15 Best Fallout 4 Automatic Weapons [100 Hours Experience]

Fallout 4 relies on automatic weapons for effective combat due to numerous threats. Players need strong rifles for safety and combat progression, particularly those with unique character builds. Here are the top 15 best automatic weapons in Fallout 4 for balanced and effective gameplay.

Related Reads: Best Fallout 4 Weapons

Best Automatic Weapons Compared

Here is a comparison table of my 15 best Automatic Weapons in Fallout 4. Each stat can be sorted to view the highest and lowest values, which has been done for your convenience:

No.	Weapons	Damage	Clip Size	Fire Rate	Range	Weight	Accuracy	AP Cost
1	10mm Auto Pistol	18	12	46	83	3.5	60	21
2	Pipe Gun	13	12	55	83	2.3	57	-
3	Cryolator	20	25	90	71	13.2	66	21
4	Virgil’s Rifle	29	-	-	-	7.3	-	-
5	Combat Shotgun	50	8	20	47	7	23	35
6	Submachine Gun	10	50	127	107	12.7	63	-
7	Overseer’s Guardian	55	20	90	119	15.7	70	25
8	Prototype UP77	24	unlimited	90	227	3.99	96	-
9	Automatic Tesla Rifle	32	15	40	83	8.1	70	-
10	Survivor’s Special	31	-	-	-	4.8	-	-
11	Assault Rifle	30	30	40	119	13.4	72	32
12	Radium Rifle	27+57	20	40	119	11.1	69	-
13	Experiment 18-A	24+24	36	136	203	6.6	140	-
14	The Problem Solver	57	75	59	185	21.6	92	-
15	Railway Rifle	100	10	10	119	14.4	69	20

Automatic Weapons Comparison.

10mm Auto Pistol

Best Pistol for Beginners.

The 10mm Auto Pistol in Fallout 4 is a noteworthy choice. It uses 10mm rounds and has a default automatic receiver. Despite being a pistol, it’s suitable for beginners and can take down ground enemies and bosses like the Mirlurk Queen. It pairs well with Cowboy character builds.

It’s highly effective due to its automatic nature, ensuring fewer missed shots and faster clearing of beginner-to-mid-game levels. You can find it early in the game in Vault 111’s Overseer’s Office, near the Cryolater.

For a unique version with legendary effects, you’ll need to grind legendary enemies, such as Deathclaws or Mirlurks in the southern part of the map.

Attribute	Value
Damage	18
Clip Size	12
Fire Rate	46
Range	83
Weight	3.5
Accuracy	60
AP Cost	21

10mm Auto Pistol Stats Table. 

Pipe Gun

Best Secondary Automatic Weapon.

You can convert the Pipe Gun into an automatic weapon by adding an automatic receiver, improving fire rate and accuracy. It’s a useful secondary weapon for mid to late-game players, especially when paired with the Commando perk.

Related: Perks play a vital role in Fallout 4. Check our Fallout 4 best perks guide for optimal character build and storyline progression.

With the right focused perks for your character build, players can pave the way for an ideal storyline and ultimately achieve a satisfying ending in the game. 

You can purchase it from Arturo Rodriguez in Diamond City for Bottlecaps. Alternatively, you can loot it from raiders, fallen settlers, scavengers, or Diamond City Security officers if you prefer a more aggressive approach.

Attribute	Value
Damage	13
Clip Size	12
Fire Rate	55
Range	83
Weight	2.3
Accuracy	57
AP Cost	-

Pipe Rifle Stats Table. 

Cryolator

Best Ice Automatic Weapon.

The Cryolator is a top automatic weapon in Fallout 4 due to its early accessibility and decent damage. While its damage may not suit veterans, it compensates with a freezing effect on enemies. The drawback is finding cryo cells for ammo, which can be challenging.

You can get the Cryolator mid-game from Vault 111’s Overseer’s room, but you’ll need a level 20 character with high Perception for lock-picking skills to access it. Unlock the container with bobby pins to wield the Cryolator and benefit from its unique legendary effect.

Attribute	Value
Damage	20
Clip Size	25
Fire Rate	90
Range	71
Weight	13.2
Accuracy	66
AP Cost	21

Cryolator Stats Table. 

Virgil’s Rifle

Best for Small Enemies.

Players can acquire advanced automatic weapons like Virgil’s Rifle, a unique variant of the Institute Laser. It offers a high fire rate and significant damage output, ideal for defeating small enemies and challenging bosses.

The only drawback is the need for Fusion Cells as ammunition, so stock up on them early in the game. To unlock the rifle, side with the super mutant and give him the Serum as part of the storyline, and Virgil will reward you with his rifle.

Avoid killing Virgil for the weapon, as it’s not recommended for long-term play.

Attribute	Value
Damage	29
Clip Size	-
Fire Rate	-
Range	-
Weight	7.3
Accuracy	-

Virgil’s Rifle Stats Table. 

Combat Shotgun

Best Semi-Automatic Weapon.

