Highlights

  • The Ripper is a powerful weapon often overlooked by players in Fallout 76 due to its unique perks and effectiveness with the right build.
  • Pipe guns may not be the strongest, but their customization options and durability make them versatile and viable for most player builds.
  • The Cryolator, while underrated, can be a valuable asset in events like "Scorched Earth" for slowing down tough enemies like the Scorchbeast Queen.

There are lots of weapons in Fallout 76 for players to use and enjoy. From small, simple weapons like bows and pistols to large explosive weapons like missile launchers and automatic rifles, there's plenty of options for players to sink their teeth into.

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While there are some weapons that are considered meta, there are a few weapons that get completely overlooked. Not all weapons are good in Fallout 76, like the Ski Sword, for example, but there are a handful of weapons that are very useful that players don't pay much attention to. This article aims to help players discover the unconventional weapons that are worth investing some time and perk points into.

8 The Ripper

A Criminally Underrated Automatic Melee Weapon

Ripper in Fallout 76

Stat (Level 50)

Information

Damage

20 +5% x Strength

Swing Speed

Very Fast

AP Cost

4

Weight

6

There are two automatic melee weapons that get all the attention in Fallout 76. They are the Chainsaw and the Auto Axe. The Ripper tends to get overlooked by players, but it is actually a very powerful weapon when used with the correct perks and effects. If the player equips all the Gladiator perks, Bloodied Mess, and the legendary perk Hack and Slash, the humble Ripper becomes a real killing machine.

This weapon is especially powerful with the Anti-Armor legendary effect. The only downside with the Ripper is that it doesn't have the best durability, but then again, none of the automatic melee weapons have a particularly high durability.

7 Pipe Guns

Some Of The Most Moddable Weapons In The Game

Pipe Pistol in Fallout 76

Stat (Level 50)

Information

Damage

26

Ammo Types

.38 Round, .45 Round (Ultracite Variations)

Fire Rate

60

Range

84

Accuracy

55

AP Cost

21

Pipe weapons are some of the most customizable weapons in all of Fallout 76. They also have a special perk that makes them more durable and much cheaper to repair.

While they definitely aren't the most powerful weapons in the game, an automatic Pipe Rifle with good legendary effects can take down most enemies in the game with relative ease, and given their customizable nature, there's a way for players to use them with virtually any build.

6 The Cold Shoulder

The Cryptid Killer

The Cold Shoulder in Fallout 76

Stat (Level 45)

Information

Legendary Effects

Quad. +50% Damage To Cryptids, Slows Targets When Hit

Damage

115 + 75 Cryo Damage

Fire Rate

36

Range

72

Accuracy

53

AP Cost

30

While The Cold Shoulder is already one of the best shotguns in the game, players often overlook this weapon. The plan to craft this weapon was a reward in the season 'Rip Daring and the Cryptid Hunt.' It can also be purchased from the Atomic Shop.

What really makes this weapon shine is its freeze effect. The ability to slow down approaching enemies means that players will be able to get more shots in without being hit. It is a fun weapon to use, and it is fantastic for taking down cryptids.

5 Gauss Shotgun

Another Fantastic Shotgun

Gauss Shotgun in Fallout 76

Stat (Level 50)

Information

Special Effect

Bullets Explode For Area Damage

Damage

105

Blast Radius

Inner 100. Outer 125

Fire Rate

67

Range

84

Accuracy

26

AP Cost

35

To obtain the plan and mods for the Gauss Shotgun, players will need to have reached max rank with the Settlers. Then the weapons can be purchased from Samuel over at Foundation. Minerva also sometimes sells this weapon at a discount, and players don't need any Settler reputation to buy it from her, but she only has it once every month or so.

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The weapon itself is a very powerful shotgun. It does high, concentrated amounts of damage, and it also inflicts explosive area damage to nearby enemies. There are lots of mods for the Gauss Shotgun as well, making it a very versatile weapon.

4 Ogua Gauntlet

A Rollable Bear Arm

Bear Arm in Fallout

Stats (Level 50)

Information

Legendary Effects

Juggernaut's, Melee Speed, Endurance

Damage

50 +10% x Strength

Swing Speed

Medium

AP Cost

40

Weight

10

The Ogua Gauntlet is a unique variation of the Bear Arm. It can be obtained by completing the event "Beasts of Burden." What makes this weapon so great is that it can be re-rolled. The weapon's base damage is slightly higher than that of the Bear Arm, so it is the better weapon to roll when seeking good legendary effects.

While it certainly isn't the best melee weapon in Fallout 76, it is a fun and lore-friendly weapon. With a high-strength build, this weapon can be a very powerful choice for melee-focused players.

3 The Cryolator

Slow Down Enemies

Cryolator in Fallout 76

Stats (Level 45)

Information

Special Effects

-5 AP, -85% Movement Speed

Damage

36

Fire Rate

91

Range

120

Accuracy

70

AP Cost

20

The Cryolator is an iconic weapon in the Fallout franchise. While it has appeared in multiple Fallout games, it seems to have gone largely unnoticed in Fallout 76.

This weapon is great for slowing down advancing enemies, but what makes this weapon really stand out is its usefulness during the "Scorched Earth" event. The Scorchbeast Queen can be a hassle to take down, and The Cryolator can be used to keep her on the ground for longer. The longer she is grounded, the more damage players can inflict.

2 Radium Rifle

Deals Radiation Damage To Enemies

Short Radium Rifle in Fallout 76

Stats (Level 50)

Information

Damage

37 + 15 Radiation Damage

Fire Rate

40

Range

120

Accuracy

65

AP Cost

25

The Radium Rifle is another weapon that has been featured in several Fallout games. Unfortunately, it often gets overshadowed by other rifles like The Fixer and The Handmade.

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As the name suggests, it deals Radiation damage to all enemies it hits. With the right perks, this can be a very powerful weapon, especially when it's used as an automatic rifle. It deals large amounts of damage, the ammo is easy to find, and with the right perks, it can be relied upon to take down enemy bosses.

1 Bow

An Old School Weapon

The Bow in Fallout 76

Stats (Level 50)

Information

Damage

90

Ammo

Arrow (Ultracite Arrow)

Fire Rate

100

Range

204

Accuracy

53

AP Cost

28

The Bow is the type of weapon that one would expect to find during the apocalypse. It is silent, cheap to make, and in Fallout 76, it has perks that are dedicated to increasing its damage output.

While the Bow won't do a lot to help players during close-range combat, it is a fantastic ranged weapon for those who enjoy stealth builds. The only downside to the Bow is that it can't be used if the player is wearing Power Armor. Aside from that, it is a worthwhile weapon that is criminally underrated in Fallout 76.

fallout 76
Fallout 76

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Xbox One
Released
November 14, 2018
Developer(s)
Bethesda
Genre(s)
Action , RPG