Fallout 4 is Bethesda's open-world action RPG set in a post-nuclear Boston (the Commonwealth) where you emerge from a cryogenic vault 210 years after the Great War to find your kidnapped son. The game features an extensive perk system, base-building settlements, companion relationships, and four faction endings that dramatically alter the Commonwealth. With its modding community and ongoing DLC content (Far Harbor and Nuka-World), Fallout 4 offers hundreds of hours of exploration and combat.
Your choice of equipment defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overseer's Guardian | S | Stealth Sniper — best rifle | A Combat Rifle with the Two Shot legendary effect (fires two projectiles). |
| Deliverer | A | VATS Gunslinger — best pistol for VATS | A silenced 10mm pistol from the Railroad quest Tradecraft. |
| Spray n' Pray | A | Explosives Expert — AoE weapon | An SMG with the Explosive legendary effect purchased from Cricket (traveling merchant). |
| Big Boy | B | Explosives Expert / Heavy Gunner — boss killing | A Fat Man with the Two Shot effect purchased from Arturo in Diamond City. |
| Kremvh's Tooth | B | Melee Blitz — early melee weapon | A unique sacrificial blade found in Dunwich Borers (a Lovecraftian dungeon). |
S-Tier: Overseer's Guardian
A Combat Rifle with the Two Shot legendary effect (fires two projectiles). Purchasable from Vault 81's vendor for ~3,000 caps. Upgrade to .308 receiver for maximum damage. The best non-unique weapon in the game, available early if you rush Vault 81.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | Stealth Sniper — best rifle |
| Key Mechanic | VATS targeting |
| Recommended Build | Stealth Sniper |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Overseer's Guardian: Pairs naturally with Stealth Sniper thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Deliverer
A silenced 10mm pistol from the Railroad quest Tradecraft. Extremely low VATS AP cost (18 vs 25+ for other pistols) allows more shots per VATS cycle. Perfect for VATS Gunslinger builds. Available relatively early.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | VATS Gunslinger — best pistol for VATS |
| Key Mechanic | settlement building |
| Recommended Build | Heavy Gunner |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Deliverer: Pairs naturally with Heavy Gunner thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Spray n' Pray
An SMG with the Explosive legendary effect purchased from Cricket (traveling merchant). Every bullet explodes on impact, dealing AoE damage. Devastating against groups but damages you at close range. Ammo (.45) is abundant.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Explosives Expert — AoE weapon |
| Key Mechanic | companion affinity |
| Recommended Build | Melee Blitz |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Spray n' Pray: Pairs naturally with Melee Blitz thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Big Boy
A Fat Man with the Two Shot effect purchased from Arturo in Diamond City. Fires two Mini Nukes simultaneously. The MIRV modification splits each nuke into multiple warheads. The most destructive weapon in the game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Explosives Expert / Heavy Gunner — boss killing |
| Key Mechanic | power armor |
| Recommended Build | VATS Gunslinger |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Big Boy: Pairs naturally with VATS Gunslinger thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Kremvh's Tooth
A unique sacrificial blade found in Dunwich Borers (a Lovecraftian dungeon). The sacrificial blade mod can be transferred to any machete for high poison and bleed damage. One of the best melee weapons available early.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Melee Blitz — early melee weapon |
| Key Mechanic | perk chart |
| Recommended Build | Explosives Expert |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Kremvh's Tooth: Pairs naturally with Explosives Expert thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Diamond City
- Deliverer → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Spray n' Pray → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Overseer's Guardian → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Equipment Tips
- Always upgrade your primary equipment before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Charisma 6 unlocks Local Leader, which lets you build supply lines and shops in settlements. This single perk transforms settlement gameplay.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More Fallout 4 Guides
- Fallout 4 Fallout 4 Overview
- Fallout 4 Best Builds
- Fallout 4 Tier List
- Fallout 4 Walkthrough
- Fallout 4 Beginner's Guide
- Fallout 4 Tips & Tricks
- Fallout 4 Combat Guide
- Fallout 4 Boss Guide
- Fallout 4 Maps & Locations
- Fallout 4 Crafting Guide
- Fallout 4 Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Fallout 4, check out these related guides:
- Elden Ring Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Baldur's Gate 3 Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
- Cyberpunk 2077 Weapons Guide — rpg game with similar mechanics
