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Fallout 76 has no shortage of weapons, but not all of them are created equal. Whether you're roaming Appalachia solo or jumping into a public event with your crew, the right weapon can make the difference between surviving and respawning. In this guide, we’ll rank the top 26 weapons in Fallout 76 based on a mix of raw damage output, versatility in different builds, and overall utility across different types of content.

Whether you're a new player trying to figure out what gear to chase or a seasoned Vault Dweller looking to fine-tune your loadout, this ranking should help you focus your efforts.

26. The Fixer

A staple in stealth builds, The Fixer shines with its bonus to movement speed and stealth damage. When modded correctly, it’s one of the best silenced automatic rifles in the game.

25. Gauss Shotgun

This high-damage shotgun is perfect for close-range combat. While the charge-up mechanic takes some getting used to, it delivers devastating hits, especially in VATS.

24. Pepper Shaker

A hybrid heavy weapon with customizable damage types. It's especially effective in crowd control scenarios and synergizes well with heavy gunner perks.

23. Combat Shotgun

Old reliable. Easy to find, easy to mod, and a great early- to mid-game choice. While it lacks the punch of more advanced gear, it’s a good backup.

22. Tesla Rifle

Ideal for events where enemies come in waves, like Radiation Rumble. The arc damage hits multiple targets, making it a solid support weapon.

21. Alien Disintegrator

With its unique ammo type and high fire rate, this weapon is powerful in the right hands. It's especially useful if you enjoy energy weapon builds.

20. Handmade Rifle

A favorite among rifle builds. It scales well into the endgame and has a good mix of precision and power.

19. Enclave Plasma Rifle

Great for energy builds, particularly when paired with Prime Receivers and ultracite ammo. Good VATS performance and mod potential.

18. Railway Rifle

One of the most satisfying weapons to use. With high limb damage and a satisfying sound design, it’s both effective and fun.

17. Gatling Plasma

After several buffs, this heavy weapon has found its place in many power armor builds. Great for boss fights and high-HP targets.

16. Gauss Minigun

This is a charge-up heavy weapon that rewards patient aiming. Best used in power armor with heavy gunner perks.

15. Plasma Caster

A high-damage, single-shot heavy weapon. It lacks speed but makes up for it in sheer power, especially with armor-piercing mods.

14. Lever Action Rifle

Fast, accurate, and surprisingly powerful with the right perks. Great for non-automatic rifle builds that favor mobility.

13. Crusader Pistol

This energy pistol is perfect for crit builds. Its fast fire rate and access to powerful mods make it one of the best sidearms in the game.

12. Black Powder Rifle

High risk, high reward. This weapon delivers immense single-shot damage, ideal for stealth snipers. Just be ready for that long reload.

11. Submachine Gun (Perfect Storm)

This unique SMG has an incendiary effect, making it great for early- to mid-game. It falls off in high-level areas but still has utility in crowd control.

10. Cold Shoulder (Shotgun)

This new Legendary Shotgun from the Cold Steel update adds both cryo and physical damage. Excellent against bosses thanks to its slow effect.

9. Gauss Rifle

Still one of the best sniper weapons available. Combine it with the right legendary effects and perks, and you’ll be popping heads with ease.

8. Deathclaw Gauntlet

For melee players, this unarmed weapon deals massive damage and can be used effectively even in power armor.

7. Super Sledge

One of the best two-handed melee weapons. With a legendary roll that adds fire or explosive damage, it becomes a beast in close quarters.

6. Double-Barrel Shotgun

While basic, a well-rolled double-barrel with the right perks can melt enemies in a single blast. Short reload, but high burst damage.

5. Gatling Gun

Underrated but highly efficient, the Gatling Gun uses cheap ammo and delivers solid sustained DPS. Great for extended fights.

4. Chainsaw (with mods)

The addition of mods and legendary effects made the Chainsaw a serious contender. With perks like Incisor and Blocker, it turns you into a walking blender.

3. Auto Grenade Launcher

Not for the faint of heart, but incredibly powerful in the right hands. Just mind the splash damage—especially in team events.

2. Explosive Laser Rifle

When combined with the legacy explosive mod (if you're lucky enough to have one), it’s one of the highest DPS options in the game. Note: legacy weapons are no longer available, but those who own them know how game-breaking they can be.

1. Enclave Flamer (Legacy)

Still at the top, the Enclave Flamer with legacy explosive effects is unmatched in raw damage output. While controversial, there’s no denying its power—if you can get one.

Final Thoughts

Weapon choice in Fallout 76 comes down to personal playstyle, build preferences, and the type of content you enjoy. From stealth rifles to explosive heavy weapons, there’s something in Appalachia for everyone. If you're playing on console, many players look to buy Fallout 76 items PS5 to round out their builds, or buy Fallout 76 caps Xbox to pick up that missing piece of gear from player vendors.

Whatever your weapon of choice, the most important thing is to experiment, have fun, and keep adjusting your loadout as new content rolls out. Appalachia is always changing—your arsenal should too.