Fallout 76 is a multiplayer game set in the Fallout universe, featuring base-building elements and live service operations. While players can engage in PvE activities, PvP encounters are inevitable in certain areas.
Weapons play a crucial role in Fallout 76, whether acquired through crafting or looting. To thrive, players must equip themselves with top-tier weapons, especially for competitive PvP gameplay. However, the game offers fewer melee options compared to ranged weapons, and some melee choices are simply subpar.
7 Hatchet
Decent Early-Game Option
![](https://hwwmpntrepvshdemcjtw.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/p/g/hatchet-melee-weapon-in-fallout-76.webp)
Stats:
- Damage: 15
- Speed: Medium
- Value: 15
Crafting requirements:
- Oil: 1
- Screw: 1
- Steel: 3
- Wood: 2
The Hatchet serves as an early-game melee weapon in Fallout 76, offering a reasonable option for beginners. While it can handle low-level enemies adequately, its effectiveness diminishes in more perilous regions.
6 Pipe Wrench
Makeshift Implement
![](https://hwwmpntrepvshdemcjtw.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/p/g/pipe-wrench-melee-weapon-in-fallout-76.webp)
Stats:
- Damage: 13
- Speed: Medium
- Value: 30
Crafting requirements:
- Gear: 2
- Oil: 1
- Steel: 7
The Pipe Wrench, often described as a makeshift tool, is a common loot item early in the game. While it may suffice temporarily, it's not worth the resources to craft and should be replaced swiftly.
5 Bowie Knife
Limited Impact, Quick Strikes
![](https://hwwmpntrepvshdemcjtw.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/p/g/bowie-knife-melee-weapon-in-fallout-76.webp)
Stats:
- Damage: 10
- Speed: Fast
- Value: 35
Crafting requirements:
- Adhesive: 2
- Rubber: 1
- Screw: 2
- Steel: 4
The Bowie Knife in Fallout 76 offers swift strikes but lacks potency. Despite being useful against early-game foes, its scarcity makes crafting an option only when better alternatives are unavailable.
4 Bone Club
Simple Design, Modest Performance
![](https://hwwmpntrepvshdemcjtw.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/p/g/bone-club-melee-weapon-in-fallout-76.webp)
Stats:
- Damage: 21
- Speed: Medium
- Value: 15
The Bone Club, only obtainable through looting fresh graves, offers average performance early in the game. While serviceable initially, it's advisable to seek craftable alternatives as soon as possible.
3 Cattleprod
Disappointing Execution
![](https://hwwmpntrepvshdemcjtw.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/p/g/cattleprod-melee-weapon-in-fallout-76.webp)
Stats:
- Damage: 18
- Speed: Medium
- Value: No Trade Flag
Crafting requirements:
- Adhesive: 1
- Aluminum: 1
- Circuitry: 2
- Legendary Module: 2 (optional)
- Plastic: 2
- Rubber: 2
- Spring: 2
- Steel: 2
The Cattleprod's lackluster performance can be attributed to its high crafting costs and leveling mechanics. Crafting it at lower levels results in underwhelming base stats, making it a poor investment until later stages of the game.
2 Baton
Basic and Ineffective
![](https://hwwmpntrepvshdemcjtw.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/p/g/baton-melee-weapon-in-fallout-76.webp)
Stats:
- Damage: 15
- Speed: Medium
- Value: 15
Crafting requirements:
- Plastic: 3
- Rubber: 1
- Steel: 5
The Baton, with its subpar stats and costly crafting components, ranks among the weakest melee weapons in Fallout 76. It offers little benefit and should only be used as a last resort until a better weapon is acquired.
1 Lead Pipe
The Epitome of Ineffectiveness
![](https://hwwmpntrepvshdemcjtw.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/p/g/lead-pipe-melee-weapon-in-fallout-76.webp)
Stats:
- Damage: 14
- Speed: Medium
- Value: 15
The Lead Pipe, a loot-only item in Fallout 76, offers dismal performance compared to other melee weapons. With its underwhelming damage output, it's advisable to avoid using it altogether and opt for alternative combat strategies.