Fallout 76 Best Weapons: Top 20 Weapons Ranked [2024]

Fallout 76 enables players to modify their weapons to enhance their abilities and maximize their performance. To make things easier and more realistic, developers have added weapon bars that determine the overall durability of the weapon. Not only that, but it also degrades with time.  

Best Fallout 76 Weapons And Comparison Table

Here is a comparison table of my best Weapons in Fallout 76 . Each stat can be sorted to view the highest and lowest values, which has been done for your convenience:

No	Weapons	Damage	Fire Rate	Range	Accuracy	Weight	AP Cost
1	The Fixer	48(max)	33	90	79	13.8	25
2	Perfect Storm	34(max)	91	120	60	4.5	28
3	Ski Sword	50(max)	-	-	-	3.0	30
4	Sledgehammer	71(max)	-	-	-	12.0	40
5	Combat Knife	33(max)	-	-	-	1.0	20
6	All Rise	85(max)	-	-	-	2.0	45
7	The Dragon	225(max)	1	428(max)	68	6.0	28
8	Auto Grenede Launcher	3/3	16	120	55	18.0	30
9	The Voice of Set	35(without eye of Ra) 72(with eye of Ra)	6	84	68	4.4	126
10	Deathclaw Gauntlet	55(max)	-	-	-	10.0	40
11	Lever Action Rifle	75(max)	5	123	68	6.0	26
12	Spear	58(max)	-	-	-	2.0	40
13	Assault Rifle	33(max)	40	120	71	8-0	32
14	Final Word Gun	43(max)	114	204	47	18-0	30
15	Grognak’s Axe	85(max)	-	-	-	10-0	20
16	M2 50 Cal	400(max)	-	94	-	0-5	-
17	Plasma Grenade	200(max)	-	93	-	0.5	4
18	Gatling Gun	33(max)	20	120	55	18.0	30
19	Handmade Rifle	45(max)	40	120(max)	71	8.0	32
20	Gauss Rifle	125(max)	67	204	60	8.0	30

Comparison Table for Weapons.

The Fixer

Best Non-Legendary Weapon.

Here are some details about this impressive firearm:

Voice of Set:

• The Voice of Set is a non-automatic revolver that deals significant damage.
• It has a base damage of 60 against flesh and 35 against robot enemies, making it effective against various foes, including humanoids and robotic enemies like Protectrons and Assaultrons.
• The weapon is tied to a unique story quest called “Prototypical Problems,” and its acquisition is related to the Order of Mysteries storyline.
• To obtain the Voice of Set, you must be at least level 25, which makes it accessible to entry-level players.

To acquire the Voice of Set, you must progress through the “Prototypical Problems” quest, which involves using the Order of Mysteries fabricator. This revolver can be a valuable addition to your arsenal, offering versatility and great damage, making it effective in various combat situations.

Perfect Storm

Best Early-Game Weapon.

In my opinion, the major selling point of this weapon is the legendary effect, making it unique in the game. Players with at least character level 10 can obtain this weapon by completing a quest known as “Cold Case.” 

Attribute	Value
Damage	34(max)
Fire Rate	91
Range	120
Accuracy	60
Weight	4.5
AP Cost	28

Perfect Storm stats table. 

Ski Sword

Best Melee Weapon.

Ski Sword

Here’s what you need to know about this melee weapon:

• One of the standout variants of the Ski Sword is obtained from the Rose robot, a member of the Cutthroats Raiders faction. To unlock this variant, you’ll need to complete the raider questline. This specific Ski Sword variant has a valuable legendary effect that grants you a +1 Strength perk point upon acquiring it.
• If you’re not particularly interested in the perk point and prefer the base version of the Ski Sword, you can find it at the Sunnytop Ski Lanes Base Lodge. This location is located northeast of Vault 76.
• I must warn you that this location is crawling with super mutants to face off against super mutants.
• Watch out for sneaky spike traps placed as defenses by the super mutants. Make your way through the lodge, climb the stairs, and you’ll find a Ski Sword on a rack you can pick up.

Attribute	Value
Damage	50(max)
Fire Rate	-
Range	-
Accuracy	-
Weight	3.0
AP Cost	30

Ski Sword stats table. 

