Fallout 76 Best Weapons

As you may have guessed, the aftermath of a nuclear war is not fun. From the moment you jump into Fallout 76, your sole purpose is to survive and rebuild the world. Thanks to the nuclear explosion, you’re forced to fight against monsters, strange creatures and god-knows-what-else in order to survive. But with so many weapons scattered around the game, what are the best Fallout 76 weapons to use?

After a rocky launch, Fallout 76 is getting a massive update with human NPCs and a new Battle Royale game mode called Nuclear Winter. As you’ll have to fight to become the Overseer of Vault 51 in the new game mode, you’ll definitely require the best Fallout 76 weapons. So, which weapon will you choose to survive in the post-nuclear open world that is Fallout 76?

Top 19 Fallout 76 Weapons

Let’s take a look at the best Fallout 76 weapons, their statistics and how they perform in-game. After all, you’re going to require the best weapons in order to survive in the post-apocalyptic world.

#1 Perfect Storm

Perfect Storm: Stats

• Weapon Type: Automatic Weapon
• Level: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50
• Damage: 14, 34
• Fire Rate: 91
• Accuracy: 6.2, 60
• Range: 120
• Clip Size: 30
• Ammo: 10mm
• Weight: 4.5
• Value: 96

Perfect Storm Review

If you want to burn your enemies to a crisp, then the first gun on our list is the perfect weapon for you. The Perfect Storm is a legendary 10mm submachine gun capable of setting enemies on fire for three seconds. After you fire the weapon at super mutants and protectrons, the Perfect Storm will deal additional damage for a length of time.

Sounds brutal, I know. In order to obtain this legendary weapon, you will have to complete a side quest known as Cold Case found in Wavy Willard’s Water Park. Once you have finished the side quest, you will receive the Perfect Storm (modded 10-mm SMG) as well as 300 XP, random ammo and a random aid item. It’s seriously one of the best weapons in the game, so we highly recommend that you get your hands on this gun as soon as possible.

#2 Gatling Gun

Gatling Gun: Stats

• Weapon Type: Heavy weapon
• Level: 20, 30, 40, 50
• Damage: 36, 48, 60, 72
• Fire Rate: 400
• Accuracy: 55
• Range: 120
• Clip Size: 250
• Ammo: 5mm
• Weight: 19.80
• Value: 132

Gatling Gun Review

Commonly found in weapon containers and government supply drops, the Gatling Gun is a fantastic Fallout 76 weapon that fires 5mm rounds. Unlike the Perfect Storm, the Gatling Gun is an entry-level, rapid-fire weapon that fires inexpensive rounds. As this is a heavy weapon, you might want to consider using the Bear Arms Perk to lower the weight of the Gatling Gun.

There are even some perks that improve on damage output. What’s more, the Gatling Gun is a cheap 5mm heavy gun that can be made in bulk, which is why we believe it’s one of the best weapons to use in Fallout 76.

#3 Fat Man

Fat Man: Stats

• Weapon Type: Explosives
• Level: 25, 35, 35
• Damage: 360, 921
• Fire Rate: 2
• Accuracy: 64
• Range: 117
• Clip Size: 1
• Ammo: Mini nuke
• Weight: 20
• Value: 243, 179

Fat Man Review

Don’t be fooled by the name of the next weapon on our list—it’s an excellent explosive gun used to blow enemy brains to smithereens. The Fat Man is a legendary explosive weapon that can destroy everything within a 20 meter radius, perfect for outdoor and long-range combat.

As the Fat Man uses mini-nukes to obliterate strange creatures, it’s a very heavy weapon—you could even say it’s a pretty fat gun—so you won’t be able to carry much else around the post-apocalyptic world. But truthfully, the Fat Man is all you need. You can start crafting this beast at level 25, so you might want to consider using another weapon from our list in order to level up faster.

