained as event rewards from Purveyor Murmrgh.

Holy Fire

Holy Fire stands out as one of the most formidable weapons in Fallout 76, capable of quickly dispatching even the toughest foes.
The Vampire effect allows it to restore health while dealing damage.
Best used in conjunction with perks like Heavy Gunner, Bloody Mess, Batteries Included (for team play), Bear Arms, Stabilized, and One Gun Army.
A significant drawback is its rapid ammo consumption, necessitating regular crafting or purchasing of fuel, which may limit its practicality. Nevertheless, from a damage perspective, it can be considered the best gun in Fallout 76.

Holy Fire Legendary Effects:

Rapid: 25% faster attack speed.
Durability: Degrades 50% slower.
Vampire’s Legendary Mod: Restores 2% health over 2 seconds upon hitting a target.

Acquisition of Holy Fire:

It may potentially drop as a reward for successfully completing the Beasts of Burden event.

Cold Shoulder

Currently regarded as one of the strongest weapons in Fallout 76, the Cold Shoulder combines cryo damage with standard ballistic damage, allowing it to slow down enemies while inflicting harm.
Possessing enhanced ammo capacity, it operates similarly to a double-barreled shotgun while benefiting from the capabilities of pump-action or automatic shotguns.
Best perks to complement include Scattershot, Skeet Shooter, Enforcer, and Shotgunner.
Upgrading the receiver can notably amplify its damage output.
Players seeking a robust shotgun should also consider the Combat Shotgun, which can be enhanced through upgrades without requiring Atoms or stamps.
To craft, the Gunsmith perk at Level 2 is necessary.

Cold Shoulder Perks:

4x Ammo Capacity
+50% damage against Cryptids
Gradual freezing effect that impairs target movement speed by up to 85% for 4 seconds.

Level	Crafting Requirements	Stats
15	Adhesive x4 Gear x3 Legendary Module x2 Oil x4 Screw x7 Steel x16 Wood x7	Damage: 10 x 8 (Ballistic) Damage: 9 x 8 (Cryo) Capacity: 8 Single Fire Fire Rate: 36 Range: 72 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 16 AP Cost: 30 Weight: 9.3 Value: 146 Caps
25	Adhesive x5 Gear x5 Legendary Module x2 Oil x5 Screw x9 Steel x18 Wood x9	Damage: 11 x 8 (Ballistic) Damage: 9 x 8 (Cryo) Capacity: 8 Single Fire Fire Rate: 36 Range: 72 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 16 AP Cost: 30 Weight: 9.3 Value: 146 Caps
35	Adhesive x6 Gear x7 Legendary Module x2 Oil x6 Screw x11 Steel x20 Wood x11	Damage: 13 x 8 (Ballistic) Damage: 9 x 8 (Cryo) Capacity: 8 Single Fire Fire Rate: 36 Range: 72 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 16 AP Cost: 30 Weight: 9.3 Value: 146 Caps
45	Adhesive x8 Gear x9 Legendary Module x2 Oil x8 Screw x13 Steel x23 Wood x14	Damage: 14 x 8 (Ballistic) Damage: 9 x 8 (Cryo) Capacity: 8 Single Fire Fire Rate: 36 Range: 72 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 16 AP Cost: 30 Weight: 9.3 Value: 146 Caps

How to Acquire the Cold Shoulder Shotgun in Fallout 76

Currently, players can obtain the Cold Shoulder through either of the following methods:

Purchasing crafting plans from Giuseppe at the Whitespring Refuge for 500 Stamps.
Buying crafting plans from the Atomic Store.

Perfect Storm

The Perfect Storm is an immensely effective 10mm submachine gun that excels against a variety of enemies.
Beyond its ballistic firepower, Perfect Storm adds 3 seconds of fire damage with each shot, allowing players to take cover and let the flames burn through foes, making it a contender for one of the top guns in Fallout 76.
Combine with perks like Commando (Base, Expert, Master), Ground Pounder, and Long Shot for optimal performance.