The Combat Shotgun is a uniquely powerful rifle with extensive damage potential and modding options. It’s perfect for players seeking a ruthless, psycho-focused character build capable of eliminating enemies without leaving witnesses.

Despite being semi-automatic, adding an Automatic Receiver mod increases the fire rate, making it even more effective. Furthermore, the Commando Perk for automatic rifles applies to the Combat Shotgun, providing tactical advantages in challenging encounters.

Its multiple projectiles can quickly dispatch small foes and stagger larger enemies, setting them up for a deadly Critical Hit.

You can obtain the Combat Shotgun through various means. Purchase it from merchants like Arturo Rodriguez in Diamond City or Deb in Bunker Hill, or take a more challenging route by defeating hordes of mercenaries to acquire it for free.

For a later-game approach, visit the dark alley behind Diamond City, which is infested with Mongrels and mercenaries. Be cautious, as even stealthy characters can alert guards and trigger traps.

At the alley’s end, you can obtain a Combat Shotgun by disabling a trap, making it a legitimate spot to acquire this powerful weapon. If you fail to obtain it, you can reload your game and return to the location for another chance to secure the Combat Shotgun in Fallout 4.

Attribute	Value
Damage	50
Clip Size	8
Fire Rate	20
Range	47
Weight	7
Accuracy	23
AP Cost	35

Combat Shotgun Stats Table. 

Submachine Gun

Best for Tough Enemies.

The Submachine Guns are prized for their rapid burst fire rate and decent damage. The base Submachine Gun uses .45 rounds and is effective against light cover and tough enemies like super mutants.

It’s lethal due to its high fire rate and large magazine, allowing consistent hits and effective boss staggering. You can buy it from Arturo in Diamond City or acquire it by defeating raiders or looting Triggermen gang members.

For higher damage, consider “Spray n’ Pray,” a unique variant with 34 damage and a 100-round magazine. It’s ideal for Commando-focused playthroughs and can be purchased from Cricket, a roaming vendor often found near locations like Bunker Hill, Vault 81, or Warwick Homestead, along with her Brahmin.

Attribute	Value
Damage	10
Clip Size	50
Fire Rate	127
Range	107
Weight	12.7
Accuracy	63

Submachine Gun Stats Table. 

Overseer’s Guardian

Best Long-Range Automatic Weapon.

Overseer’s Guardian is an exceptional long-range combat rifle, suitable for legendary boss fights and various character builds.

It excels in long-range combat and works for multiple playstyles. You can optimize it with a preferred barrel range for accuracy.

To unlock Overseer’s Guardian, purchase it from Alexis Combes in Vault 81 for a significant amount of Bottlecaps. The investment is worthwhile considering its damage performance and legendary effects

Attribute	Value
Damage	55
Clip Size	20
Fire Rate	90
Range	119
Weight	15.7
Accuracy	70
AP Cost	25

Overseer’s Guardian Stats Table. 

Conversely, the weapon’s price also depends on your character’s S.P.E.C.I.AL stats. So make sure you set up perfect starting stats in Fallout 4 to receive a fair price for the weapon. 

Prototype UP77 Limitless Potential

Best Laser Automatic Weapon.

Prototype UP77 Limitless Potential is a powerful laser gun, notable for its unique effect.

It may not have the highest damage-per-shot ratio, but the unlimited ammo feature sets it apart. It’s excellent for clearing enemy outposts and staggering large foes.

To unlock this unique laser gun, visit University Point and access the University Credit Union. Hack through terminals to reach a room with safes, and unlock one with a master lock using bobby pins.

Inside, you’ll find a button that opens access to a laboratory containing the Prototype UP77 Limitless Potential.

Attribute	Value
Damage	24
Clip Size	unlimited
Fire Rate	90
Range	227
Weight	3.99
Accuracy	96
AP Cost	?

Prototype UP77 Stats Table. 

Automatic Tesla Rifle

Best Automatron DLC Automatic Weapon.

The Automatic Tesla Rifle, part of the Automatron DLC for Fallout 4, is a top choice for mid-to-long-range combat.

Using Fusion Cells, it unleashes powerful electricity arcs that dismember and eliminate enemies within range. The electric arcs make it highly effective in taking down multiple foes without excessive ammo use.

To unlock the Tesla Rifle, players need to progress through the Automatron DLC storyline and complete the “Headhunting” quest. This quest rewards your character with the Tesla Rifle. Additionally, consider adding the Automatic barrel to enhance the weapon’s fire rate.

Attribute	Value
Damage	32
Clip Size	15
Fire Rate	40
Range	83
Weight	8.1
Accuracy	70
AP Cost	-

Automatic Tesla Rifle Stats Table. 

Survivor’s Special

Best Laser Pistol.

Survivor’s Special, a unique laser pistol, offers an excellent combination of fire rate and damage output.

The unique effect is particularly handy during combat when your character’s health is low, making it a valuable secondary weapon.