#4 50 Cal Machine Gun (Browning M2)

50 Cal Machine Gun (Browning M2): Stats

• Weapon Type: Machine gun (heavy weapon)
• Level: 25, 35, 45
• Damage: 24, 30, 36
• Fire Rate: 91
• Accuracy: 47
• Range: 204
• Clip Size: 250
• Ammo: .50 round
• Weight: 18
• Value: 170

50 Cal Machine Gun (Browning M2) Review

The 50 Cal Machine Gun, also known as Browning M2, is a terrific weapon used to annihilate enemies in Fallout 76. Since the 50 Cal gun boasts high power and decent accuracy, even from a distance, it’s the perfect middle ground between a minigun and an assault rifle. Once you load the Browning M2 with .50 caliber rounds, it’s game over for robots and anything else that stands in your way. Sadly, you have to be at least level 25 in Fallout 76 before you can craft or even equipt a 50 Cal Machine Gun. Nevertheless, once you’ve reached such a level, you’ll be one of the most frightening beings in post-war West Virginia.

#5 Combat Shotgun

Combat Shotgun: Stats

• Weapon Type: Shotgun
• Level: 20, 30, 40, 50
• Damage: 60, 70, 80, 90
• Fire Rate: 20
• Accuracy: 16
• Range: 36
• Clip Size: 8
• Ammo: Shotgun shell
• Weight: 9.8
• Value: 131

Combat Shotgun Review

No matter what strange creatures you face in Fallout 76, a shotgun is a very nice weapon to choose. The Combat Shotgun, in particular, is a fantastic weapon that enables you to blast away anything that stands in your way. Just make sure that you’re close enough and that the shot is accurate…okay, it’s Fallout 76, who am I kidding?

With a high base damage and high ammunition capacity, we just had to include the Combat Shotgun onto our list. What’s more, certain perks allow for extra damage (Shotgunner), less weight (Scattershot) and even improved accuracy (Skeet Shooter)—a perk you’ll definitely require in Fallout 76. It’s truly a superb weapon that you must have in your post-apocalyptic arsenal.

#6 Double-Barrel Shotgun

Double-Barrel Shotgun: Stats

• Weapon Type: Shotgun
• Level: 15, 25, 35, 45
• Damage: 80, 90, 100, 115
• Fire Rate: 36
• Accuracy: 14
• Range: 36
• Clip Size: 2
• Ammo: Shotgun shell
• Weight: 8.4
• Value: 105

Double-Barrel Shotgun Review

Despite having a slow reload and fixed ammo capacity, the Double-Barrel Shotgun has a very high damage output. Therefore, if you manage to get your hands on this godly shotgun, nothing will stop you from getting where you want to go in Fallout 76. Fittingly, this shotgun is also known as the “scattergun” since it is designed to shoot a number of bullets in one go. Which in turn, massively increases your chances of hitting your target.

Modification such as the sawed-off barrel mod will boost critical hit damage even further, improving the way this Double-Barrel Shotgun performs in Fallout 76. Now, like most of the weapons on our list, you’ll require a minimum crafting level of 15—but once you reach this level, it’s goodbye to mutants.

#7 Handmade Rifle

Handmade Rifle: Stats

• Weapon Type: Rifle
• Level: 15, 25, 35, 45
• Damage: 30, 35, 40, 45
• Fire Rate: 40
• Accuracy: 71
• Range: 120
• Clip Size: 20
• Ammo: 5.56mm round
• Weight: 11.2
• Value: 95

Handmade Rifle Review

The next gun on our list is definitely a fan favourite thanks to how customizable it is. As you can craft and modify the Handmade Rifle to be a mid- to close range weapon, it’s a brilliant gun to use in all types of combat. But wait, there’s more. Not only is the Handmade Rifle versatile, but there are also a bunch of different perks that can turn the Handmade into a semi-automatic rifle (Recon Scope) or even an automatic rifle (Commando).

To improve your chances of blasting the brains out of your enemies, you can even increase armor penetration using the Tank Killer perk. I mean, it truly doesn’t get better than that.

#8 Gauss Rifle

Gauss Rifle: Stats

• Weapon Type: Energy weapon
• Level: 35, 45
• Damage: 125, 140
• Fire Rate: 67
• Accuracy: 60
• Range: 204

Clip Size: 

• Ammo: 2mm EC
• Weight: 10.4
• Value: 227

Gauss Rifle Review

Found in the legendary Fallout 4, the Gauss Rifle continues to be a player favourite in Fallout 76. Using Ballistic damage, the Gauss Rifle can be charged to take your enemies down within a matter of seconds. If you don’t wish to take on high-level enemies right away, you can find the Gauss Rifle around the post-nuclear world of Fallout 76.