Level	Stats
10	Damage: 17 (Ballistic) Fire Damage: 8/sec (24 total over 3 seconds) Capacity: 30 Automatic Fire Rate: 91 Range: 120 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 60 AP Cost: 27 Weight: 4.2 Value: 242 Caps
20	Damage: 19 (Ballistic) Fire Damage: 8/sec (24 total over 3 seconds) Capacity: 30 Automatic Fire Rate: 91 Range: 120 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 60 AP Cost: 27 Weight: 4.2 Value: 242 Caps
30	Damage: 23 (Ballistic) Fire Damage: 8/sec (24 total over 3 seconds) Capacity: 30 Automatic Fire Rate: 91 Range: 120 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 60 AP Cost: 27 Weight: 4.2 Value: 242 Caps
40	Damage: 28 (Ballistic) Fire Damage: 8/sec (24 total over 3 seconds) Capacity: 30 Automatic Fire Rate: 91 Range: 120 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 60 AP Cost: 27 Weight: 4.2 Value: 242 Caps
50	Damage: 34 (Ballistic) Fire Damage: 8/sec (24 total over 3 seconds) Capacity: 30 Automatic Fire Rate: 91 Range: 120 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 60 AP Cost: 27 Weight: 4.2 Value: 242 Caps

How to Acquire the Perfect Storm 10mm Submachine Gun in Fallout 76:

Since Perfect Storm can only be obtained once, it’s optimal to wait until you’re Level 50 or above to acquire it. This choice is largely based on maximizing the gun’s potential, as its level will match the player’s when completing the ‘Cold Case’ mission.

Perfect Storm is awarded upon completing the ‘Cold Case’ quest at Wavy Willard’s Water Park in the Toxic Valley. Speak with Annie, the Miss Nanny robot, situated in the park’s center.
No alternate methods exist for crafting or buying this weapon.

Cremator

The Cremator is a powerful Flamer that deals immense damage to various enemy types, including tough adversaries.
Use it with the Heavy Gunner perks and consider equipping Power Armor for enhanced benefits from perks like Stabilized.
The Cremator has the potential to ignite the user; hence, the Fireproof perk is advisable to mitigate any self-inflicted damage.
In team scenarios, equip the Friendly Fire perk for added synergy.
This weapon necessitates the Science Expert perk for crafting.

Level	Crafting Requirements	Stats
30	Adhesive x10 Asbestos: x14 Copper x9 Rubber x10 Screw x10 Spring x8 Steel x31	Damage: 40 (Fire) Damage: 18/sec (108 over 6 seconds Burn) Capacity: 90 Fire Mode: Single Fire Fire Rate: 15 Range: 204 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 63 AP Cost: 30 Weight: 15 Value: 194
40	Adhesive x11 Asbestos: x15 Copper x10 Rubber x13 Screw x12 Spring x11 Steel x34	Damage: 60 (Fire) Damage: 23/sec (138 over 6 seconds Burn) Capacity: 90 Fire Mode: Single Fire Fire Rate: 15 Range: 204 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 63 AP Cost: 30 Weight: 15 Value: 194
50	Adhesive x13 Asbestos: x17 Copper x12 Rubber x16 Screw x14 Spring x14 Steel x36	Damage: 80 (Fire) Damage: 28/sec (168 over 6 seconds Burn) Capacity: 90 Fire Mode: Single Fire Fire Rate: 15 Range: 204 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 63 AP Cost: 30 Weight: 15 Value: 194

How to Acquire the Cremator Flamer in Fallout 76

Currently, the only means to obtain the Cremator is by progressing through the ‘Rip Daring Duel with the Devil’ Season. Players must reach Rank 22 and expend 45 tickets to unlock the crafting plans.
For similar weaponry in the base game, players can find a Flamer, with comparable characteristics, from several merchants in Whitespring.

Tesla Rifle

The Tesla Rifle classifies as one of the energy weapons in Fallout 76, utilizing electrical arcs to take down foes. This makes it especially useful against robotic enemies, which typically take more damage from energy attacks.
Inefficient against larger gatherings of foes, it also possesses the ability to chain electricity between targets.
Crafting the Tesla Rifle necessitates Science at Rank 1.
These rifles can drop in legendary forms and are compatible with legendary crafting systems.
Optimal perks include the full Commando or Rifleman, depending on whether it’s set for auto or single fire. Additionally, Batteries Included will lighten the load of energy ammunition.

