Best Weapons for Bounty Hunting in Fallout 76

If you’ve been diving into the wastelands of West Virginia and taking on bounties, you know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Bounty hunting in Fallout 76 isn’t just about luck—it’s about choosing weapons that match your playstyle, can handle multiple enemy types, and let you farm rewards efficiently. After countless hours of wandering through toxic forests and abandoned towns, here’s a breakdown of some of the best options I’ve found.

Close-Range Carnage: Shotguns and Melee Weapons

When you’re tracking bounties in dense areas like the Cranberry Bog or the Mire, close-range weapons really shine. Shotguns like the Combat Shotgun or Lever-Action are fantastic for clearing groups quickly. The spread helps cover your aim if enemies pop up unexpectedly, and the stagger effect on targets is great for crowd control.

Melee weapons can also be surprisingly effective if you’ve invested in Strength perks. I’ve had some epic moments with a Super Sledge, especially when paired with power armor. It’s satisfying to get up close and personal, and it’s cheap on ammo too—just make sure you’re not surrounded by a horde, or it might get messy.

One tip: always check vendors for rare Fallout 76 items that might have unique effects or mods. Sometimes these items can turn an ordinary weapon into a bounty-hunting machine, giving you an edge in tricky encounters.

Long-Range Precision: Rifles and Energy Weapons

If you prefer picking off targets from a distance, rifles are your best friend. The Hunting Rifle and Sniper variants allow for precise shots that can eliminate high-value targets before they even know you’re there. Energy weapons like the Laser Rifle also excel here—they’re quiet, accurate, and can be surprisingly lethal when upgraded with mods.

Personally, I like keeping a couple of sniper options on me. It’s not just about damage—it’s about survival. You can scout areas safely, tag enemies, and plan your attack rather than running headlong into a firefight. Plus, nothing beats the thrill of taking down a Legendary creature from across a valley.

Affordable Options for Budget Hunters

Not every bounty hunter has a stash full of caps, so it’s worth mentioning some more accessible choices. There are plenty of affordable Fallout 76 items that are perfectly viable for taking on mid-tier targets. For example, a basic hunting rifle or a standard pipe weapon can do the job if you’ve invested in the right perks.

You can even enhance these weapons with mods found around the map or crafted yourself. I remember starting out with nothing but a simple 10mm pistol and a few scraps of ammo—and it carried me through more than a few bounty runs. Sometimes the key isn’t the weapon itself, but how you use it.

Utility and Backup: Explosives and Throwables

Don’t underestimate the power of grenades, mines, and other throwables. Sticky grenades and molotovs are great for clearing groups, especially when you’re fighting in confined areas. I tend to carry a mix of throwing knives and Frag Mines for emergencies. They don’t replace your main weapon, but they save your skin when things get hectic.

Some players like to stock up through third-party sites like U4GM for in-game resources, which can help them get specific mods or weapons faster. While I personally prefer scavenging, it’s handy to know options exist if you need to fill gaps in your loadout.

Bounty hunting in Fallout 76 is as much about strategy as it is about firepower. A balanced loadout—mixing close-range, long-range, and utility tools—lets you handle anything the game throws at you. Keep an eye out for rare Fallout 76 items that can give you an edge, experiment with affordable Fallout 76 items if your caps are low, and don’t forget to upgrade your favorite weapons whenever possible.

At the end of the day, the best weapon is the one that fits your style. Whether you’re sneaking through the forest with a sniper rifle or charging into a horde with a Super Sledge, the wasteland rewards creativity and preparation. So grab your gear, hunt those bounties, and most importantly—have fun out there.