If you really don’t fancy going on a gun hunt, you can even purchase this rifle from a vendor in exchange for caps. Plus, since the Gauss Rifle uses 2mm EC rounds that produce an explosion on impact, crafting ammunition on-the-go won’t be a problem.

#9 Laser Rifle

Laser Rifle: Stats

• Weapon Type: Non-automatic energy pistol
• Level: 5, 15, 25, 35, 45
• Damage: 19, 24, 28, 33, 40
• Fire Rate: 40
• Accuracy: 74
• Range: 119
• Clip Size: 30
• Ammo: Fusion cell
• Weight: 3
• Value: 60

Laser Rifle Review

With a name like ‘Laser Rifle’, you just know that this weapon is going to be outstanding—and it truly is great. It’s one of the most versatile weapons in Fallout 76 with the most modification options available. I mean, seriously, you can turn the Laser Rifle into a small laser scattergun or even a squad support weapon—how awesome is that?

Not to mention how cheap and common fusion cells are, too. Since this weapon is a rifle, like some of the other guns on our list, it’s best suited for long-range combat. So you don’t even have to get close-up to repulsive creatures in order to destroy them.

#10 Hunting Rifle

Hunting Rifle: Stats

• Weapon Type: Non-automatic rifle
• Level: 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50
• Damage: 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70
• Fire Rate: 3
• Accuracy: 65
• Range: 132
• Clip Size: 5
• Ammo: .308 round
• Weight: 6.6
• Value: 36

Hunting Rifle Review

Even though the Hunting Rifle is a very common weapon in Fallout 76, it’s the perfect long range gun that can be used up to level 30. Since you can modify anything from the barrel to the optics by scrapping unused weapons, it’s a surprisingly adaptable rifle best suited for long-range combat.

Considering it’s predominantly used as a sniper rifle, you’ll definitely require a steady thumb so that you can accurately shoot at your enemies. Alas, the slow rate of fire can be frustrating, especially when face-to-face with mutants. So if you prefer a short-range weapon, keep on scrolling.

#11 Assault Rifle

Assault Rifle: Stats

• Weapon Type: Rifle
• Level: 30
• Damage: 30
• Fire Rate: 40
• Accuracy: 72
• Range: 119
• Clip Size: 30
• Ammo: 5.56mm round
• Weight: 13.4
• Value: 182

Assault Rifle Review

Alright, you may have to scroll a little further as this Assault Rifle is another weapon capable of destroying enemies from afar. Saying that, if you prefer to keep your distance, there are a range of optics for this weapon that improve overall range. After all, who wants to get up close and personal with super mutants? Not me!

As this rifle is fitted with an automatic receiver, you must note that this Assault Rifle uses the Commando perks, rather than Rifleman. So, while automatic weapons aren’t for everyone, they do the job depending on who or what you’re up against.

#12 Light Machine Gun (MG42)

Light Machine Gun (MG42): Stats

• Weapon Type: Heavy weapon
• Level: 30, 40, 50
• Damage: 29, 34, 42
• Fire Rate: 159
• Accuracy: 74
• Range: 174
• Clip Size: 75
• Ammo: .308 rounds
• Weight: 16
• Value: 382

Light Machine Gun (MG42) Review

Based on the classic MG42, the Light Machine Gun is a fully automatic .308 weapon suitable for killing all types of enemies in Fallout 76. As it comes armed with a rapid rate of fire and ammo capacity of 74 rounds per drum, it’s arguably one—if not the—best weapons on our list. If you wish to craft the Light Machine gun at a Weapons Workbench, you can do so by purchasing a plan from vendor bot Chad or vendor bot Responder.

You can also find the plans for this weapon in level 3 locked safes around the post-war world of Fallout 76. Frankly, you’d be silly not to add this to your arsenal of weapons.

#13 .44 pistol

.44 pistol: Stats

• Weapon Type: Non-automatic pistol
• Level: 5, 15, 25, 35, 45
• Damage: 40, 45, 50, 55, 60
• Fire Rate: 6
• Accuracy: 65
• Range: 84
• Clip Size: 6
• Ammo: .44 round
• Weight: 4
• Value: 32

.44 pistol Review

In spite of the face that this .44 Pistol looks fairly average, you won’t be saying that once you get your hands on it. It’s a brilliant revolver that can deal an immense amount of damage so long as you have the correct mods and perks. You can even craft the Snubnosed .44 Pistol at level 5 (40 damage), so you don’t even have to wait around to use this badass pistol.

