Starting out in Fallout 76 can feel overwhelming. With a vast world, hundreds of items, and plenty of systems to learn, it’s easy to miss things that make the early game smoother. Whether you’re brand new or starting over, these 25 tips will help you survive, level faster, and build smart before hitting level 10.
1. Prioritize Intelligence Perk Cards Early
Perk cards like First Aid or Hacker can give you an edge. Intelligence boosts XP gains, so it’s a great stat to build early.
2. Scrap Everything, Especially Junk
Scrapping weapons and armor unlocks mods. Scrapping junk gives you crafting materials. Always scrap at a workbench before selling or storing.
3. Avoid Hoarding Weapons You Don’t Use
Inventory space is limited. Keep one or two reliable weapons and break down or sell the rest.
4. Learn the Camp System as Soon as Possible
Your CAMP is your lifeline. Place it near useful locations (train stations, vendors, or high-resource zones) and set up essentials like a cooking station, stash box, and bed.
5. Use the Overseer’s Cache for Free Gear
These caches are placed near early-game objectives. They often contain Stimpaks, ammo, and crafting materials.
6. Join Public Teams for Free XP Bonuses
Look for teams with an Intelligence or Casual bonus. It helps with leveling and loot efficiency.
7. Focus on Events with Easy Objectives
Events like Tea Time or Feed the People are beginner-friendly and offer caps, loot, and XP. Don’t be afraid to join even if you’re new.
8. Don’t Waste Caps Fast Travel Short Distances
Fast travel costs caps. Early on, caps are precious, so walk when possible or build your CAMP near common routes.
9. Eat and Drink Regularly to Stay Buffed
Hunger and thirst aren’t just for survival. Staying well-fed and hydrated grants bonus AP regen and resistances.
10. Repair Weapons Before They Break
Use repair kits if you have them, or visit a weapons bench. If a weapon breaks, you might lose useful mods.
11. Use VATS in Combat to Target Weak Spots
Even at low levels, VATS helps you score hits and track enemies, especially in chaotic fights.
12. Stick to One or Two Weapon Types
This helps you focus perks and conserve ammo. If you’re using shotguns and melee, don’t spread your points into rifles or heavy guns just yet.
13. Don’t Rush Main Quests Too Quickly
The early missions are manageable, but side quests and events offer great loot and story depth. Explore freely.
14. Collect Plans and Recipes Early
You’ll need these to craft useful gear. Vendors, events, and containers often contain them.
15. Save Your Legendary Scrip Until Later
You can earn Scrip from the Purveyor for trading legendary items, but it’s better spent once you know your build.
16. Check Vendors for Useful Ammo and Mods
Train stations and faction outposts have vendors with rotating inventory. Check regularly for deals or rare plans.
17. Always Use the Stash Box to Store Materials
Your stash is safe from death or disconnection. Store junk, bulk materials, and extra weapons here.
18. Favor Lighter Armor for Mobility
At early levels, mobility can be more important than defense. Scout armor is a good balance until you unlock better gear.
19. Complete Daily Challenges for Atoms
Atoms let you buy cosmetics in the Atomic Shop. Daily challenges are simple and worth doing regularly.
20. Repair Armor Regularly to Keep DR High
Worn-out armor gives reduced damage protection. Keep it in shape to avoid unnecessary deaths.
21. Start Bulk Selling Junk for Extra Caps
Bulk materials like Bulk Aluminum or Bulk Steel can be sold for decent caps. It’s also a smart way to free stash space.
22. Use Cooking Stations for Easy Buffs
Grilled Radstag for carry weight, or Cranberry Juice for XP gain. These are free buffs you shouldn’t ignore.
23. Get to Know the Factions Early On
Knowing where the Raiders and Settlers are helps later when faction reputation matters. Plus, their vendors are useful.
24. Don’t Ignore Defense Perk Cards
Lifegiver, Ironclad, or Fireproof can keep you alive in tough fights, even if you’re playing solo.
25. Trade With Players for Specific Items
Sometimes, other players have what you need. If you want to buy Fallout 76 items cheap, look for in-game trading hubs or Discord groups. Similarly, if you’re saving for gear or ammo, finding the Best Place to buy Fallout 76 Caps in-game (via vendor bots or player markets) can really help stretch your resources.
Mastering these tips will put you ahead of most newcomers. The early levels in Fallout 76 are all about learning systems, avoiding costly mistakes, and setting up for efficient progression. Don’t stress too much about optimizing — enjoy exploring Appalachia at your own pace.
