U4GM - Fallout 76 Items: 19 Best Weapons for Early Game Combat
Jumping into Fallout 76 for the first time can feel overwhelming. Appalachia is a hostile place, and without solid weapons early on, you’re likely to be overrun by scorched, ghouls, and angry mole miners. But fear not—there are plenty of solid options you can find or craft in the early hours that will help you survive and even thrive. Below are 19 of the best early game weapons that strike the right balance between accessibility and firepower, helping you establish your foothold in the wasteland.
1. Pipe Rifle
Don’t let its scrap-built appearance fool you. The Pipe Rifle is a reliable semi-auto option for players still scrounging for ammo. Easy to mod and lightweight, it’s often the first “real” gun you’ll lean on in the early game.
2. Hunting Rifle
Accurate, slow-firing, and deadly with sneak attacks. Early versions of the Hunting Rifle are plentiful and can be modified into proper sniper rifles with a little effort.
3. 10mm Pistol
Standard issue for most Vault Dwellers leaving 76, the 10mm Pistol is a dependable sidearm. Ammo is easy to find, and it’s a solid backup when heavier weapons run dry.
4. Combat Knife
For stealth players or those conserving ammo, a good melee weapon is essential. The Combat Knife’s fast attack speed makes it deadly when modded for stealth damage.
5. Hatchet
Another melee favorite, the hatchet delivers heavier hits than a knife and doesn’t require much maintenance.
6. Molotov Cocktails
Simple, brutal, and effective. These work wonders in early events or against clustered enemies. Just make sure you're out of the blast radius.
7. Revolutionary Sword
Not just a historical piece—it’s light, quick, and easy to swing. Great for melee builds or those running low on ammo.
8. Pump Action Shotgun
Available pretty early, this shotgun is powerful in close quarters. It’s slow to reload, but with good aim, you won’t need many shots.
9. Short Laser Pistol
If you’re investing in energy weapons, the Short Laser Pistol is a great entry point. Less common than ballistic guns but very efficient.
10. Syringer
This one’s more niche but offers creative options for players who enjoy experimenting. With the right ammo, it can be a great crowd control tool.
11. Pipe Revolver
Clunky but powerful. The Pipe Revolver hits hard and makes a great sidearm for those with high Strength or Perception.
12. Fire Axe
It’s big, brutal, and perfect for cutting through ghouls and low-level enemies. Best paired with perks that boost melee damage.
13. Submachine Gun
While harder to find early on, the SMG is perfect for mid-range fights and suppressing small groups of enemies.
14. Black Powder Pistol
This is a fun and surprisingly strong option, delivering massive damage in a single shot. Just don’t miss—you’ll feel every second of that reload time.
15. Short Hunting Rifle (Scoped)
With a scope and a suppressor, this becomes a budget sniper rifle. Ideal for clearing enemies before they see you.
16. Crossbow
Quiet, deadly, and great for stealth playstyles. Bolts can be recovered, saving precious resources.
17. Lead Pipe
Cheap, common, and better than fighting bare-handed. It’ll hold you over until you get something stronger.
18. Recurve Bow
Introduced in later updates, the bow offers silent precision and fits well with an agile, stealth-focused build.
19. Tesla Rifle (Event/Drop)
You might need to get lucky to grab this one early, but the Tesla Rifle excels at damaging multiple enemies at once, making it ideal for events.
A Few Tips to Get Ahead
While exploring and scavenging will always be part of the Fallout 76 experience, it’s worth knowing that there are ways to smooth your journey. Many players turn to community markets and trading hubs to pick up affordable Fallout 76 Items for sale or to buy Fallout 76 Caps when they’re short on resources. Reputable player-run sites like U4GM often become useful tools—not as a shortcut, but as a supplement to natural progression.
Weapons like the ones above can carry you through the early stages of the game, but having the right mods, ammo, and caps to upgrade your gear is just as important. Be sure to loot everything, scrap often, and take advantage of perk cards that match your weapon preferences.