Level	Crafting Requirements	Stats
40	Adhesive x14 Circuitry x9 Crystal x6 Nuclear Material x5 Plastic x13 Screw x17 Steel x23	Damage: 66 (uses Fusion Cells) Chain: 65% of damage to secondary targets Capacity: 15 Fire Rate: 20 Range: 228 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 72 AP Cost: 30 Weight: 9.2 Value: 1044 Caps
50	Adhesive x16 Circuitry x11 Crystal x8 Nuclear Material x7 Plastic x15 Screw x19 Steel x25	Damage: 78 (uses Fusion Cells) Chain: 65% of damage to secondary targets Capacity: 15 Fire Rate: 20 Range: 228 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 72 AP Cost: 30 Weight: 9.2 Value: 1044 Caps

How to Obtain Tesla and Gauss Rifles in Fallout 76:

Plans can be purchased from Vendor Bot Phoenix at the Super-Duper Martin Watoga Shopping Plaza and from the Brotherhood of Steel’s local goods vendor at Whitespring Mall for 2760 caps.
Meanwhile, Gauss Rifle plans are available from the Brotherhood of Steel local goods vendor at Whitespring Mall and vendor bot at Watoga Station for 4140 caps.
Additionally, Tesla Rifles can drop from Deathclaws.

Handmade Rifle

Handmade Rifles are widely regarded as the premier craftable assault rifle in the game. Though the Combat Rifle offers solid early-game performance, the Handmade can sustain its effectiveness throughout the entire game, particularly when enhanced through legendary crafting.
With a diverse array of modifications available, the Handmade Rifle allows players to explore various configurations for optimal performance.
Utilize either the Commando or Rifleman perks based on preference for automatic or single firing modes. It defaults to Single Fire, while the Automatic Receiver mod must be acquired separately.
The Gunsmith perk at Level 3 is necessary for crafting.

Level	Crafting Requirements	Stats
15	Adhesive x4 Copper x3 Gear x3 Oil x3 Screw x7 Spring x6 Steel x8 Wood x5	Damage: 30 (Ballistic) But: 5.56 Capacity: 20 Single Fire Fire Rate: 40 Range: 120 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 71 AP Cost: 32 Weight: 9.2 Value: 586 Caps
25	Adhesive x5 Copper x4 Gear x5 Oil x4 Screw x9 Spring x9 Steel x10 Wood x7	Damage: 35 (Ballistic) But: 5.56 Capacity: 20 Single Fire Fire Rate: 40 Range: 120 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 71 AP Cost: 32 Weight: 9.2 Value: 586 Caps
35	Adhesive x6 Copper x5 Gear x7 Oil x5 Screw x11 Spring x12 Steel x12 Wood x9	Damage: 40 (Ballistic) But: 5.56 Capacity: 20 Single Fire Fire Rate: 40 Range: 120 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 71 AP Cost: 32 Weight: 9.2 Value: 586 Caps
45	Adhesive x8 Copper x7 Gear x9 Oil x7 Screw x13 Spring x15 Steel x15 Wood x12	Damage: 45 (Ballistic) But: 5.56 Capacity: 20 Single Fire Fire Rate: 40 Range: 120 V.A.T.S. Accuracy: 71 AP Cost: 32 Weight: 9.2 Value: 586 Caps

How to Acquire the Handmade Rifle in Fallout 76:

Plans for the Handmade Rifle can be purchased from several vendors in Appalachia. Whitespring Mall is a recommended destination, where multiple vendors sell designs for 1863 caps.
The gun itself can also be acquired from various NPC and player vendors at low prices, typically ranging from 100 to 150 caps.
Handmade Rifles are frequently dropped by Raiders.
Possibilities exist for obtaining it from crowned bosses like Yao Guai, Honey Beast, and Free Radicals.

Auto Axe

The Auto Axe is an enjoyable and effective melee weapon in Fallout 76.
This formidable, spinning saw/axe excels at shredding through enemies quickly, making it a fantastic choice for confronting crowds of Scorched and Ghouls.
As a melee weapon, it operates exclusively on Action Points (AP) instead of ammunition.
Enhance its effectiveness further with any Two-Handed Melee Weapon perks such as all Slugger variants.

