A Newcomer’s Guide to Level 20 Loadouts

You’ve lived in a vault your whole life.

You know nothing about the world outside. You overslept and everybody is gone. Now, get out there and rebuild civilization!

If rebuilding all of civilization seems like a big ask, don’t worry, this introductory guide to Fallout 76 starter loadouts will set you on the path to success.

For more player guides, check out this page.

Starting at Level 20

After creating your character and before leaving the vault, you can jump into the game at level 20 or level 2. Starting out at level 20 with a Battle Ready Dweller allows you to tackle more difficult content sooner. A level 2 character will require some combat training and leveling before getting into the thick of things. Both are great options, but let’s look at the loadouts available for Battle Ready Dwellers:

Commando
This is your combat-trained hunter or your sniper. With high Perception and an automatic rifle, the Commando is well-equipped to take on even the furthest away of Scorched. This loadout comes with the Commando Perk Card that means your rifles cause 20% more damage, and the Ground Pounder Park Card, which gives you the power to reload 30% faster. Don’t like to get messy? Pick this loadout and take your enemies out before they even know you’re there.

Age Required

Slugger
Now here’s the loadout you want if you don’t mind getting messy. With brutal Strength and little regard for self-preservation, bash your enemies to bits up-close and personal style. You’re a little low on Perception, but you’re ruthless and never back down from a fight. A two-handed melee weapon, like a baseball bat, is your weapon of choice, and with the Slugger Perk Card, it does 20% more damage. This loadout also comes with the Martial Artist Perk Card, so two-handed melee weapons weigh less and you’re faster with them.

Gunslinger
The loadout most likely to wear a cowgirl hat, the Gunslinger specializes in and gets a bonus to non-automatic pistols with the Perk Card of the same name. A high Agility loadout, this dweller is quick on the draw. While pistols are slow firing, they pack a nasty punch. The Gunslinger is good for shooting from the hip with the Modern Renegade Perk Card, and you’re also a Crack Shot with 30% more range and accuracy when aiming down pistol sights.

Shotgunner
Here’s another loadout that, like the Slugger, relies on high Strength and close range. Instead of hacking your enemies to pieces with a machete or a baseball bat, you’re great with a shotgun and can shoot more than clay pigeons. It’s riskier to be close to your targets, but with the Skeet Shooter Perk Card your shotgun has high accuracy and excellent spread, so you can take on multiple enemies at a time.

Specialist
Perceptive and Lucky, this loadout takes advantage of V.A.T.S. or Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System. V.A.T.S. uses Action Points to target your enemies, and with the Concentrated Fire Perk Card you can get even more specific by targeting limbs. Your dweller’s high Luck and increased accuracy ensure that you don't miss.

Age Required

Switch it up!

After level 25, you can change your loadout at Punch Card Machines strategically placed throughout Appalachia, often in abandoned train stations. You also get the Plan for your own Punch Card Machine at level 25, so build one at your C.A.M.P. for you and your friends to use.

Your playstyle is yours, and these loadouts are great jumping off points for building out your unique character, so experiment! Every player starts with two free loadout slots, but you can also purchase more slots in the Atomic Shop.

Check out more of our player guides here!