Fallout 76 offers a vast arsenal of weapons, but there's something uniquely satisfying about charging into battle with a melee weapon. Whether you're sneaking through West Virginia’s forests or smashing through a horde of Scorched, melee builds are both effective and immersive. Over my 800+ hours in Appalachia, I’ve tried just about every weapon the game offers. In this guide, I’ll break down the top 10 melee weapons in Fallout 76 and where to find them, based on personal experience and community consensus.

If you're looking to gear up quickly, many of these weapons are available as part of Fallout 76 items bundles or through Fallout 76 cheap items deals on trusted marketplaces like U4GM.

1. The Chainsaw (with Mods)

Why it’s great: This weapon becomes incredibly deadly with the dual-barrel and flamer mods. It ignores armor, which makes it melt through enemies.
Where to find it: Random spawn in high-level areas or purchase from player vendors. I found my first one during a Scorched Earth event.

2. Auto Axe

Why it’s great: Introduced in The Pitt update, the Auto Axe is essentially a heavy-duty buzzsaw. It has a steady DPS and works well with the Friendly Fire perk for healing teammates.
Where to find it: Complete The Pitt expeditions and earn Union Dues stamps to buy it from Giuseppe.

3. Grognak’s Axe

Why it’s great: High damage, bonus AP regeneration, and a killer aesthetic make it a top-tier choice.
Where to find it: Rare drop from legendary enemies or can be purchased via Fallout 76 items traders if you're lucky.

4. Super Sledge (Legendary Variants)

Why it’s great: With the right legendary roll—like Bloodied or Anti-Armor—this weapon becomes a boss killer.
Where to find it: Drops from high-level enemies and events like A Colossal Problem. I've also traded for one from other players looking to offload duplicates.

5. Sheepsquatch Club

Why it’s great: High damage and unique appearance. I used this in a Strength-heavy build and melted through mobs.
Where to find it: Reward from Project Paradise or as a rare drop from Sheepsquatch events.

6. The War Glaive

Why it’s great: Fast attack speed and great range. Mod it with Plasma or Cryo blades for elemental damage.
Where to find it: Reward from Daily Ops or occasionally available through Fallout 76 cheap items sales.

7. Bone Club (Mutant Slayer variant)

Why it’s great: Underrated but effective, especially against Super Mutants when paired with the Mutant Slayer effect.
Where to find it: Found in the Mire and Savage Divide. Mine dropped from a legendary Super Mutant in a random encounter.

8. Mole Miner Gauntlet

Why it’s great: Silent and deadly. Great for stealth melee builds.
Where to find it: Drops from Mole Miners. Blueprint can be found at Mount Blair.

9. Mr. Handy Buzz Blade

Why it’s great: Continuous damage and armor-piercing make this a unique and fun weapon to use.
Where to find it: Can be purchased with Gold Bullion from Regs at Vault 79. One of the best Fallout 76 items I’ve spent bullion on.

10. The Shishkebab

Why it’s great: It’s a flaming sword—need I say more? Excellent for both roleplay and function.
Where to find it: Can be crafted with the plan or found during random exploration. Mine came from the Whitespring Resort.

Choosing the right melee weapon in Fallout 76 depends on your build, playstyle, and the type of enemies you’re facing. Personally, I always carry two: one for speed (like the Auto Axe) and one for heavy hits (like the Super Sledge). If you’re short on time or farming patience, many of these weapons can be acquired as part of Fallout 76 cheap items packages. Reliable vendors like U4GM often stock well-rolled legendary weapons that can save you countless hours.

Melee builds remain a powerful and engaging option in Fallout 76, especially when paired with the right perks and weapons. Happy hunting, and I’ll see you in the Wasteland!

Read This First: 5 Ways Fallout 76 Caps and Bartering Can Boost Your Progress in Appalachia