FALLOUT 76 Ammunition

In the harsh world of Fallout 76, having the right weapon is only half the battle - using the correct ammunition is what truly determines your survival. Ammunition isn't just a support resource; it's a strategic tool. Different enemies require different approaches, and using the wrong type of ammo can quickly turn a skirmish into a death sentence.

While some low-tier creatures may fall easily to any bullet, tougher enemies like Super Mutants, Scorchbeasts, or Power Armor-wearing players may require specialized rounds to break through their defenses efficiently. Energy weapons, ballistic rounds, and explosive payloads each have their strengths, and smart players learn to stock up accordingly.

Ammo can be looted, crafted, or traded. But due to limited materials and the high cost of crafting in bulk, managing your ammo supply is one of the key aspects of character progression and combat efficiency.

Most common types of Ammunition in FALLOUT 76

Here’s a breakdown of the most used and sought-after ammo types in the game:

• .38 Round – Common early-game ammo, typically used with pipe weapons.
• 10mm Round – Used by 10mm Pistols and SMGs; reliable and widely available.
• 5.56mm Round – Standard for assault rifles like the Handmade and the Combat Rifle.
• .308 Round – Favored for sniper rifles and long-range rifles.
• .44 Round – Used by powerful revolvers, including the Western Revolver.
• 5mm Round – Exclusive to Miniguns and other automatic heavy weapons.
• .50 Caliber – Used by powerful bolt-action sniper rifles.
• Fusion Cell – Energy ammo used by Laser weapons.
• Plasma Cartridge – Ammunition for Plasma weapons.
• Ultracite Ammo (e.g., Ultracite .45, Ultracite .308, etc.) – Enhanced rounds designed for maximum damage against Scorched and Scorchbeasts.
• Flamer Fuel – Required for Flamer and other fire-based weapons.
• Cryo Cell – Used by the Cryolator; rare and specialized.
• Missile / Mini Nuke – Heavy explosive ammo for Missile Launchers and the iconic Fat Man.
• Arrows / Bolts – For crossbows and bows; silent and stealth-oriented.
• Shotgun Shells – Essential for close-quarters combat.
• Railway Spikes – Ammunition for the Railway Rifle, a fan-favorite for its unique style and damage.
• Gamma Rounds – Used by Gamma Guns, effective against humanoid targets, but weak vs. robots.

Managing your Ammo Supply

Ammo management is an ongoing challenge in Fallout 76. You’ll constantly be weighing decisions like:

Should I use my rare ammo now or save it for a boss fight?

Should I switch to a melee weapon to conserve bullets?

Is it more efficient to craft or trade for ammunition right now?

Certain Perks like Ammosmith can increase ammo crafting efficiency, while scrapping junk (like lead weights or pencils) becomes a routine habit for anyone mass-producing bullets.

Additionally, some weapons - particularly energy or heavy weapons - consume ammo rapidly, so keeping your supply topped up is essential, especially for PvP players or those who regularly engage in nuked zones and boss events.

Need more Ammo? Consider Alternatives!

If you’re running low on your most used ammo types or don’t want to waste time crafting and looting, keep an eye out for trade opportunities on the Fallout 76 marketplace. Ammunition is one of the most traded consumables, and with good reason - it’s essential, versatile, and always in demand.

Whether you’re preparing for a raid, stocking up for PvP, or just want to avoid the grind, having a healthy ammo supply makes all the difference. Stay locked and loaded - your survival depends on it.