In the alternate universe ofFallout 76, humanity accomplished some of the most impressive inventions, ranging from common ballistic weapons to lasers that can reduce ordinary opponents to ash within seconds. Each has its benefits and limitations, but both weapon types will help you survive against the numerous threats present in Appalachia.

You won’t start with an energy weapon or find one within your first few hours of gameplay in Fallout 76, instead relying on old-school Pipe Pistols and other ballistic weapons. However, once you discover and scrap more guns, your options for how you take on enemies increase exponentially.

A screenshot from Fallout 76 showing the player Pip Boy’s weapon page with different guns and energy weapons shown. A ‘Short Pump Action Shotgun’ is selected.

What’s The Difference Between Ballistic And Energy Weapons In Fallout 76?

There aredifferent types of ranged weaponsin Fallout 76, with the two categories beingdivided into ‘Energy’ and ‘Ballistic’ weapons. The difference is fairly simple, withBallistic weapons firing bulletsandEnergy weapons firing focused energy.

Ammo ofboth types can be craftedusing a Tinker’s Workbench.

Bothweapons require ammoto be fired. Otherwise,you’ll be using a physical melee weaponto take down your enemies.Ballistic ammo is much more diversethan energy-based weapons, with the latter largelyusing some form of Fusion Cellto work.

When you craft or modify weapons,the base weapon type should staythe same, butthe name of the weapon will acquire modifiersdescribing the different attachments or processes added.

A screenshot from Fallout 76 showing the interface of a weapon’s bench of the player’s weapons, with the ‘Marksman Huntin Rifle’ being shown. Other weapons like the ‘Short Pump Action Shotgun,’ ‘Scattered Laser Pistol,’ and ‘Serrated Machete’ showing modifiers describing the weapons.

This labeling systemhelps you recognize what a weapon hasat a glancebefore you pick it up.

Tolearn more recipesfor attachments and other modifications to a weapon, ensure you’repicking up and scrapping gunsleft behind by enemies or in the world.

A screenshot from Fallout 76 showing a Pip Boy with a Marksman Hunting Rifle shown in the player’s inventory. The weapon’s ammo is highlighted on the right side of the screen.

Ballistic Weapons, Explained

Ballistic weaponsfire bullets or other projectilesat your opponents,dealing physical damageanda chance to dismemberthem if the weapon is strong enough. You’ll need tomake sure you have a steady supply of ammo, which isn’t easy due to the diversity of Ballistic ammo types.

Ballistic ammo ismost useful against creatures and animalsthat have living parts.

A screenshot from Fallout 76 showing the player character looking at their Pip Boy inventory showing a ‘Scattered Laser Pistol’ selected with ‘Cell’ being highlighted on the right sidebar.

Someexamples of ammo types and their associated gunsinclude:

Some Pipe Guns and Rifles

10mm Round

10mm Pistol

Syringer Ammo

Syringer

There aredifferent specialty types of ammobased on the weapon, butmany of the common ammo typesyou’ll find in Appalachia are listed above. They can alsobe crafted at a Tinkerer’s Workbenchif you’re unable to find any in the world.

Energy Weapons, Explained

Energy weaponsdeal energy or burning damageand areexceptionally effective against enemies of a lower level, even reducing them to ash at times. Mostbasic energy weapons will use Fusion Cells, with more advanced ammo beingfound for more advanced energy weapons.

Someexamples of Energy ammo and the weaponsthey’re attributed to include:

Most Energy weapons require ‘Cells’

Gauss weaponry

Alien Blaster Round

Alien Blaster

These weapons can be extremelyuseful against enemies with flesh, allowing you to atomize them.