Embarking on the adventure through the wastelands of the Commonwealth in Fallout 4, every wastelander needs to be well-equipped to face the manifold perils that lurk within. Whether it be fending off ferocious feral ghouls, tackling towering super mutants, or outsmarting other Vault dwellers, the armament you choose can make or break your quest for survival and supremacy. In this expansive guide, we’ll navigate through the arsenal maze, pointing you to the crème de la crème of weaponry as well as the armaments you’d be better off avoiding. Strap in, Vault dwellers, as we embark on this armament odyssey.

Early Game#

Upon emerging from the Vault, the Commonwealth might seem overwhelming, but fear not. There are early game gems that can give you the edge.

10mm Pistol: Your first true companion, the 10mm Pistol, is no slouch. With ample ammunition scattered across the wasteland and decent damage, it’s a reliable choice for taking on the initial threats you’ll encounter. Enhancements can transform it into a formidable firearm for the beginning chapters of your journey.

Pipe Weapons: Ubiquitous and versatile, pipe weapons are the duct tape of the armament world. While they may not pack the biggest punch or boast the best accuracy, their widespread availability and the plethora of mods make them an early game standby.

Combat Shotgun: Though it may stretch the definition of “early game” for some, the Combat Shotgun is a prize worth seeking out as soon as you’re equipped to handle slightly beefier foes. Perfect for close-quarters combat, it delivers devastating damage up close.

Mid-Game#

As you dive deeper into the Commonwealth’s secrets and enhance your survivor’s capabilities, your arsenal needs to scale appropriately. The mid-game introduces foes with thicker armor and nastier claws, demanding an upgrade in firepower.

Combat Rifle: A step up from your early game fare, the Combat Rifle offers a balanced mix of damage, rate of fire, and range. It’s proficient in a variety of scenarios, from picking off raiders at a distance to defending against a close-up ghoul rush.

Laser Rifle: Welcome to the energy weapons arena. The Laser Rifle, obtainable from numerous factions and locales, shines with its robust modding capabilities and the advantage of energy damage, slicing through enemy resistances like a hot knife through butter.

Double-Barrel Shotgun: For those who prefer the satisfaction of turning enemies into close-range confetti, the Double-Barrel Shotgun is a mid-game jewel. Its raw stopping power is unmatched, though it requires skillful play to compensate for its slow reload time.

Late Game#

Late game in Fallout 4 is where your arsenal gets truly exotic, with high-caliber weapons that not only obliterate foes but also carry a sense of prestige.

Gauss Rifle: A veritable handheld cannon, the Gauss Rifle combines electromagnetic propulsion and sheer firepower to launch projectiles that can one-shot most adversaries. It’s a trophy weapon that every wastelander should aspire to wield.

Plasma Rifle: Merging the best of both ballistic and energy weapon worlds, the Plasma Rifle’s projectiles inflict both immediate and lingering damage, making it exceptionally lethal. Its versatility across a range of combat scenarios is unparalleled.

Fat Man: Sometimes, the solution to a problem is a mini-nuke. The Fat Man is the epitome of overkill, capable of decimating clusters of enemies or taking down behemoths in a singular, radioactive explosion. Use with caution, as collateral damage is guaranteed.

Best Overall#

Pinpointing the single best weapon in Fallout 4 is akin to choosing the tastiest flavor of Nuka-Cola—a highly subjective debate. However, if versatility, power, and iconic status are considered, the Overseer’s Guardian stands out. Acquirable early if you’re willing to grind caps, and scalable into the late game with mods, this Combat Rifle variant shoots an extra projectile per trigger pull without consuming additional ammo. It’s a force multiplier, effective in almost every encounter the Commonwealth throws at you.

Worst Weapons#

Not all weapons in the Commonwealth are worth your time or ammunition. Some are better left rusting on the battlefield.

Board: In a world brimming with firearms and energy weapons, opting for a piece of lumber as your go-to combat solution is… underwhelming. Its slow swing speed and meager damage render it almost a novelty rather than a practical weapon.

Pipe Bolt-Action Pistol: A poster child for inefficiency, the Pipe Bolt-Action Pistol combines the low damage of pipe weapons with the agonizingly slow fire rate of bolt-action mechanics. A relic best left in the early game or, better yet, not used at all.

Institute Laser: Despite its futuristic allure, the Institute Laser pales in comparison to its Commonwealth counterpart, the Laser Rifle. It underperforms in both damage output and modability, making its sleek white finish its only redeeming quality.

In conclusion, the Commonwealth’s armory is a vast and varied cornucopia of death-dealing devices. From humble beginnings with battered pistols and jury-rigged pipe rifles to the endgame arsenal of technological terrors and booming behemoths, there’s a weapon for every Vault dweller. Whether you’re a sniper lying in wait, a shotgun surgeon dissecting enemies at close range, or an explosives enthusiast reshaping the landscape one mini-nuke at a time, choosing the right tool for the job can make your journey through the wasteland not just survivable, but legendary. Remember, in Fallout 4, the right armament doesn’t just define your playstyle—it defines your very fate in the wastelands. Equip wisely, aim true, and may your adventures in the Commonwealth be epic.