If you’re new to Fallout 76, one of the first challenges you’ll face is choosing the right weapons to survive Appalachia’s harsh world. The variety of guns available can be overwhelming, but picking a reliable arsenal early on can make a huge difference in your gameplay experience. Here’s a straightforward guide to the eight best guns for new players that balance ease of use, effectiveness, and availability.

1. Combat Rifle
   The Combat Rifle is a classic choice for newcomers. It offers solid damage, decent range, and manageable recoil. You can find this weapon fairly early in the game, and it supports various ammo types, making it versatile for different combat scenarios. Plus, its moderate rate of fire helps conserve ammo, which is crucial when you’re just starting out.

2. Hunting Rifle
   If you prefer precision and stealth, the Hunting Rifle is an excellent pick. It’s a bolt-action rifle, so its fire rate is slower, but it compensates with high damage and accuracy. This gun shines in long-range engagements, especially against tougher enemies. Pairing it with V.A.T.S. can make hunting and combat more efficient.

3. Shotgun
   For close quarters, nothing beats a shotgun. It’s devastating at short range and great for clearing out groups of enemies in confined spaces like buildings or caves. Early on, the Double-Barrel Shotgun is easy to craft or find, and it packs a punch that can save you from tight spots.

4. 10mm Pistol
   The 10mm Pistol is often the first firearm you’ll come across, and it’s surprisingly effective for early game. It has low ammo cost, decent accuracy, and can be modded to increase its rate of fire or damage. It’s a solid backup weapon when you want to conserve your heavier ammo types.

5. Laser Musket
   This weapon adds a unique twist to your loadout. It requires a bit of timing since it’s a lever-action musket with energy damage, but the payoff is a powerful, precise shot. It’s especially useful against armored foes and has an old-school aesthetic that fits the Fallout vibe perfectly.

6. Plasma Rifle
   If you prefer energy weapons, the Plasma Rifle offers a good balance of damage and fire rate. It’s efficient against many enemy types and can be modded to improve stability and reduce recoil. Energy weapons can be a bit rarer early on, but once you get your hands on one, it’s worth investing in.

7. Melee Weapons (Machete or Axe)
   While not guns, melee weapons like the Machete or Axe shouldn’t be overlooked. They don’t require ammo and are incredibly useful when you run low on bullets. They also help you conserve resources, which is important if you want to buy Fallout 76 items cheap or stockpile ammo for tougher fights.

8. Frag Grenades
   Again, technically not guns, but explosives like Frag Grenades are great for crowd control. They complement your firearms by allowing you to soften up enemies or deal with groups quickly. Carrying a few grenades can be a game-changer in many combat situations.

One tip for new players is to manage your in-game resources wisely. If you find yourself low on caps or gear, it might be tempting to buy Fallout 76 items cheap from third-party sellers. While this can be convenient, always choose reliable sources like U4GM to buy Fallout 76 Caps cheap safely and avoid scams.

Choosing the right weapon early can define your survival in Appalachia. Experiment with these guns to see what fits your playstyle best. Whether you prefer sniping from afar or charging head-on with a shotgun, there’s a weapon here that can help you get started on the right foot.