Level	Crafting Requirements	Stats
20	Adhesive x4 Gear x4 Oil x5 Screw x4 Steel x12	Damage: 15 Speed: Very Fast AP Cost: 4 Weight: 12
25	Adhesive x4 Gear x4 Oil x5 Screw x4 Steel x12	Damage: 17 Speed: Very Fast AP Cost: 4 Weight: 12
30	Adhesive x4 Gear x4 Oil x5 Screw x4 Steel x12	Damage: 18 Speed: Very Fast AP Cost: 4 Weight: 12
35	Adhesive x4 Gear x4 Oil x5 Screw x4 Steel x12	Damage: 21 Speed: Very Fast AP Cost: 4 Weight: 12
40	Adhesive x4 Gear x4 Oil x5 Screw x4 Steel x12	Damage: 27 Speed: Very Fast AP Cost: 4 Weight: 12
45	Adhesive x4 Gear x4 Oil x5 Screw x4 Steel x12	Damage: 33 Speed: Very Fast AP Cost: 4 Weight: 12
50	Adhesive x4 Gear x4 Oil x5 Screw x4 Steel x12	Damage: 39 Speed: Very Fast AP Cost: 4 Weight: 12

How to Acquire the Auto-Axe in Fallout 76:

Players can obtain the Auto Axe through one of two methods:

Purchase crafting plans from Giuseppe at the Whitespring Refuge for 500 stamps.
Alternatively, players can buy it from the Atomic Shop.

Honorable Mentions

With the extensive range of weapons available, many excellent options may not appear on this list of top weapons in Fallout 76. Here are some additional selections worth considering.

Auto Grenade Launcher

The Auto-Grenade Launcher stands out as a formidable Heavy Weapon in Fallout 76. Though late-game players might benefit most from it, other weapons can cater better to newcomers. Plans for the Auto-Grenade Launcher can be found from various vendors at Whitespring Mall for 4658 caps and may drop from high-level enemies.

Gatling/Minigun Variants

Numerous weapon lists spotlight various Gatling Gun or Minigun forms. The Laser and Plasma variants are particularly powerful, though their rapid ammo depletion may render them less suitable for beginners. Basic ballistic models are also effective, especially against formidable enemies like Deathclaws and Scorchbeasts. Retaining one in your arsenal for tougher encounters is advisable.

Super Mutant Primus and Warlords found on the east coast (Cranberry Bog, the Mire) frequently carry and drop Miniguns.
Lower-tier Super Mutants are known to drop Small Gatling Guns.
Plans can be acquired from assorted vendors at Whitespring Mall.

The Dragon

The Dragon is an engaging four-barreled Black-Powder Rifle favored by many players. Using. 50 balls, it fires four projectiles per trigger pull for just one unit of ammo. However, its lengthy reload time of 10 seconds diminishes its practicality, preventing it from making it onto the primary list.

Players can purchase The Dragon from the Free States local goods vendor located at The Whitespring Mall.

Alien Blaster

The Alien Blaster is included mostly for its quirky appeal than raw statistics. While it utilizes specialized ammo or can be modded to accept Fusion Cells, it fails to match the damage output of the other firearms on this list. Nonetheless, it provides a fun experience, particularly against smaller foes.

The Alien Blaster is located in a submerged safe at the Toxic Pond and Wreckage in the Toxic Valley, east of Grainger Farm. Look for the Butterfly on the map as a landmark for the location.

Merchant Locations in Fallout 76

This section provides an overview of merchant locations throughout Fallout 76.

Whitespring Mall

Located at the Whitespring Resort in central Appalachia, the mall exists in the Savage Divide area. It comprises two sections: the Mall and the Refuge. Within the Mall, you’ll find numerous vendors stationed along a lengthy hallway. Each storefront displays chalkboards that detail their offerings. Note that stock changes frequently; if you don’t find the weapon or plans you need, consider switching servers and returning.

Whitespring Refuge

Giuseppe’s Curios can be found within the Vibrant pink-tinted room adorned with a chandelier in the Whitespring Refuge. The small adjacent room bearing a pink and white banner is where Giuseppe can be seen. Notably, his shop only accepts stamps earned through Fallout 76’s Expeditions.

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