Best Fallout 76 Weapons for Low-Level Players: 13 Recommendations
Fallout 76 can be tough when you’re just starting out. Enemies seem tanky, ammo is scarce, and legendary gear is out of reach for a while. But the good news is you don’t have to wait until level 50 to feel powerful. Plenty of accessible weapons will help you survive—and even thrive—while leveling.
Here’s a roundup of 13 of the best weapons for low-level players in Fallout 76. These are practical choices that drop often, can be crafted early, or are worth grabbing from vendors or other players if you’re planning to buy Fallout 76 Items to speed things up.
1. Hunting RifleOne of the first rifles you’ll likely find. It’s a solid single-shot weapon with good accuracy and stopping power, even at low levels. Mod it for a longer barrel or better scope to make early sniping much easier.
2. Pipe RevolverYes, it looks like junk, but it’s surprisingly effective. Easy to repair, with cheap ammo, it’s a great sidearm for early levels. Keep one as a backup even after you upgrade.
3. 10mm PistolThis is the classic Fallout sidearm. Fast firing, decent damage, and you’ll find tons of 10mm ammo everywhere. Mods make it even more viable into mid-levels.
4. Combat KnifeStealth builds start here. It swings quickly and can be used to pull off sneak attacks early. Lightweight and easy to repair. Perfect for low-level assassins or melee fans.
5. Short Pump-Action ShotgunWhen you’re in tight quarters, nothing beats the pump-action. It’s common, hits hard, and is perfect for fending off feral ghouls or scorched.
6. Pipe Bolt-Action RifleExtremely cheap to craft and mod. It’s one of the earliest ways to get decent damage at range. Ideal if you want to try a sharpshooter approach without fancy gear.
7. Fire AxeOnce you unlock it, this is a reliable, hard-hitting melee option. Great for clearing low-level mobs with stamina to spare.
8. Single Action RevolverStylish and powerful. It has a satisfying punch and is easy to use, making it a favorite sidearm for low-level gunslingers.
9. Molotov CocktailTechnically not a gun, but essential. Molotovs are plentiful, craftable early, and devastating against clustered enemies. Don’t overlook them.
10. Submachine Gun (Tommy Gun)It’s a bit heavier on ammo consumption but makes short work of lower-level foes. Great for close-range crowd control, and you can often snag one early from vendors.
11. HatchetLight, fast, and doesn’t drain Action Points too quickly. A good melee fallback for new characters who want mobility over raw power.
12. Short Hunting Rifle with SuppressorAdding a suppressor is game-changing for sneak builds. Even low-level hunting rifles can become deadly silent killers with basic mods.
13. Laser PistolA bit harder to maintain due to cell requirements, but once you get one, it’s a reliable energy weapon option that’s usable from level 1 with plans. Great if you want something different from the usual ballistic guns.
Tips for New Players
Don’t worry about legendary gear immediately. Many of these weapons will carry you comfortably into the 20s or 30s.
Learn to mod early. A basic receiver upgrade can dramatically boost damage.
Buy from vendors or other players if you’re stuck. Some players like to Buy Fallout 76 Caps online to quickly afford better gear or mods.
Consider keeping multiple weapons for different scenarios (long-range, melee, close quarters).
Fallout 76’s early game is all about flexibility and experimentation. These 13 weapons are tried-and-true favorites for a reason: they’re easy to find, easy to mod, and effective enough to let you focus on exploring Appalachia instead of constantly dying.
If you’re just getting started, give a few of these a try—and don’t be afraid to mix it up until you find a style that feels right.