Sisterhood

If you're wandering the Appalachian wasteland, you know that choosing the right weapon can be the difference between surviving a Scorchbeast Queen or ending up as fertilizer for the local flora. In Fallout 76, damage numbers matter—but so do ammo availability, mods, and situational utility. Here’s my personal ranking of 20 notable guns by damage potential, with some honest thoughts from someone who’s spent too many hours hunting legendary enemies for the perfect roll.

Below I’ll go from highest raw damage potential to lower—but don’t forget that versatility, ease of use, and mod options can make even mid-tier guns shine.

1. Gauss ShotgunDevastating at close range. When fully charged, it can obliterate most enemies in one or two shots. If you love high-risk, high-reward play, this is your go-to.

2. Gauss RifleExcellent for V.A.T.S. snipers. Charged shots deal monstrous damage, making this one of the best rifles in the game.

3. Railway RifleHigh damage, and nails your enemies to the wall (literally). Ammo is fairly easy to craft, and the satisfying choo-choo hiss never gets old.

4. Plasma CasterInsanely hard-hitting, especially with Heavy Gunner perks. Slow rate of fire but every shot hits like a truck.

5. The FixerWhile its base damage is lower than some on this list, a bloodied or anti-armor roll can make it top-tier. Its stealth boost is phenomenal for sneaky builds.

6. Gauss MinigunCharged-up spin delivers huge DPS. Needs some practice (and plenty of 2mm EC rounds), but the results speak for themselves.

7. Lever Action RifleSurprisingly powerful with Rifleman perks, and easy to mod for high damage. Great for mid-game progression.

8. Handmade RifleBeloved for its high damage and customization. If you’re chasing legendary rolls, this is one to look out for.

9. Enclave Plasma RifleVersatile and high damage with mods. Ammo can be a bit of a grind but worth it.

10. Combat Shotgun (Quad/Explosive Rolls)Base damage is decent, but with the right legendary mods it can outclass many other weapons for raw room-clearing power.

11. Black Powder RifleSingle-shot cannon. Highest per-shot damage among non-energy rifles, but slow reloads make it less viable in frantic fights.

12. .50 Cal Machine GunHigh DPS if you can keep the barrels rolling. Ammo is plentiful.

13. Double-Barrel ShotgunNot the highest DPS overall, but devastating up close and easy to mod early on.

14. Hunting RifleClassic, reliable, and very mod-friendly. A staple of sniper builds until you get the Gauss.

15. Assault RifleSolid damage, good rate of fire. Loses to the Handmade at higher levels but easier to get early on.

16. Submachine GunFun, fast, but ammo-hungry. Great for role-playing or close-quarters builds.

17. Pipe Bolt-ActionEarly-game hero. Damage is solid with mods but quickly outclassed.

18. Laser RifleGood mid-tier energy option. The beam splitter mod makes it a pseudo-shotgun.

19. 10mm PistolGood for starting out, especially with Pistol perks. Damage tapers off later.

20. Pipe PistolLow damage, but it’s everywhere. Great for modding practice, less so for surviving a Deathclaw ambush.

Tips for Maximizing Damage Potential

• Invest in perk cards like Rifleman, Commando, or Shotgunner based on your favorite weapon type.

• Mods make or break many guns—spend time learning where to get plans.

• Don’t underestimate legendary effects. Bloodied, Anti-Armor, and Quad can dramatically increase damage output.

• Manage your resources carefully. Sometimes it's smart to buy Fallout 76 Items from other players to complete your perfect build faster.

And yes—if you're short on caps for player vending or fast travel fees, it never hurts to Buy Fallout 76 Caps online from reputable sellers. Just be smart about it, and remember you can make plenty by farming events and selling junk in your own camp.

Ultimately, the best weapon in Fallout 76 is the one that fits your build and feels right for your playstyle. Damage numbers are important, but so is how much fun you’re having roaming the wasteland. Stay safe out there, and good hunting.