For players who prefer getting up close and personal in Fallout 76, mastering melee combat is both thrilling and rewarding. While guns often get the spotlight, the right melee weapon can completely change how you approach encounters in Appalachia. After spending countless hours testing, modding, and upgrading weapons, here’s my take on the best melee options the game has to offer.
1. The Super Sledge
The Super Sledge remains a top-tier choice for melee enthusiasts. Its high base damage and powerful knockback make it perfect for dealing with both human enemies and feral creatures. With the right Strength perks, it can stagger even the toughest foes, giving you control over the battlefield. Mods like Bladed or Lightweight can further enhance its versatility, depending on whether you prioritize raw damage or swing speed.
2. Deathclaw Gauntlet
Nothing says up-close devastation quite like the Deathclaw Gauntlet. Its critical damage potential is insane, especially when combined with the right critical perks. Swinging this beast feels satisfying, and it’s surprisingly effective against both players and NPCs in PvP scenarios. If you’re farming for Fallout 76 caps, investing in this weapon can be worth it, since a well-geared melee build allows you to take on high-level enemies efficiently.
3. Shishkebab
The Shishkebab is a fun and fiery choice. While it doesn’t match the raw damage of the Super Sledge or Deathclaw Gauntlet, the fire effect adds consistent damage over time. It’s excellent for crowd control and can melt groups of weaker enemies with ease. Its lightweight nature means you can pair it with faster melee perks and perks that boost stamina regeneration for sustained combat.
4. Chinese Officer Sword
This one is a bit underrated. The Chinese Officer Sword has decent base damage and a fast swing rate, making it ideal for hit-and-run tactics. Its elegant design hides a surprisingly practical combat tool, especially when modded for more damage or better criticals. Pairing it with perks like Ninja and Bloody Mess can make it deceptively lethal.
5. Power Fist
The Power Fist is for those who want pure destruction. It’s slower than most other melee weapons, but each hit can obliterate an enemy’s health bar if timed correctly. When modded for explosive or plasma damage, it becomes a powerhouse that’s hard to rival. It’s also one of the best weapons to farm Fallout 76 caps U4GM, since it can take down legendary enemies quickly, yielding valuable loot.
Honorable Mentions
Other melee weapons worth considering include the Super Sledge variant “Thermal Sledge” and the “Combat Knife” for stealthy builds. While they don’t make the top five, they offer unique playstyles and can complement specific builds perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right melee weapon in Fallout 76 is about more than just raw damage—it’s about your build, your playstyle, and the enemies you face. Whether you love the staggering power of a Super Sledge, the critical potential of the Deathclaw Gauntlet, or the fire damage from a Shishkebab, there’s a weapon to suit every melee-focused survivor. Remember, farming and managing your Fallout 76 caps is easier when you can handle enemies efficiently, so investing time in mastering melee combat can pay off in more ways than one.
