In Fallout 76, the energy cartridge is a valuable junk item that can be broken down into essential crafting components. Although it might seem small, its contribution to crafting materials like lead and steel makes it a helpful resource for players focusing on ammunition or armor production.

| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | A black metal cartridge casing with some surface markings and an attachment point on its underside |
| Category | Junk item |
| Weight | 0.15 |
| Value | 0 Bottle Caps |
The energy cartridge does not serve as usable ammunition but is instead used for crafting purposes.
| Item | Materials Produced |
|---|---|
| Energy Cartridge (1) | Lead (1), Steel (1) |
Breaking down energy cartridges at a workbench provides lead and steel, two critical materials often used for crafting ammunition, armor, and modifying weapons.
| Material | Quantity Needed |
|---|---|
| Lead | 1 |
| Steel | 1 |
Players may encounter situations where certain mods or custom mechanics simulate the crafting or reconstitution of energy cartridges using these basic materials.
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Sutton | One fixed energy cartridge can be found on a metal shelf next to the tinker's workbench in the basement of the Vault 76 overseer's childhood home in Sutton |
Currently, this is the only known fixed spawn location for the energy cartridge in the game. Players searching for more must rely on random loot drops or exploring similar crafting areas.
| Attribute | Data |
|---|---|
| Editor ID | Ammo_Casing_EnergyCartridge |
| Form ID | 002EDA6B |
Understanding the technical data can be helpful for players involved in modding Fallout 76 or those interested in more advanced game mechanics.
Energy cartridges in Fallout 76 might seem like minor loot at first glance, but they are valuable sources of lead and steel when broken down. Lead is critical for making most types of ammunition, while steel is one of the most heavily used crafting materials across all armor and weapons upgrades. Visiting the fixed spawn location in Sutton regularly ensures players maintain a steady supply.
If you are looking to expand your crafting abilities further, consider collecting more Fallout 76 junk items and salvaging materials across Appalachia to keep your workshop fully stocked.