Every Vault Dweller needs a few key items to survive out in the nuclear wastelands in Fallout 76. One of the most important resources is a good weapon. Several standout weapons can be acquired from vendors, earned through quests, or dropped by enemies. Legendary weapons often require crafting but offer powerful advantages in combat. In this guide, we will show you a few of the most powerful Fallout 76 weapons that will help you combat the many threats of the wasteland.

1. Hunting Rifle

Type/Class: Ranged Non-automatic Rifle  
Level: 1/5/10/20/30/40/50 
Damage: 40/45/50/55/60/65/70 
Ammo: .308 round (Ultracite) 
Magazine Size: 5 
Fire Rate: 3 
Value: 200 Caps

The Hunting Rifle is an optimal long-range weapon in Fallout 76, especially when modified with a scope and converted to use .50 cal rounds, enhancing its sniper capabilities. It's compatible with various scope sizes, catering to short, medium, or long scope preferences. Although it has a slow firing rate, the high damage per shot compensates, making it highly effective for precise, powerful hits.

2. The Dragon

Type/Class: Ranged Non-automatic Rifle 
Level: 35/45 
Damage: 200/225 
Ammo: .50 Caliber Ball 
Magazine Size: 1 
Fire Rate: 1 
Value: 200 Caps

Enter The Dragon: a Black Powder Rifle on steroids and one of Fallout 76's best weapons. With a Base Damage of 230, it is already a powerful weapon. Then you realize that it has four barrels that discharge all at once when fired, leading to a potential Base Damage 920 if all rounds connect. You can significantly increase the damage output of The Dragon by using the Rifleman and Covert Operative perk cards, especially as an opening attack in engagements. With the enhanced damage and sneak multipliers, this tactic can deliver devastating first strikes against enemies.

3. Alien Blaster

Type/Class: Ranged Non-Automatic Pistol   
Effects: Disintegration: killed enemies may turn to ash 
Level: 20/30/40/50 
Damage: 20/25/29/32 
Ammo: Alien Blaster Round, Fusion Cell  
Magazine Size: 42 
Fire Rate: 100

The Alien Blaster is a strong weapon in Fallout 76, and it holds its own against other energy weapons because of its unique attachments and high damage output. The Alien Blaster deals 20-32 base damage, and it can hold 42 ammo in a clip.Alien Blaster Rounds and Fusion Cells are the Alien Blaster's main ammo types, which works well since Fusion Cells are relatively common. The Alien Blaster only weighs two pounds, so you can carry it with you without sacrificing much inventory space, which is especially useful if you use multiple types of weapons regularly.

4. Perfect Storm SMG

Type/Class: Ranged Automatic Rifle   
Level: 10/20/30/40/50   
Damage: 17/19/23/28/34(8 Burn per second(3 sec) 
Ammo: .50 Caliber Ball     
Magazine Size: 1      
Fire Rate: 1      
Value: 200 Caps 

Perfect Storm, a standout SMG, is favored for its common ammo type and utility, especially in early-game quests. Although potentially outclassed later, this lightweight rifle is invaluable for beginners. It deals a base 14 ballistic damage plus 24 burning damage over 3 seconds on enemies. Add the best mods in Fallout, as well as perks like Commando, to boost its damage output.

5. Auto Grenade Launcher

Type/Class: Ranged Explosive Heavy Gun
Level: 40/50
Damage: 3/3
Area Damage: 107/117
Ammo: 40mm Grenade Round
Magazine Size: 12
Fire Rate: 16
Value: 225 Caps

The Auto Grenade Launcher is a powerful 40mm heavy explosive weapon that rapidly fires 12-round belts of grenades. It's excellent for quickly dealing massive damage and is effective against clusters of Scorched and high-level Super Mutants in Fallout 76. This is a must-have if you wish to go in guns-blazing in any firefight — especially in open areas.