Navigating Fallout 76 Legendary Perks: Unlocking and Choosing Wisely

Discover the top legendary perks in Fallout 76 and learn how to acquire and optimize them for your gameplay.
Navigating Fallout 76 Legendary Perks: Unlocking and Choosing Wisely

Highlights

  • The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system and perk cards make a return in Fallout 76, offering personalized gameplay experiences.
  • Legendary perks can be game-changing, but careful selection is crucial as equipping and switching them comes at a cost.
  • Unlocking legendary perks is a gradual process tied to milestone levels, requiring players to strategize upgrade costs and perk choices.

If you've ventured into the world of Fallout, the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system should ring a bell. This system defines a player's stats with each letter representing a different attribute. In Fallout 76, this system is back, accompanied by the perk card feature.

As a bonus, Fallout 76 introduces legendary perk cards, offering players enhanced benefits compared to traditional perks. However, players must choose their legendary perks wisely as removing them comes at a cost, yet they can significantly impact gameplay.

Updated on April 29, 2024, by Benjamin Joe: Since the original writing, Fallout 76 has undergone significant changes, affecting the relevance of certain legendary perks. With the surge in interest sparked by the Fallout TV series, selecting the best legendary perks tailored to one's playstyle and requirements is paramount before committing.

Deciphering Legendary Perk Cards Acquisition

Unlocking legendary perk cards mirrors the process of standard perks. Standard perk cards unlock as players level up, with legendary perk cards becoming available at level 50.

Players can gradually unlock six legendary perk card slots at specific level milestones: 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 300. Once all six slots are unlocked, they remain accessible for all subsequent characters.

Strategizing Legendary Perk Cards Upgrades

Choosing legendary perks demands thoughtful consideration, as upgrading them is a costly affair. Upgrading a perk card incurs perk points, obtainable through scrapping standard perk cards (2 points per card level) and seasonal rewards.

  • Level 1: 0 Points
  • Level 2: 50 Points
  • Level 3: 100 Points
  • Level 4: 150 Points

Swapping out an equipped perk card costs 1 point, underscoring the importance of selecting the most suitable legendary perk before committing.

12 Exploding Palm

Unleash Unarmed Mayhem

  • Available at Level 50
  • Grants a 5% chance of causing an explosion with each unarmed attack.

This perk offers a chance for explosive fist attacks, increasing to a maximum of 20% at the highest rank. While potent, it may not be a top choice due to the lesser popularity of unarmed builds.

11 Hack And Slash

Devastate Enemies with Melee Explosions

  • Unlocks at Level 50
  • Melee VATS attacks have a 20% chance to cause area damage.

Ideal for melee enthusiasts, this perk provides a chance for VATS melee attacks to inflict area damage, escalating to 50% at max level, perfect for crowd control.

10 Collateral Damage/Far-Flung Fireworks

Create Chaos with Explosive Attacks

Choose between these perks based on your build type, both offering explosive capabilities against enemies, making them invaluable for crowd management.

When maxed out, each card boasts a 20% activation rate, ensuring efficient enemy disposal.