Sledgehammer

Best early-game Melee weapon. 

Attribute	Value
Damage	71(max)
Fire Rate	-
Range	-
Accuracy	-
Weight	12.0
AP Cost	40

Sledgehammer Stats table.

Despite being the best weapon in Fallout 76, Sledgehammer is fairly easy to acquire and requires level 10. Moreover, it can be modded with weapon enhancements that push the damage to 57. Although it has a slow swinging speed, the amount of damage it registers on the enemy makes it the best melee weapon to consider.

Combat Knife

Best secondary weapon. 

Combat Knife:

• One of the key advantages of the Combat Knife is its quick draw time. It allows you to switch to your melee weapon rapidly, which can be crucial in intense combat.
• Additionally, the Combat Knife consumes fewer Action Points (AP) when used in V.A.T.S., making it an efficient option for precision strikes on enemies.
• You can acquire the Combat Knife right from the beginning of the game, as it’s available to players starting at level 1.
• It delivers a respectable base damage of 9, making it effective for close-quarters combat.
• Equipping the Combat Knife also grants you a +5% bonus to Strength. This increases your melee damage and boosts your carrying capacity, allowing you to carry more loot and equipment.

As for the location, I advise players to head to Arktos Pharma and find the front door of the building. You will be able to see a Combat Knife lying on the desk. If it has not spawned for your world, you can rotate and head back to the location, as it is fairly easy to spawn. 

Attribute	Value
Damage	33(max)
Fire Rate	-
Range	-
Accuracy	-
Weight	1.0
AP Cost	20

Combat Knife Stats table. 

All Rise

Best Sledgehammer weapon. 

All Rise Sledgehammer

Here’s some information about this powerful weapon:

All Rise Sledgehammer:

• You can obtain All Rise at level 30.
• It has a base damage of 65.
• It is a two-handed weapon with a slow swing speed. However, if you are wearing Power Armor, you can use it as a single-handed weapon, significantly increasing the swinging speed.

To acquire All Rise, you must go to Watoga, located on the east side at the bottom of the map. Once you arrive in Watoga, you will hear a radio transmission that triggers a miscellaneous objective. This objective will lead you through a detailed story quest, and upon completion, you will receive All Rise as a reward.

With its high damage output and legendary effects, All Rise is a valuable addition to your arsenal in Fallout 76, especially when dealing with tough opponents.

Players can acquire this weapon at level 30, with the base tier granting damage of 65.

Watoga Municipal Center

Attribute	Value
Damage	85(max)
Fire Rate	-
Range	-
Accuracy	-
Weight	2.0
AP Cost	45

All Rise stats table. 

The Dragon

Best short-range rifle.

Attribute	Value
Damage	225(max)
Fire Rate	1
Range	428(max)
Accuracy	68
Weight	6.0
AP Cost	28

The Dragon stats table. 

I obtained it at “Nuclear Surprise” in the SMART Choice Machine in Watoga. It has a level requirement of 35, but, in my experience, it is randomized.

Auto Grenade Launcher

Best Heavy weapon.

Attribute	Value
Damage	3/3
Fire Rate	16
Range	120
Accuracy	55
Weight	18.0
AP Cost	30

Grenade Launcher stats table.

Although this weapon is a mass murderer, I will advise using it in open areas to avoid inflicting damage to your own character or companion. It has a solid range and accuracy, combined with the automatic mechanics, can clear the location with resounding explosions.

There is no fixed guide or location to acquire this weapon. The only way to obtain it is by killing the Scorchers and Super Mutants. These enemies randomly carry this weapon and are available for players to loot from their bodies.

The Voice Of Set

Powerful non-automatic handgun.

Voice of Set

Here are some details about this impressive firearm:

Voice of Set:

• The Voice of Set is a non-automatic revolver that deals significant damage.
• It has a base damage of 60 against flesh and 35 against robot enemies, making it effective against various foes, including humanoids and robotic enemies like Protectrons and Assaultrons.
• The weapon is tied to a unique story quest called “Prototypical Problems,” its acquisition is related to the Order of Mysteries storyline.
• To obtain the Voice of Set, you must be at least level 25, which makes it accessible to entry-level players.

