Fallout 76 Weapons That Ignore Armor: 17 OP Picks
If you’ve been wandering the wasteland for a while, you know how tough some enemies can get—especially those heavily armored Super Mutants, Scorchbeasts, or even other players in PvP. Armor can soak up a lot of damage, turning your best shots into mere scratches. That’s where armor-ignoring weapons come in handy. In Fallout 76, a number of weapons (and legendary effects) can help you punch through enemy defenses with ease.
Here’s a breakdown of 17 great picks that excel at ignoring or bypassing armor—some via inherent effects, others via legendary rolls or mods. Whether you’re looking to shred high-level bosses or dominate in PvP, these are the options worth considering.
1. Gauss Rifle
A classic choice that charges up for devastating damage. Its charged shots pack high base damage and ignore a portion of enemy armor inherently. Mod it for even more stopping power.
2. Gauss Shotgun
Similar to the Gauss Rifle, but in shotgun form. It’s a powerhouse for close-quarters combat, delivering armor-piercing shots that ruin even the tankiest foes.
3. Gauss Minigun
If you love big guns, the Gauss Minigun is a no-brainer. It’s got insane rate of fire and armor-penetrating charged rounds, making it one of the best crowd-clearers for high-level enemies.
4. The Fixer (Anti-Armor Roll)
The Fixer is already a fan favorite for its stealth bonuses and fast firing. Roll it with Anti-Armor legendary effect and you’ll melt through even the toughest enemies with ease.
5. Handmade Rifle (Anti-Armor)
The Handmade is a versatile, high-DPS rifle that gets even better with an Anti-Armor legendary roll. It’s perfect for mid- to long-range fights where precision counts.
6. Combat Shotgun (Anti-Armor)
An Anti-Armor Combat Shotgun can devastate heavily armored targets up close, especially with the right mods. Reliable and easy to get early on.
7. Gatling Plasma (Anti-Armor or Prime Receiver)
Gatling Plasma is already strong, but with an Anti-Armor roll or Prime Receiver mod, it becomes a boss-melting monster that’s great for daily ops or events.
8. Railway Rifle (Anti-Armor)
Silent, deadly, and supremely satisfying. An Anti-Armor Railway Rifle turns its already high damage into something unstoppable.
9. Plasma Caster
Even without legendary effects, the Plasma Caster has massive damage potential. Add Anti-Armor or Prime mods to really break through defenses.
10. Tesla Rifle (Anti-Armor)
If you want to hit multiple enemies at once, the Tesla Rifle with Anti-Armor is amazing for crowd control, especially in events.
11. Enclave Plasma Rifle (Anti-Armor)
High fire rate, solid damage, and easy to mod. The Enclave Plasma Rifle with an Anti-Armor roll is one of the best energy weapons for armored targets.
12. Lever Action Rifle (Anti-Armor)
A favorite among rifle builds for its speed and punch. With Anti-Armor, it’s capable of taking down even the nastiest legendary enemies.
13. .50 Cal Machine Gun (Anti-Armor)
High rate of fire and excellent ammo economy make this a superb choice for Anti-Armor builds. It’s great for mowing down bosses or big groups.
14. Black Powder Rifle (Anti-Armor)
It’s slow to reload, but the damage is monstrous—especially with Anti-Armor. Perfect for players who enjoy a more deliberate, sharpshooter style.
15. Mole Miner Gauntlet (Anti-Armor)
Melee isn’t dead in Fallout 76. A Mole Miner Gauntlet with Anti-Armor can absolutely wreck heavily armored enemies in close quarters.
16. Power Fist (Anti-Armor)
Another excellent melee option. The Power Fist already hits hard, and with Anti-Armor it can bypass even the toughest defensive builds in PvP.
17. Ultracite Gatling Laser (Prime Receiver)
With the Prime Receiver mod, this energy weapon deals more damage to Scorched and ignores a good chunk of armor. A solid pick for events like Scorched Earth.
Final Thoughts
Armor can be a real pain in Fallout 76, but these 17 weapons (and the right legendary rolls) can even the odds dramatically. Remember, “Anti-Armor” as a legendary effect is one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re getting that armor-piercing bonus on most weapon types.
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Ultimately, whether you prefer rifles, big guns, shotguns, or melee, there’s a way to beat armor in Fallout 76—so get out there and show the wasteland who’s boss.