However, as this pistol uses .44 rounds, ammunition can be awkward to find compared to some other guns in the game. Though, once you find some ammo, you’ll realise how accurate, powerful and reliable the .44 Pistol is.

#14 Deathclaw Gauntlet

Deathclaw Gauntlet: Stats

• Weapon Type: Unarmed
• Level: 30
• Damage: 68
• Fire Rate: N/A
• Accuracy: N/A
• Range: N/A
• Clip Size: N/A
• Ammo: N/A
• Weight: 10
• Value: 68

Deathclaw Gauntlet Review

Enough guns for now, let’s look at some of the best melee weapons to use in Fallout 76. Fittingly, the Deathclaw Gauntlet is a deadly claw used to beat the crap out of all the weird and wonderful creatures of the wasteland. As it weighs 10, it’s a fairly heavy melee weapon that requires a crafting level of 30.

Regardless, as it boasts 68 damage, the weight definitely shouldn’t be seen as an issue. If you want these sharp Gauntlet claws, head over to the locked shack outside Kerwood Mine or on the second floor of Appalachian Antiques.

#15 Plasma Grenade

Plasma Grenade: Stats

• Weapon Type: Explosive
• Level: N/A
• Damage: 200
• Fire Rate: N/A
• Accuracy: N/A
• Range: 94
• Clip Size: N/A
• Ammo: N/A
• Weight: 0.5
• Value: 30

Plasma Grenade Review

There’s nothing more satisfying than sneak-attacking your enemies from a distance in Fallout 76—and with this Plasma Grenade, mutants won’t know what’s coming. At 0.05 it weighs absolutely nothing, and with damage of 200, you won’t have a problem blowing up your enemies.

As it appears in all of the Fallout games, you Fallout fans will likely already understand how this grenade works. If you’re new to the series, Plasma Grenades release ionized plasma gas the second it detonates. The huge cloud of superheated plasma that forms the second it hits the ground (or super mutants) will absolutely demolish anything that gets in the way.

#16 Suppressor’s Sickle

Suppressor’s Sickle: Stats

• Weapon Type: One-handed melee
• Level: N/A
• Damage: 28
• Fire Rate: N/A
• Accuracy: N/A
• Range: N/A
• Clip Size: N/A
• Ammo: N/A
• Weight: 3
• Value: 7

Suppressor’s Sickle Review

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Surely a sickle can’t be considered one of the best weapons in Fallout 76?” Well, it is. The curved blade attached to the wooden handle deals a decent amount of damage (28) with a medium swing speed. While the Sickle can’t be modified at a Weapons Workbench, it’s good enough to have in your inventory.

You can find the Suppressor’s Sickle on top of the blue ironing board on the porch with the body of Willie Mae in Flatwoods. Or underneath a cabin to the south of North Kanawha lookout.

#17 All Rise

All Rise: Stats

• Weapon Type: Two-handed melee
• Level: Character level when obtained (Max 50)
• Damage: 160
• Fire Rate: N/A
• Accuracy: N/A
• Range: N/A
• Clip Size: N/A
• Ammo: N/A
• Weight: 8
• Value: N/A

All Rise Review

If you think the Super Sledge in Fallout 76 is good, feast your eyes on this bad boy. The All Rise is a modified Super Sledge that makes for a fantastic melee weapon. Why you may wonder? Well, although it’s fairly slow-swinging, it’s hard hitting and heavy. With a 90% weight reduction, it makes for the perfect skull crushing weapon suitable for destroying strange creatures in Fallout 76.

Couple it with some fast-wringing perks for speedy wacks and you’ll have yourself a wicked legendary super sledge. To obtain the All Star, all you have to do is complete a quest known as Mayor for a Day found in the Watoga area.

#18 Black Diamond

Black Diamond: Stats

• Weapon Type: One-handed melee
• Level: N/A
• Damage: 15
• Fire Rate: N/A
• Accuracy: 0
• Range: 0
• Clip Size: N/A
• Ammo: N/A
• Weight: 5.5
• Value: N/A

Black Diamond Review

Although this modified ski doesn’t look like a deadly weapon compared to the All Rise, the Black Diamond is extremely fast and heavy hitting. It’s a unique weapon in Fallout 76 that you can earn as a reward for completing the Signal Strength side quest for Rose.