Riverside Manor

Attribute	Value
Damage	35(without eye of Ra) 72(with eye of Ra)
Fire Rate	6
Range	84
Accuracy	68
Weight	4.4
AP Cost	126

Voice of Set stats table.

Deathclaw Gauntlet

Best Legendary Melee Weapon.

If you are too reliant on the melee weapon or focusing on the melee character build, this weapon can be the best primary weapon entry for your gameplay. It will enhance your gameplay experience by offering close-quarter combats. Even if things escalate, which I can assure often do, with the Deathclaw Gauntlet in the character’s hands, enemies will never make out alive.

Attribute	Value
Damage	55(max)
Fire Rate	-
Range	-
Accuracy	-
Weight	10.0
AP Cost	40

Deathclaw Gauntlet stats table. 

There are a few spawning locations for Deathclaw Gauntlet. However, the best location to acquire this weapon is from the Appalachian Antiques. All you need to do is to go to the second floor, and you will be able to find it on the workbench. But that is only possible for the players with character level 30 or above.

Lever Action Rifle

Best PVP Weapon in Fallout 76.

Lever Action Rifle does killing damage of 65 for the base variant. With this much damage by using the commonly found .45 rounds, this is the perfect weapon to go for. This weapon is easily available at level 25 and can be modded to enhance the damage all the way to 75.

Attribute	Value
Damage	75(max)
Fire Rate	5
Range	123
Accuracy	68
Weight	6.0
AP Cost	26

Lever Action Rifle Stats table. 

Moreover, this weapon can be easily found in the Abandoned Waste Dump. This is present in the far east side of the Deathclaw cave. Meanwhile, if you are also looking for the Level Action Rifle plan to install the weapon mods, you can purchase one from the available vendors in the game around the Grafton or Welch Station.

Spear

Best Two-Hand Melee Weapon.

Attribute	Value
Damage	58(max)
Fire Rate	-
Range	-
Accuracy	-
Weight	2.0
AP Cost	40

Spear stats table. 

You may get it off from the Scorched enemies and other spawning locations. One of the notable locations is the Sons of Dane compound. The Spear can be easily found on the left of the bathtub on the second floor of the building.

Assault Rifle

Best Classic Rifle.

Attribute	Value
Damage	33(max)
Fire Rate	40
Range	120
Accuracy	71
Weight	8-0
AP Cost	32

Assault Rifle stats table. 

If you are a mid-level player seeking a heavy-damage weapon, then it is advised to go after the unique variant of this weapon. This is because not only does it have a higher damage value, but it also comes with legendary effects that push more damage to Scorchbeast and Scorched. 

As for the location, you can acquire this powerful rifle from the Harpers Ferry. You must enter the location from the backside since the Terminal secures the front door. Reach the top floor and enter the room with the metal shelves inside the building. Here, you can see an Assault rifle lying around one of the shelves.

Final Word Gun

Best Extra Damage Weapon.

Attribute	Value
Damage	43(max)
Fire Rate	114
Range	204
Accuracy	47
Weight	18-0
AP Cost	30

Final Word Stats table. 

You can acquire this weapon by completing a quest known as “Thicker than Water.” You must rescue Beckett, who will later reward the players with this Best Fallout 76 legendary weapon.

Grognak’s Axe

Best Double Damage Melee Weapon.

Attribute	Value
Damage	85(max)
Fire Rate	-
Range	-
Accuracy	-
Weight	10-0
AP Cost	20

Grognak’s Axe stats table.

Although, this is a two-handed weapon with a slow swinging speed. But with such huge damage and perk effects, it is a worthy acquisition. Unfortunately, it is a rare drop in Fallout 76.

Players at least level 30 can acquire this weapon by killing a legendary enemy in wild West Virginia. These may include all kinds of legendary enemies. Be it the Ghouls, Miners, or Glowing Ones, the more legendary enemies you kill, the more the chances of a legendary drop.

M2 50 Cal

Best Heavy Rifle.

Here are some details about the M2 50 Cal:

• Level Requirement: You can use the M2 50 Cal at level 25.

