There are many weapon types to choose from in Fallout 76, which is why there are several build slots to try different play styles. Snipers are one of the most powerful weapons in Fallout 76 because you can use them from a distance, making them ideal for VATS builds.
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PostsYou can acquire many sniper rifles in Fallout 76, and there are lots of perk cards that can benefit this build. Below you'll find everything you need to know about creating a powerful sniper build in Fallout 76 and which sniper rifles are the strongest.
Updated May 12, 2024, by Andrew Scariati: Whether you just entered Appalachia with Fallout 76's new influx of Vault Dwellers or need to brush up on your sniping perks, this Fallout 76 sniper build has everything you need. From energy guns like Gauss Rifles to ballistic options like Hunting Rifles, select your weapon of choice as you construct your ideal Fallout 76 sniper build with this guide.
The Best Weapons For A Sniper Build
There are several viable weapons for a sniper build, as the vast number of weapon mods in Appalachia can alter barrels, receivers, and more.
However, the most viable options below are standouts, particularly the Gauss Rifle.
If you're not a fan of energy weapons, we've included a ballistic alternative for you.
The Gauss Rifle
Weapon
Workbench Required
Plan/Perk Required
Recipe
Gauss Rifle
Weapons Workbench
- Plan: Gauss Rifle
- Perk: Science
- 14 Aluminum
- Ten Circuitry
- 18 Screws
- Eight Silver
- 14 Springs
- 20 Steel
- 14 Wood
Among the best sniper rifles in Fallout 76 is the Gauss Rifle.
The Gauss Rifle deals 140 base damage, and you can craft various scopes for it, which makes it a weapon worth adding to your collection.
You can get a Gauss Rifle by traveling to the Whitespring Bunker and buying one from the Military Wing Command Center MODUS bots.
CloseA Gauss Rifle with a legendary effect is even more powerful.
The Hunting Rifle
CloseWeapon
Workbench Required
Plan/Perk Required
Recipe
Sniper Rifle
Weapons Workbench
Plan: Hunting Rifle
- Two Adhesive
- One Gear
- One Oil
- Two Springs
- Seven Steel
- Three Wood
- Seven Screws
A Hunting Rifle is a standard weapon found across Appalachia, but this humble rifle can be modified to fit an excellent Fallout 76 sniper build.
The most important modification is to change the ammo type to .50 rounds, as this will greatly increase the damage of your rifle to ensure that headshots finish off your targets.
Once the receiver is changed, choose from among the long barrels available and then select a long-range scope to complete crafting your traditional sniper rifle.
You can find a Hunting Rifle drop on most Scorched enemies, like those found at Morgantown Airport.
The Best Legendary Effect For Sniper Rifles
There are many viable options for legendary weapon effects, but the best legendary effect for a sniper rifle is the Two Shot prefix.
The Two Shot effect causes your gun to shoot an extra projectile, making it easier to defeat an enemy with a single pull of your weapon's trigger.
You'll notice 25 percent extra recoil while using a weapon with the Two Shot effect.
The Bloodied or Explosive effects will also help to increase your damage, though a bloodied build is required for the former.
The Best SPECIAL Stats For A Sniper Build
There are various stats and effects that you need to customize when creating any build.However, this is particularly important for sniper builds since they use a unique weapon type.
Without legendary perks, you can earn 56 SPECIAL points in total. You get seven points when you create your character, and an extra point each time you level up, until level 50.
You should invest the following points in each SPECIAL stat for maximum damage with this Fallout 76 sniper build.
These stats are specifically useful for a sniper build incorporating stealth, which is the best way to create a powerful marksman.
Your SPECIAL points may vary depending on which Perk Cards you decide to use.
If you use an energy weapon, then your Intelligence stat will become a priority since Perk Cards like Batteries Included will reduce your energy ammo weight, and the various levels of the Science perks will allow you to craft energy mods.
Perception is essential and grants similar bonuses if you're using a ballistic weapon.
SPECIAL Stat
Number Of Points
Strength
1
Perception
15
Endurance
1
Charisma
4
Intelligence
7
Agility
13
Luck
15
The Best Perks & Mutations For A Sniper Build
If you're new to Fallout 76, the unique Perk Card system may initially seem confusing. Perk Cards have a specific number relating to the SPECIAL attribute they belong to.
For example, if you have four Perception points, then you can equip a Perk Card with one Perception requirement, along with a Perk Card with a requirement of three Perception.
Any other variation works as well.
Many Perk Cards work well with a sniper build, and you may want to choose cards other than these, depending on your goals.
However, the following Perk Cards are a few of the best you can equip for a sniper build:
Perk Card
SPECIAL Stat
Base Effect
Unlock Level
Bloody Mess
Luck
Five percent Extra Damage
Level 42
Long Shot
Perception
Ten percent Extra Range For Rifles And Enhanced Accuracy With Sights
Level 37
Concentrated Fire
Perception
You Can Now Shoot At Individual Limbs
Level two
Mysterious Stranger
Luck
The Mysterious Stranger May Aid You While Using VATS
Level 26
Four Leaf Clover
Luck
Every VATS Attack Has A Chance To Refill Your Critical Meter
Level 29
Sniper
Perception
You Can Hold Your Breath 25 percent Longer With A Scope And Your Aim Is Enhanced
Level 28
Better Criticals
Luck
Critical Hits In VATS Deal 20 percent More Damage
Level 47
Rifleman
Perception
Non-Automatic Rifles Deal ten percent More Damage
Level eight
Expert Rifleman
Perception
Non-Automatic Rifles Deal 10/15/20 percent More Damage
Level 20
Master Rifleman
Perception
Non-Automatic Rifles Deal 10/15/20 percent More Damage
Level 42
The Best Mutation For A Sniper Build
Eagle Eye is the best mutation you can use with this Sniper Build. Critical hits are essential for this build, and Eagle Eye grants 25 percent more damage when you deal a critical hit.
The extra damage you gain from this mutation is often the difference between hitting an enemy once to defeat them instead of twice.
Additionally, you gain four extra Perception points when you unlock the Eagle Eye mutation. Perception is invaluable for a sniper build, so this effect is incredibly useful.
Unfortunately, you lose four points of Strength while the Eagle Eye mutation is active, but Strength isn't essential for this build.
You need to use the Eagle Eye Serum or come into contact with radiation and eventually earn a mutation naturally to get the Eagle Eye bonus.
You can swim in irradiated bodies of water, eat irradiated food, or stand in a location filled with radiation to contract mutations.
The Best Legendary Perks For A Sniper Build
Legendary Perks are a powerful type of perk you can equip once you reach level milestones, including levels 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 300.
There are over a dozen Legendary Perks to choose from, but these are the six best ones for a sniper build.
Legendary Perk
Base Effect
Far-Flung Fireworks
Enemies Have A ten percent Chance to explode If You Kill Them With A Ranged Weapon
Ammo Factory
Create 50 percent More Rounds When You Craft Ammo
Legendary Perception
Grants 1 Extra Perception And Perception Perk Point
Follow Through
Deal ten percent More Damage To An Enemy After You Hit Them With A Ranged Sneak Attack, Lasts For ten Seconds
Taking One For The Team
You Deal ten percent More Damage To An Enemy That Attacks You While Part Of A Team
Blood Sacrifice!
Your Teammates Gain +25 Damage Resistance And Heal 40 Health When You Die, The Second Effect Lasts For 8 Seconds
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