When you’re just getting started in Fallout 76, the world can seem overwhelming. Appalachia is full of danger even at low levels, but if you know what to gather early on, you’ll make your life a lot easier down the road. Before you hit level 19, you should focus on stockpiling a few key items that will help you craft, heal, fight, and earn those valuable caps. Here’s a quick guide on what to look for while you roam the wasteland.
1. Stimpaks and Healing Items
It might sound obvious, but don’t overlook how quickly you’ll burn through Stimpaks in the early game. Try to loot every first aid box you find, and don’t ignore diluted Stimpaks—they’re cheaper to make and weigh less. Keep a small stash of RadAway, too. Radiation damage is everywhere, and having a cure on hand keeps you in the fight longer without needing to retreat to camp.
2. Ammo and Guns with Common Calibers
Low-level guns like pipe rifles or hunting rifles aren’t glamorous, but they’re easy to repair and use common ammo types. Grab .308, .38, and 10mm ammo whenever you can. It’s tempting to use every weapon you find, but stick with one or two types early on so you can conserve resources and keep your weight manageable.
3. Plans and Recipes
A lot of new players ignore plans and recipes until later, but that’s a mistake. Any plan you learn early is one less thing you’ll need to trade or buy later. Keep an eye out for weapon mods, armor pieces, and useful camp furnishings. If you want to avoid the hassle of hunting down vendors or other players to trade with, collecting plans early is essential.
4. Adhesive, Screws, and Other Crafting Components
Repairing and modding your gear is a big part of Fallout 76’s gameplay loop. Adhesive and screws are two of the most critical resources in the early game. Make a habit of looting duct tape, wonderglue, typewriters, and desk fans. Set up your camp with a cooking station so you can craft vegetable starch for a steady adhesive supply.
5. Caps
You’ll want a decent stash of caps before level 19 to buy plans, ammo, or even fast travel if you’re running low. Collect every cap stash you see, sell off junk you don’t need, and consider doing events that pay well. If you’re on PC and want to boost your reserves, many players look to buy fallout 76 caps pc from trusted sources, though you’ll still want to earn plenty through normal play for that authentic survival feeling.
6. Armor Pieces with Resistances
Armor in Fallout 76 is highly customizable, but even early on, you’ll want to wear a full set. Don’t just go for weight or looks—check the resistances. Even simple leather or metal armor with decent ballistic resistance can make a huge difference. As you level, you’ll get access to better materials, but there’s no reason to roam Appalachia half-naked at level 10.
7. Chems and Buff Items
Don’t ignore chems like Buffout, Psycho, or even Disease Cures. Appalachia is full of diseases and status effects that can mess you up at low level. Keeping a small stash of useful chems can save your hide in tough fights.
8. Junk with High Value-to-Weight Ratio
When you’re just starting, your carry weight is limited. Focus on grabbing junk items that are valuable for crafting but don’t weigh too much. Springs, screws, gears, and circuitry are all essential for weapon and armor mods.
Final Tips
Starting out in Fallout 76 can be tough, but planning ahead makes it much more manageable. Prioritize what you carry, don’t waste resources on weapons you don’t plan to keep, and remember that crafting is your best friend. For those looking to gear up faster, it’s common to buy fallout 76 items cheap from other players or trading forums—but even if you do, knowing what you actually need to collect and craft will save you time, caps, and frustration in the long run.
Whether you’re a solo wanderer or part of a squad, these early-game items will keep you better prepared for the challenges ahead.