As it’s a melee weapon made from a ski, we suggest modifying it so that it’s even more intimidating. Why not add the Gladiator perk to increase damage output in order to slice your enemies in half? Or the Martial Artist perk that increases the swing of the Black Diamond? No matter how you modify this weapon, you’re guaranteed to win a battle using this lightweight one-handed melee weapon.

#19 Sledgehammer

Sledgehammer: Stats

• Weapon Type: Two-handed melee
• Level: 30, 40, 50
• Damage: N/A
• Fire Rate: N/A
• Accuracy: N/A
• Range: N/A
• Clip Size: N/A
• Ammo: N/A
• Weight: 20
• Value: 57

Sledgehammer Review

Last, but certainly not least, is a simple melee weapon: the Sledgehammer. Even though it looks fairly simple compared to the All Rise, don’t judge a Sledgehammer by its handle just yet—this one is a real skull crusher.

Considering it deals so much damage in Fallout 76, it’s a fantastic weapon that’ll squish your enemies into the ground. Now, even though the Sledgehammer is available at level 10 (43 damage), it can’t be crafted until you reach level 30 (57 damage). Nevertheless, it’s still a fantastic weapon suitable for killing all the baddies in Fallout 76.

Fallout 76 Weapon Damage Type

One of the main things to consider when choosing a weapon in Fallout 76 is the kind of damage output. There are five types of weapon damage types in Fallout 76 that we have ever-so-kindly listed below:

Radiation: Helpful in PvP mode as it makes your opponents weaker after each use by reducing their HP pool. Radiation can even assist in taking down enemies with a health advantage.

Poison: This is less harmful at first, but it applies a damage-over-time effect after you shoot at your target.

Explosive: As you may have guessed, explosive weapons deal explosive damage…boom! These weapons deal the largest damage hits in Fallout 76.

Ballistic: This is the most common damage type which is essentially regular bullets doing physical damage to most enemies. Most guns deal Ballistic damage, even if they also deal another damage type.

Energy Damage: Energy is a default damage used by weapons that use plasma, laser or elemental based damage.

How to Craft Weapons in Fallout 76

One of the best ways to acquire the weapons on our list is to craft them using a Weapons Workbench. This way, you can build and place the workbench in your base so that you don’t have to travel to dangerous locations in order to find weapons. So, how do you craft a Weapons Workbench in Fallout 76? In order to craft a handy Weapons Workbench, you must first obtain the following materials:

• Aluminum (6)
• Gears (3)
• Screw (3)
• Rubber (3)
• Wood (4)

Note, that you will have to unlock the correct blueprints to craft each weapon. Now, if you don’t fancy crafting your own Weapons Workbench or you simple can’t be bothered to gather the appropriate materials, you can find workbenches in the following locations:

• Orwell Orchards
• Overseer’s camp
• Morgantown Airport

The Best Fallout 76 Weapons and Stats

Now that we’ve covered the best weapons to use in Fallout 76, let’s take a look at each weapon, weapon type, base level, damage per shot, base range, as well as the base accuracy. This way, you’ll be able to choose the best weapon for you and your personal requirements.

Fallout 76 Legendary Weapons

Although we have included some legendary guns, we simply couldn’t finish off our list without adding all of the Fallout 76 legendary weapons. If you’ve ever played Fallout 4—arguably the best games in the Fallout franchise—you’ll most likely know all about legendary weapons. However, the ones in Fallout 76 are slightly different since you can stack legendary effects to make them even more powerful. How badass is that? To make your life easier, we have listed all of the Fallout 76 legendary weapons below.

Conclusion

It goes without saying that the post-nuclear world of Fallout 76 is a dangerous place. There are tonnes of strange creatures and mutants ready to destroy anything and everything that gets in their way. But with this list of some of the best Fallout 76 weapons, you’ll be able to obliterate Grafton Monsters and Snallygasters with ease.

If you think we’ve missed out some badass weapons from our list, let us know down below what your favourite Fallout 76 weapons are. Also, for more useful info, check out our guides on Fallout 4 console commands, Fallout 76 power armor locations and Fallout 76 mutations list.

If you think that Fallout 76 was a total failure, why not check out the best survival games for 2020? Instead of fighting mutants, you could spend your time shooting at the brain-eating living dead instead. I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of surviving in a zombie apocalypse? No…just me? Moving on then.