Fallout 76 has changed a lot since its release. New quest lines, NPCs, public events and numerous convenience functions make getting started much easier today than it was when it was released. Still, the first few hours in Appalachia can be overwhelming. With these ten tips you can avoid typical beginner mistakes and get experience points, equipment and valuable resources more quickly.
A look into the past: We were at the face-off event in West Virginia.
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Follow the Wayward questline first
Once you leave Vault 76, there are interesting places and activities everywhere. Don’t let it distract you too much at first.
Instead, visit the bar as early as possible “The Wayward”. The quest series now serves as a modern tutorial and explains many important game systems. At the same time, you will receive powerful rewards that will make your first few hours of play much easier. Anyone who completes the Wayward story early will have a much more pleasant start.
Join a public team
Many beginners believe that teams are only intended for groups. In fact, you should almost always join a public team – even if you’re playing completely alone. Public teams grant various bonuses:
- More experience points
- Additional intelligence
- Better event rewards
- Faster character development
The best thing about it: you don’t have to play together. Most players use public teams solely for the bonuses.
Build a functional CAMP early
Your CAMP serves as a mobile base and quickly becomes indispensable. First, focus on the most important facilities:
- storage box
- Weapons workbench
- Armament workbench
- Cooking station
- Water purifier
- Bed
Merchant machines, decorations and resource generators will be added later. At the beginning, however, what counts most is functionality. Another advantage: Fast travel to your own CAMP is free.
Participate in public events
Public events are some of the best activities for beginners. Even at low levels, you can often participate without any problems because many high-level players take part. You don’t have to defeat most enemies to get rewards. Particularly worthwhile are:
- Radiation Rumble
- Moonshine Jamboree
- Eviction notice
- Uranium Fever
Here you collect:
- Experience points
- legendary items
- ammunition
- Scrap and resources
Don’t be put off by high-level opponents. Even as a beginner, you will receive experience points and rewards as long as you actively participate.
Pick up weapons and dismantle them
If you find the same weapon multiple times, you should not sell it immediately. Disassemble surplus weapons at a workbench. Through this:
- you learn new weapon mods
- you will receive valuable materials
- you improve your equipment in the long term
Especially in the first few hours of the game, this is much more important than repairing old weapons.
Store your scrap regularly
Scrap is one of the most important resources in Fallout 76. Many beginners spend hours collecting materials and then lose everything due to an unfortunate death. So get used to:
- Visit workbenches regularly
- to dismantle scrap
- Place materials in the storage box
If you die later, you won’t lose any scrap that has already been stored. You can also find the storage box in other places on the map. You can also use the chest from foreign camps. However, a look inside always reveals the contents of the box, so you can never really steal from another player.
Saves repair kits and resources
Up to level 50 you constantly replace your weapons and armor with better equipment. Therefore, do not waste valuable resources on:
- frequent repairs
- expensive mods
- complex upgrades
Instead, focus on finding new equipment. Of course, repair the equipment you are currently using if necessary. But avoid expensive upgrades or rare mods for weapons that you will replace a few levels later anyway.
Don’t start thinking about your build until level 50
Many newcomers try to plan the perfect character at low levels. This is usually unnecessary. Try different play styles:
- Guns
- Shotguns
- heavy weapons
- Close combat
- VATS builds
From level 50 you can optimize your build much more specifically because no more SPECIAL points are added.
Check the donation boxes regularly
You can find donation boxes at train stations, near Vault 76 and at a few other important locations. Experienced players often put things there that they no longer need. With a bit of luck you will find:
- Weapons
- ammunition
- Stimpaks
- Construction plans
- resources
Veterans regularly leave useful items there for newcomers, especially at peak times. A quick look is therefore almost always worth it.
Activates pacifist mode
The Fallout 76 community is now considered one of the friendliest communities in online gaming. To avoid accidentally starting PvP battles, you should activate pacifist mode. Additionally it is worthwhile:
- Visit player CAMPs
- Use other players’ dealer machines
- Join public teams
Many veterans even help beginners with free equipment, blueprints, or resources.