10 Best Beginner Tips for Fallout 76

Fallout 76 drops you into a post-apocalyptic West Virginia full of mutated creatures, hidden loot, and other survivors—both friendly and not. With base building, crafting, questing, and PvP all in the mix, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re just starting out. Whether you’re here to explore the Wasteland solo or team up with others, having a solid foundation will make your journey way smoother. In this guide, we’ll break down 10 beginner tips to help you survive longer, build smarter, and make the most out of your time in Fallout 76.

#10: Stay Hydrated and Fed

In Fallout 76, survival isn’t just about avoiding enemies—it’s also about managing your hunger and thirst. Letting your character go hungry or dehydrated reduces your stats and makes combat and exploration harder. Always keep a few Purified Water bottles and simple food items on hand. You can cook meat at a campfire to prevent diseases and boost effectiveness. It’s a small detail, but staying well-fed and hydrated gives you buffs and keeps you running smoothly in the harsh world of Appalachia.

#9: Manage Your Inventory Wisely

Your carry weight in Fallout 76 is limited, and it fills up fast if you’re not careful. Avoid hoarding junk or weapons you don’t use—scrap unnecessary items at crafting benches and store extra materials in your Stash Box. Prioritize keeping useful resources like adhesive, screws, and healing items, and break down heavy gear to lighten your load. Managing your inventory early not only keeps you mobile but also helps you avoid constant trips back to camp or vendors. A clean, organized inventory makes the game way more enjoyable.

#8: Use VATS Wisely in Combat

Unlike previous Fallout games, VATS in Fallout 76 doesn’t slow down time—it works in real-time. That means timing and positioning matter more than ever. VATS is incredibly useful for spotting enemies in dense areas, landing hits on fast-moving targets, or when you’re low on ammo and need precision. Use it to lock onto weak points like heads or limbs, especially when fighting tough enemies. While it’s not a guaranteed win button, using VATS smartly can help you stay accurate and efficient in chaotic fights.

#7: Keep Your Weapons and Armor in Good Condition

In Fallout 76, gear durability matters—if your weapon or armor breaks mid-fight, you could be in serious trouble. Always keep an eye on the condition of your gear and repair it regularly at workbenches using scrap materials. Carry a backup weapon just in case your main one breaks during an event or dungeon. Investing in repair perks or weapon mods can also extend durability and make repairs cheaper. Well-maintained gear keeps you alive longer and makes every encounter less stressful.

#6: Follow the Main Quest Line

It might be tempting to wander off and explore every corner of the map right away, but following the main quest line early on is one of the best ways to get started. It introduces you to key game mechanics like building, crafting, and factions, while rewarding you with solid loot, caps, and experience. The story also guides you through important locations and helps you level up at a steady pace. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can explore more freely—but sticking to the main quests at first keeps things structured and rewarding.

#5: Join Public Events

Public events are one of the best ways to earn XP, loot, and crafting materials in Fallout 76—especially early on. These events pop up across the map and bring players together to complete a shared objective, like defending a location or taking down a tough enemy. They’re a great opportunity to level up quickly, collect rare plans or gear, and meet other players. Even if you’re under-leveled, participating still gives you rewards, and more experienced players often carry the fight. Don’t skip them—they’re worth the effort every time.

#4: Collect and Scrap Everything

When you’re starting out, almost everything you find has value—so pick it up! Junk items, even seemingly useless ones, break down into important crafting materials like screws, adhesive, gears, and springs. Head to a crafting bench often to scrap these items, which reduces their weight and stores them as useful components in your stash. Scrap every weapon and armor piece you don’t need too—doing so unlocks new mods and upgrades. Being a scavenger is a big part of surviving in Fallout 76, and scrapping smartly sets you up for future crafting success.

#3: Build a CAMP (Construction and Assembly Mobile Platform)

Your CAMP is your personal home base in Fallout 76, and it’s one of the most important tools in the game. It’s where you can craft, cook, store gear, and respawn safely. Early on, set it up in a quiet area near useful resources or vendors, and make sure to build a few essentials: a stash box, cooking station, weapons bench, and bed. You can move your CAMP for a small cap fee if you find a better spot later. A well-placed and organized CAMP will make your entire journey through Appalachia much smoother.

#2: Choose Your Perks Carefully

Perk cards in Fallout 76 shape how your character plays, so picking the right ones early makes a big difference. Focus on perks that boost your survivability, crafting, or carrying capacity—like Pack Rat, First Aid, or Lockpick. As you level up, you’ll earn more points to spread across your SPECIAL stats, unlocking new perk options along the way. Don’t be afraid to swap them out as your playstyle changes—perk cards are flexible, and adapting your build to your needs is part of the fun. Build smart and you’ll survive longer, fight better, and waste less.

#1: Don’t Rush—Take Your Time

Fallout 76 is all about exploration, discovery, and making your own path through the wasteland. It’s not a race to the endgame. Take your time to enjoy the world, dig into the lore, experiment with builds, and explore every nook and cranny. Some of the best experiences come from wandering off the beaten path, running into random events, or meeting other players along the way. Go at your own pace, learn as you play, and don’t stress about leveling fast—there’s always more to do in Appalachia.

Conclusion

Starting out in Fallout 76 can be a little overwhelming, but with the right mindset and a few smart habits, you’ll be well on your way to thriving in the Wasteland. From managing your inventory and building your CAMP to joining events and taking your time with quests, these beginner tips are all about setting a solid foundation. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, the key is to stay curious, be prepared, and enjoy the journey. Appalachia is full of surprises—so gear up, take it slow, and make your mark on the world.