U4GM - How to Upgrade 15 Fallout 76 Weapons Without Losing Caps
Upgrading weapons in Fallout 76 is essential for surviving the harsh wasteland, but it can quickly drain your Caps if you’re not careful. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, optimizing your upgrades without wasting resources is key. Here’s how you can enhance 15 different weapons efficiently while keeping your Caps stash intact.
1. Scrap Weapons for Mods
One of the best ways to unlock weapon mods without spending Caps is by scrapping duplicates. Every time you scrap a weapon, you have a chance to learn a new modification for it. Focus on collecting and scrapping common weapons like Pipe Pistols or Hunting Rifles early on to unlock basic mods for free.
2. Use Weapon Workbench Perks
Perks like Gunsmith (INT) and Science (INT) reduce the material costs when crafting or modifying weapons. Rank these up to save on resources, which indirectly preserves your Caps since you won’t need to buy as many materials from vendors.
3. Farm Materials Instead of Buying Them
Instead of spending Caps on screws, springs, or adhesive, farm them in the wild. Locations like the National Radio Astronomy Research Center (for screws) or Sugar Grove (for springs) are goldmines for junk. This way, you won’t need to buy Fallout 76 items cheap from other players or vendors.
4. Prioritize Weapon-Specific Upgrades
Not all mods are equally valuable. Focus on upgrades that significantly improve performance, like receivers for damage or barrels for accuracy. Avoid cosmetic or niche mods early on unless they serve a clear purpose.
5. Take Advantage of Free Mods from Events
Some events and quests reward pre-modified weapons. For example, Leader of the Pack can drop a legendary weapon with mods already installed. Use these instead of spending Caps on modifications.
6. Trade with Players for Mods
If you’re missing a specific mod, check player vendors. Many sell pre-modded weapons or loose mods for reasonable prices—sometimes cheaper than buying the materials yourself. Just be sure to compare prices so you don’t overspend.
7. Legendary Crafting Wisely
When rolling legendary effects at workbenches, focus on weapons you’ll actually use. Rolling endlessly for a perfect Fixer or Handmade can burn through Caps and modules fast. Plan your upgrades strategically.
8. Sell Unwanted Mods for Extra Caps
If you find mods you don’t need, sell them to robot vendors for extra Caps. This helps offset costs when you do need to buy Fallout 76 Caps cheap from other sources.
9. Use Public Workbenches
Some workshops, like Converted Munitions Factory, provide free resources for crafting. Claiming these can save you materials (and Caps) in the long run.
10. Avoid Over-Upgrading Early Guns
Early-game weapons like the 10mm Pistol or Double-Barrel Shotgun will eventually be replaced. Don’t invest too many resources into them—save your upgrades for end-game gear.
11. Bulk Craft for Learning Mods
If you have plenty of materials, craft low-level weapons in bulk (e.g., Pipe Rifles) and scrap them all at once. This maximizes your chances of learning mods quickly.
12. Check Train Station Mod Stocks
Robot vendors sometimes sell weapon mods. While buying them costs Caps, it’s often cheaper than purchasing individual materials—especially for rare mods.
13. Join a Trading Community
Trading with other players can net you discounted mods or even free hand-me-downs. Communities like U4GM’s forums or Fallout 76 trading subreddits are great places to find deals.
14. Utilize Legendary Scrip Efficiently
Turn unwanted legendaries into scrip and use it to buy modules. This reduces the need to spend Caps on materials for crafting.
15. Plan Your Build Around Available Mods
If RNG hasn’t blessed you with the mods you want, adapt your playstyle to what you have. A Hardened Receiver might not be as good as a Powerful Automatic, but it’ll save you Caps until you unlock the better option.
By following these tips, you can upgrade 15 different weapons in Fallout 76 without hemorrhaging Caps. Smart farming, strategic trading, and efficient crafting will keep your wallet—and your arsenal—in top shape.