13 Fallout 76 Weapons with the Best Explosive Damage

[GoldenRaven]

Fallout 76 has no shortage of weapons, but if you're looking to cause serious mayhem, explosive damage builds remain some of the most satisfying ways to tear through the Wasteland. Whether you're running a Demolition Expert build, hunting for legendaries, or just want to clear mobs with style, explosive weapons offer a powerful edge. Here are 13 weapons in Fallout 76 known for delivering the best explosive damage, along with a few insights into how to get the most out of them.

1. Two Shot Explosive Combat Shotgun
This classic packs a punch, especially when modded with the automatic receiver. The combination of "Two Shot" and "Explosive" legendary effects makes it ideal for crowd control in close quarters. Pair it with perks like Shotgunner and Demolition Expert for max impact.

2. Explosive Gatling Gun
Though it’s a heavy weapon, the Gatling Gun becomes a devastating force when you add explosive rounds. Its high ammo capacity and steady rate of fire make it great for sustained fights, particularly in events like Radiation Rumble.

3. Plasma Caster with Explosive Legendary Effect
The Plasma Caster was already a favorite among energy weapon fans, but with an explosive legendary mod, it’s elevated to a new tier. It deals massive single-target damage and creates splash damage ideal for group engagements.

4. Explosive Railway Rifle
The Railway Rifle already has strong base damage, and its explosive variant only increases its utility. With its quirky train-whistle sound and high armor penetration, this weapon is as fun as it is deadly.

5. Auto Grenade Launcher
A staple in many explosive builds, the Auto Grenade Launcher throws out a rapid volley of explosives. It’s not subtle, but it clears enemies fast—perfect for daily ops or public events where speed matters.

6. Explosive Pipe Revolver
While it might not seem impressive at first glance, a legendary pipe revolver with the explosive prefix can be surprisingly effective in VATS builds. It’s lightweight, easy to mod, and works well for low-level players experimenting with explosive setups.

7. Explosive Laser Rifle
If you’re aiming for energy builds, the explosive laser rifle is a go-to choice. With the right receiver and beam splitter, it becomes a versatile mid-range weapon that excels against mobs.

8. Missile Launcher (Quad + Explosive)
The Missile Launcher gets a huge upgrade when you roll it with both Quad and Explosive effects. Though ammo can be scarce, the damage output is worth it. Great for bosses and Scorchbeasts, just be cautious of friendly fire in tight spaces.

9. Explosive Western Revolver
For pistol enthusiasts, the Western Revolver is one of the more stylish weapons that doesn’t sacrifice performance. An explosive variant, combined with perks like Gunslinger and Tank Killer, can deliver huge burst damage.

10. M79 Grenade Launcher
This classic, single-shot launcher is often underestimated. With a few mods and the right perks, it can be a reliable secondary weapon. It’s also relatively cheap to maintain, especially if you’re saving caps for bigger purchases. Speaking of which, if you're looking for Fallout 76 caps ps5 to fund your gear upgrades, events and player trading are solid options.

11. Fat Man (Two Shot + Explosive)
It's the big one for a reason. The Fat Man is overkill in most situations, but if you roll a Two Shot + Explosive legendary, it becomes the ultimate weapon for clearing hordes or taking down high-level bosses. Not practical for everyday use, but great fun when you want to make a statement.

12. Explosive Lever Action Rifle
Fast, stylish, and powerful—an explosive Lever Action Rifle combines finesse with firepower. With Rifleman perks and a silencer, it can be effective even in stealth-based explosive builds.

13. Explosive Submachine Gun
For players who prefer agility and high DPS, the Submachine Gun with explosive rounds offers a deadly spray of damage. Its high fire rate makes it effective for softening up enemy groups before finishing them off with heavier ordnance.

Tips for Maximizing Explosive Damage
To get the most out of these weapons, invest in Demolition Expert, Grenadier, and Bloody Mess perks. Also, be aware of how explosive damage can cause self-damage, especially in close quarters. Power Armor can help reduce that risk, and mods like Calibrated Shocks provide a nice mobility bonus too.

If you're on PC and looking to gear up faster, checking the community marketplace for Fallout 76 items for sale PC can be a convenient way to get your hands on rare explosive legendaries or crafting materials. Always be cautious and use trusted sources when trading outside the game.

Explosive weapons in Fallout 76 aren’t just about raw power—they’re about making a statement. Whether you're blowing through Super Mutants or wiping out hordes of Scorched, the right weapon can transform your playstyle. Try a few of these and see which fits your build best. And remember: in the Wasteland, there's no such thing as too much firepower.