Highlights
- Power Armor in Fallout 76 varies in strength, with each model offering unique benefits and drawbacks for players to consider.
- Strangler Heart excels in PvP combat and radiation resistance, but its high cost may deter some players from obtaining it.
- T-51b, while historically significant, falls short in radiation resistance, making it less ideal for the irradiated landscapes of Appalachia.
In the Fallout universe, there's a consensus that no Power Armor is inherently bad, and that holds true. In a world overrun by mutated creatures and radiation, any suit offering survival aid is valued. Yet, in Fallout 76, players can construct bases, bolster their radiation resistance, and carve out a relatively stable existence—given the circumstances of post-apocalyptic life.
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For survivors accustomed to such challenges, even minor discomforts in Power Armor could prompt abandonment, encouraging them to hand in their chassis forever. With that being said, these examples tend to be the least favored Power Armor models in Fallout 76, tailored for discerning players seeking the ideal armor.
All Power Armor models in Fallout 76 offer a default 42% Damage and 90% Radiation Reduction, rendering them all formidable protective suits. The ranking presented in this list stems from minor drawbacks and exacting standards rather than any inherent deficiency in the armor models themselves.
5 Strangler Heart
Biggest Drawback: Price
- Max Damage Resistance: 453
- Max Energy Resistance: 393
- Max Radiation Resistance: 500
When comparing Power Armor based on resistance, Strangler Heart potentially sits at the peak. This ultra-rad-resistant PA possesses a unique ability to inflict Acid DMG on nearby foes while poisoning targets with each strike. Design-wise, Strangler Heart resembles an Ultracite Armor infused with the essence of Strangler Vine, a mutated plant born from the aftermath of the G.E.C.K. meltdown.
While Strangler Heart shines in PvP encounters and is hailed for its exceptional radiation protection, its steep unlocking cost is a deterrent. Following the Wastelanders patch, obtaining Strangler Heart requires a hefty investment of 6,900 Gold Bullion. What's more, crafting plans for this PA demands legendary materials like Scrip, yet the initial armor lacks any Legendary Effects.
4 Ultracite
Biggest Drawback: Maintenance
- Max Damage Resistance: 453
- Max Energy Resistance: 393
- Max Radiation Resistance: 393
Upon discovering ultracite's effectiveness against the Scorched, the Brotherhood of Steel envisioned it as the primary material for a new Power Armor, aiming to create the first anti-Scorched protective suit for their military operations. This was an ambitious goal. However, despite significant efforts, particularly from Appalachian scientist Scribe Grant McNamara, the faction failed to produce a functional prototype.
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Ultracite Power Armor deserves a spot here not due to its weakness or insignificance, but because of its exorbitant maintenance costs. Repairing this armor necessitates up to 50 units of Ultracite, a rare material challenging to acquire. Had the Brotherhood of Steel managed to develop this PA using more readily available material, Ultracite could have easily dominated any tier list, given its efficacy against the Scorched and high radiation resistance.
3 T-51b
Biggest Drawback: Outdatedness
- Max Damage Resistance: 454
- Max Energy Resistance: 454
- Max Radiation Resistance: 305
The T-51b holds a legacy dating back to its initial design as the Powered Infantry Armor Model T-51, utilized during the United States-China conflict in 2066. Post-apocalypse, the US Government employed this Power Armor against human adversaries, achieving notable success. Not only did it contribute to victory in the Battle of Anchorage, but it also played a pivotal role in engagements against the People's Liberation Army.
However, one might wonder why an all-around Power Armor with dependable stats would find its place among the worst. The answer lies in its capabilities. The T-51b boasts the lowest Radiation Resistance, rendering it less reliable in the heavily irradiated landscapes of Appalachia. When the US Government invested in the T-51, the Great War had not yet erupted, and Appalachia had yet to become a toxic, irradiated terrain. Hence, the T-51b's vulnerability to radiation—an aspect rooted in lore, yet also deemed unforgivable in practical terms.
2 T-45
Biggest Drawback: Weakness
- Max Damage Resistance: 360
- Max Energy Resistance: 360
- Max Radiation Resistance: 360
The T-45, the predecessor of the T-51, stands as a US-manufactured Power Armor pivotal in aiding the army during the Sino-American War. Designed to withstand basic ballistic assaults and equip operators with heavy-duty weaponry, it significantly strengthened frontline soldier endurance, effectively holding back the enemy. However, akin to the T-51, the T-45's design and production predate the Great War, resulting in its lack of certain essential features for the post-radiation world.
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Offering comprehensive protection against all primary damage types, the T-45 could be deemed a practical choice for novice PA users. However, given the abundance of affordable options early in the game, it often pales in comparison. For instance, the Raider Power Armor emerges as a superior choice for beginner Fallout 76 players, being easier to obtain and offering more perks.
1 T-60
Biggest Drawback: Mediocrity
- Max Damage Resistance: 400
- Max Energy Resistance: 370
- Max Radiation Resistance: 415
The T-60 garners little excitement. While it does boast a visually appealing appearance in Prime Video's adaptation, that's where its allure ends. According to Fallout lore, this model was manufactured mere months before the Great War. Initially utilized by the US Army to maintain order in the early stages of the apocalypse, it proved effective against human adversaries. However, its performance against mutants and other threats falls short.
Regrettably, the T-60 ranks as the worst Power Armor in Fallout 76, largely due to being overshadowed by older models. It ranks as the second-weakest in Energy Protection and falls behind both X-01 and T-65 in terms of Radiation Protection. To compound matters, its ballistic protection is inferior to that of the T-51.
