U4GM - Fallout 76 Weapons Guide: 16 Best Choices for Beginners
Starting out in Fallout 76 can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right weapons. With so many options available, beginners might struggle to find gear that’s both effective and easy to obtain. To help you survive the wasteland, we’ve put together a list of the 16 best weapons for new players—ranging from reliable early-game picks to solid mid-tier choices you can upgrade as you progress.
1. Hunting Rifle
A classic choice for beginners, the Hunting Rifle offers solid damage and accuracy at range. It’s easy to find and mod, making it a great starter weapon for sniper builds.
2. Pipe Revolver
Versatile and ammo-efficient, the Pipe Revolver is a decent early-game sidearm. It shares ammo with the Pipe Bolt-Action, so you won’t struggle to keep it fed.
3. Machete
If you prefer melee, the Machete is a fast, lightweight option. It’s easy to craft and perfect for saving ammo in low-level encounters.
4. Pump Action Shotgun
Close-quarters combat becomes much easier with the Pump Action Shotgun. It’s powerful against early enemies and can carry you through the mid-game with upgrades.
5. 10mm Pistol
A balanced sidearm, the 10mm Pistol is great for VATS users. It’s common, mod-friendly, and effective against weaker foes.
6. Baseball Bat
Another solid melee choice, the Baseball Bat is easy to find and upgrade. With the right mods, it can pack a serious punch.
7. Double-Barrel Shotgun
While it has a slow reload, the Double-Barrel Shotgun deals massive damage up close. It’s a good backup for tight situations.
8. Hunting Knife
Fast and efficient, the Hunting Knife is perfect for stealth builds. Its low weight makes it a great secondary weapon.
9. Pipe Bolt-Action Pistol/Rifle
Ammo-efficient and adaptable, this weapon can be modified into a pistol or rifle, depending on your playstyle.
10. Sledgehammer
For heavy melee users, the Sledgehammer offers high damage per swing. It’s slow but great for power-focused builds.
11. Submachine Gun (Tommy Gun)
While it chews through ammo, the Submachine Gun is excellent for short-range suppression. It’s a fun, if somewhat impractical, early-game option.
12. Crossbow
Silent and deadly, the Crossbow is perfect for stealth archers. Bolts are reusable, making it ammo-efficient in the long run.
13. Fire Axe
A reliable melee weapon with good damage and swing speed. It’s commonly found in early areas, making it easy to upgrade.
14. .44 Revolver
A step up from the Pipe Revolver, the .44 packs more punch but uses rarer ammo. It’s a good mid-game sidearm for pistol builds.
15. Combat Knife
Faster than the Hunting Knife, the Combat Knife is great for quick, repeated strikes. Ideal for low-health builds using Adrenaline perks.
16. Laser Pistol/Rifle
Energy weapons can be tricky early on, but the Laser Pistol (moddable into a rifle) is a decent choice if you find one. Just be mindful of fusion cell availability.
Final Tips for Beginners
Scavenge and Mod: Always loot weapons to scrap for mods. Upgrading your gear is crucial.
Ammo Management: Stick to weapons that use common ammo (like .38 or 10mm) early on.
Trade Smart: If you’re short on gear, you can buy Fallout 76 items cheap from player vendors or trusted sources.
Caps Saving Tip: Instead of overspending in-game, consider ways to buy Fallout 76 Caps cheap to speed up your progress.
With these weapons, you’ll have a much smoother start in Appalachia. Whether you prefer stealth, melee, or guns-blazing combat, there’s an option here to suit your playstyle.