• Damage: It deals a hefty 29 damage with each .50 caliber round shot, making it a formidable choice for taking down foes.

• Versatility: This machine gun can be customized to fit various character builds, thanks to the available perks and characteristics. You won’t need to craft it to align with your character’s build requirements.

• Availability: The M2 50 Cal can be found in multiple locations throughout the game world.

A recommended location to find the M2 50 Cal is the Clarksburg Shooting Range. Here’s how to locate it:

1. Head to the southeast of the Clarksburg Shooting Range.

2. Follow the road until you come across an abandoned truck with a turret mounted behind it.

3. The turret will have the M2 50 Cal Machine Gun you can claim.

By acquiring the M2 50 Cal Machine Gun, you’ll have a formidable weapon, especially if you’re running a commando-style character build focused on heavy weapons and high damage output.

Clarksburg Shooting Range

Attribute	Value
Damage	400(max)
Fire Rate	-
Range	94
Accuracy	-
Weight	0-5
AP Cost	-

M2 50 Cal Stats table. 

Plasma Grenade

Best Ballistic Weapon.

Here are some details about the Plasma Grenade:

• Damage: Plasma Grenades inflict a significant 200 damage, a combination of ballistic and energy damage.

• Availability: Plasma Grenades are relatively rare in the game, and there is no guaranteed location to find them.

One way to acquire Plasma Grenades is by crafting them using the Plasma Grenade plan. You can obtain this plan as a reward for completing certain quests, such as “Personal Matters” or “Earth Mover.”

Another option is participating in the Holiday Scorched Event, which has a reasonably high chance of dropping the Plasma Grenade plan. Remember that this event has a limited time frame, so take advantage of it.

Gatling Gun

Best V.A.T.S Weapon in Fallout 76.

Getting this beautiful weapon is not very difficult and has plenty of spawns. However, early players can consider visiting the Lucky Hole Mine to obtain the Gatling Gun.

All you need to do is to enter the Lucky Hole Mine building. Before you enter, it is important to note that this building is crawling with Cultists. So, bring your best weapons to reward your character with the Gatling Gun. Once inside the building, follow the rail tracks until you find a blue door.

Attribute	Value
Damage	33(max)
Fire Rate	20
Range	120
Accuracy	55
Weight	18.0
AP Cost	30

Gatling Gun stats table. 

Handmade Rifle

Best Legendary Rifle.

Despite being a legendary weapon, this weapon can transform into the character build along with the perks to become the powerful primary rifle in the game. Moreover, the game mechanics allow players to customize this weapon to enhance and maximize the damage output.

Attribute	Value
Damage	45(max)
Fire Rate	40
Range	120(max)
Accuracy	71
Weight	8.0
AP Cost	32

If your character meets the level 15 requirement, you have a pretty good chance of getting the handmade rifle drop from Settlers’ or Cultists’ enemies. However, one guaranteed location for the weapon is Berkley Springs Salon. All you need to do is to go to the Berkely Springs and find the Beauty and Spa Salon.

Here, you will have to gain access to the rooftop. 

Gauss Rifle

Fallout 76 Heavy Weapon.

Attribute	Value
Damage	125(max)
Fire Rate	67
Range	204
Accuracy	60
Weight	8.0
AP Cost	30

Gauss Rifle stats table. 

If you meet the level requirement, you can avail yourself of the chance of Gauss Rifle drop by Scorchbeasts and Deathclaws. 

What Would I Recommend?

Fallout 76 is a game where you must make critical decisions while fighting some of the most powerful enemies. For that instance, my recommendations lie around Perfect Storm for an ideal fire rate, Deathclaw Gauntlet and All Rise as the best melee build weapon choice, and Handmade Rifle for an effective commando build. 

Ultimately, the choice depends on the type of build you will pursue in Fallout 76, but these weapons are all-rounder for different builds you can try out in the game. Speaking of builds, visit some of our recommendations of best builds so you can make the most out of your gameplay experience. 

Up Next:

• Fallout 76 Best Camp Locations.
• Fallout 76 Legendary Perk Cards.
• Fallout 76 Rabbit Location.