To unlock Survivor’s Special, you must complete The Lost Patrol quest and ensure Paladin Brandis joins the Brotherhood of Steel faction. This quest-specific approach guarantees you’ll obtain the unique laser pistol. While modding the weapon is possible, completing the quest is the only surefire way to acquire it for completionists.

Attribute	Value
Damage	31
Clip Size	?
Fire Rate	?
Range	?
Weight	4.8
Accuracy	?

Survivor’s Special Stats Table. 

Assault Rifle

Best for All Playstyles.

The Assault Rifle often goes unnoticed due to the scarcity of 5.56 ammo, but it’s one of the best damage-dealing automatic weapons suitable for all playstyles.

It excels in long-range combat, allowing you to take down foes from a distance. You can unlock it by killing higher-level raiders or Triggermen, but a more reliable approach is to purchase it from Arturo Rodriguez, a trusted vendor.

Attribute	Value
Damage	30
Clip Size	30
Fire Rate	40
Range	119
Weight	13.4
Accuracy	72
AP Cost	32

Assault Rifle Stats Table. 

Radium Rifle

Best for Radiation Damage.

The Radium Rifle from the Far Harbor DLC  is a highly regarded weapon due to its damage output and unique radiation effect.

This rifle stands out for its radiation damage, making it a formidable choice. You can purchase it from Kane, a merchant in Nucleus, and further enhance its capabilities by attaching an automatic receiver and using .45 rounds for explosive damage.

Attribute	Value
Damage	27+57
Clip Size	20
Fire Rate	40
Range	119
Weight	11.1
Accuracy	69

Radium Rifle Stats Table. 

Experiment 18-A

Best Experimental Automatic Weapon.

Experiment 18-A resembles a heavy Plasma rifle but boasts significant damage output, offering players the freedom to take on any opponent. This experimental weapon delivers both physical and energy damage, with a double damage value of 24 each.

It obliterates small enemies with a single hit and cripples the limbs of larger or legendary monsters, making it a great choice for Power Armor-focused gameplay.

In addition to its formidable stats, Experiment 18-A possesses a unique effect, increasing the fire rate by 25% and improving reload speed by 15%, like many legendary weapons.

To acquire this weapon, players must progress in the storyline until they reach The Institute. There, they can find the Synth Requisition Officer and purchase Experiment 18-A from their inventory. Afterward, players can further enhance the weapon’s capabilities through modifications.

Attribute	Value
Damage	24+24
Clip Size	36
Fire Rate	136
Range	203
Weight	6.6
Accuracy	140
AP Cost	?

Experiment 18-A Stats Table. 

The Problem Solver

Rare Automatic Weapon.

The Problem Solver from the Nuka-World DLC is a versatile automatic weapon with outstanding damage, range, accuracy, and ammo capacity.

To acquire The Problem Solver, progress through the Nuka-World DLC storyline and meet Mason during the Ambitious Plan quest. Engage in a persuasive conversation with Mason, passing a Charisma check.

It’s crucial to save your game before this conversation to ensure success. If you fail, reload your saved game and retry until you pass the Charisma check, securing The Problem Solver as your reward.

Attribute	Value
Damage	57
Clip Size	75
Fire Rate	59
Range	185
Weight	21.6
Accuracy	92

Problem Solver Stats Table. 

Railway Rifle

Highest Damage Automatic Weapon.

The Railway Rifle is a powerful automatic weapon that excels in eliminating enemies at any range. It’s a rare weapon that requires significant campaign progression and character leveling.

Despite not being an energy or laser weapon, it deals an impressive 100 damage per hit. This makes it highly effective for long-range combat, allowing players to take down enemies without getting into close-quarters combat.

To obtain the Railway Rifle, you need to progress through the storyline and reach a character level of at least 25. Once you meet these requirements, you can find the Railway Rifle inside a blue carriage at Bedford Station, next to a skeleton.

Alternatively, completing the quest “Underground Undercover” in the storyline also rewards you with the Railway Rifle.

Attribute	Value
Damage	100
Clip Size	10
Fire Rate	10
Range	119
Weight	14.4
Accuracy	69
AP Cost	20

Railway Rifle Stats Table. 

Why Others Were Not Chosen

We have discussed some of the best automatic weapons Fallout 4 has to offer. Here are some options that didn’t make the cut:

1. December’s Child: Doesn’t come equipped with an automatic revolver.
2. Righteous Authority: You won’t be able to use the crits abilities if you don’t use VATS often.
3. Splattercannon: Less effective without being modded.
4. Spray N Pray: Impressive range but low damage.
5. Automatic Institute Pistol: Its bulky size may obstruct your view.
6. Automatic Laser Pistol: Fusion Cells can be quite hard to find.
7. Automatic Plasma Pistol: Its plasma cartridges spawn less frequently.

My Recommendation 

I think you can’t go wrong with the Combat Shotgun. Not only does it deal a high amount of damage, but it can be upgraded to make it more lethal.

Apart from that you can consider other weapon choices for enemy types or pure character builds as required. If you have more queries do share with me in the comments section below, so I can answer them for your ease.