Fallout 76 is an ambitious new direction for Bethesda's role-playing franchise, evolving the formula for a new shared-world multiplayer experience. While the harsh wasteland was never been forgiving, real-world players add a new level of unpredictability to the emergent gameplay. No matter your role, when you're facing hostile players there's only one way to survive.
Fallout 76 appears to stow a lot of weapons, building on an extensive arsenal established in prior games. Here we explain its weapon systems, how crafting and mods work, and confirmed weapons so far.
How weapons have changed in Fallout 76
As with previous series entries, Fallout 76 will require players to work for new weapons, equipment, and other loot. An expansive assortment of weapons will be laced throughout the world, with both returning icons and fresh newcomers. Ammunition for weapons must also be found or crafted, in accordance with the caliber/type required by the weapon.
Each Fallout 76 firearm is rated using six visible attributes – damage, fire rate, range, accuracy, weight, and value. Numerous hidden statistics are also in play, such as critical shot damage and armor penetration. These statistics determine each weapon's capabilities and make it easier to situationally tailor your loadout. Bethesda has also confirmed legendary weapons are also set to make a return in select locations, packing high-value modifiers with several tiers.
Fallout 76 will also embrace the weapon progression of its single-player predecessors, through crafting and finding armaments in the wasteland. Deep weapon crafting and modification systems in Fallout 4 are expected to see a revival, aside from minor tweaks for its multiplayer focus. Weapon degradation from previous games also returns, so you'll need to track item condition over time.
Fallout 76 weapon crafting and mods
Although Bethesda is yet to detail Fallout 76's weapon crafting systems, many newly announced additions likely tie into existing Fallout 4 features. The new Construction and Assembly Mobile Platform (C.A.M.P.) can be used to build and craft anywhere, though gameplay already confirms the return of dedicated workstations. Weapon Forges and Ammunition Plants can both be placed in settlements and aid in the production and maintenance of gear.
Survivors will be able to craft new weapons like usual, in exchange for raw materials. Weapon upgrades can also be crafted, unlocking access to new sights, barrels, stocks, magazines and other equipable enhancements.
Fallout 76 confirmed weapons list
While Bethesda is seemingly leaving most of Fallout 76 to be discovered, there's still ample information hidden in the reveal. Weapons spanning various categories have already been spotted, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, machine guns, and much more. We can already confirm specific returning fan-favorite weapons too, such as the Fat Man, Pipe Gun, and Laser Rifle.
For a full breakdown of every Fallout 76 weapon confirmed so far, be sure to check our comprehensive list.
Fallout 76 complete weapons list (so far)
Gear up for battle
Let us know your thoughts on Fallout 76's weapon systems in the comments below. In the meantime, Fallout 76 is now available for preorder starting at $59.99, ahead of its expected November 14 release for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows PCs.
