In the sprawling, irradiated, and often times treacherous terrains of Appalachia in Fallout 76, your survival depends not just on your arsenal or your quick wits, but equally on your choice of armor. Whether you’re a lone wanderer or a fellow teaming up with pals, the difference between a dusty demise and triumphant survival can often come down to what you’re wearing. This guide aims to deck you out in the best gear Appalachia has to offer, breaking down the primo armor picks through the game’s progression - from the early scuffles to the late-game showdowns. And because every Vault Dweller loves a good easter egg, we’ll also toss in some insights on which weapons might be better off left rusting in the wasteland.
Early Game Armor Sets
In the embryonic stages of your journey, the harsh realities of Fallout 76’s world become quickly apparent. During these initial forays, it’s less about the high-end stats and more about whatever keeps you breathing longer. Here are a couple of early game lifesavers:
Leather Armor: You can start crafting it pretty early on, and it offers a decent balance of Damage and Energy Resistance. Its lightweight nature means it won’t bog you down as you explore the vastness of West Virginia, making it an ideal choice for budding Vault Dwellers.
Raider Armor: If you’re keen to live out your Mad Max fantasies, Raider Armor pieces are often looted from less-than-friendly inhabitants of the wasteland. They provide slightly more protection than the Leather variant but at the expense of additional weight. It’s a small price for a significant uptick in survivability.
Mid-Game Armor Transitions
As you progress, you’ll stumble upon more varied and potent armor options, each catering to different playstyles and combat situations. Here’s where you start to feel a bit more bespoke in your gear choices:
Combat Armor: A solid all-rounder, Combat Armor offers a balanced mix of Damage and Energy Resistance and comes in Light, Medium, and Heavy variants. Start with whatever you can get your hands on, but aim to complete a full set for the cumulative protection benefits.
Metal Armor: Favoring Damage Resistance over Energy, Metal Armor is the go-to for those expecting to eat bullets more than plasma. It’s heavier than Combat Armor but comes with the boon of making you harder to take down in a firefight.
Late Game - The Best Defense is a Good Defense
As you start facing down some of Appalachia’s most fearsome threats, your armor needs to be top-notch. Here, your gear needs to do more than just protect; it needs to complement your play style and chosen perks.
Power Armor: The quintessential Fallout icon, Power Armor is a game-changer in Fallout 76. Offering unmatched protection against virtually all forms of damage, each variant has its strengths, with the T-60 and X-01 versions standing out for their blend of availability and effectiveness. Just remember to stock up on Fusion Cores.
Marine Armor: While it can be a grind to acquire, Marine Armor is a stellar non-Power Armor option, providing exceptional resistance and a sleek look. Think of it as the Navy Seal gear of Fallout 76—tough, tactical, and terribly efficient.
Best Overall - The Ultimate Protection
Secret Service Armor: For the armor aficionado seeking the pinnacle of defense without clunking around in Power Armor, the Secret Service Armor is unmatched. Available through the Wastelanders update, this set offers superb ballistic and energy resistance and can be modded with Jetpacks, granting both protection and mobility. It’s a steep grind to acquire, but well worth it for those aiming to be a wasteland juggernaut.
Worst Weapons to Leave Behind
Not all weapons in Fallout 76 are created equal, and while this guide focuses on armor, it’s worth mentioning some armaments you might be better off avoiding:
Pipe Weapons: Ubiquitous and underwhelming, pipe weapons are a common early game find that quickly become obsolete. While they’re better than throwing rocks, you’ll want to upgrade these DIY firearms ASAP.
Syringer: A quirky addition to your arsenal, the Syringer can inject enemies with various concoctions. It’s fun but lacks the necessary umpf for serious engagements. Consider it more of a collector’s curio than a staple weapon.
Drill: Yes, you can find a Drill. No, it’s not worth using unless you’re trying to give someone an impromptu dentist appointment. It’s a novelty weapon that’s more tickle than terror.
In Fallout 76, your choice of armor (and to a lesser extent, weapons) can define your experience in Appalachia. From the humble beginnings in Leather and Raider Armor to the lofty heights of Power and Secret Service Armor, each piece plays a part in your survival story. Remember, the wasteland is an ever-changing battlefield, and what works today might not tomorrow. So keep exploring, keep looting, and, most importantly, keep adapting. Your perfect armor setup is out there, and with it, the keys to becoming the true ruler of the wasteland.