Fallout 4: 15 Best Weapons Ranked

Bethesda is renowned for its vast open-world RPGs that offer players unparalleled freedom to shape their own journey. From the iconic Elder Scrolls saga to Starfield and the beloved Fallout franchise, each game is packed with unforgettable locations, rich storylines, distinctive characters, and rewarding challenges.

And let’s not forget the weapons! Because no Wasteland wanderer is complete without wielding one of the Fallout 4 best weapons. With the ability to upgrade and mod your gear, the level of immersion in Fallout 4 reaches a whole new level. Curious about where to find the most powerful guns and melee weapons? This tier list has all the answers.

1. Gauss Rifle

Damage: 110
Magazine Size: 7
Fire Rate: 66
Range: 191
Accuracy: 69
AP Cost: 40.5

The Gauss Rifle is the perfect answer for anyone doubting the value of energy weapons. Though difficult to acquire, it delivers explosive results, wiping out groups of enemies and even obliterating high-level threats, Fusion cores, and Power Armor parts in a single blast. Seek out the rare Two Shot Gauss Rifle variant for an extra boost in power.

How to get it?
Check Skylanes Flight 1981 and 1665 for a chance to find it, but be ready with at least level 3 Lockpicking to enter the cockpit compartment. Alternatively, swipe it from Teagan’s shop on the Prydwen. Legendary enemies might also drop the Two Shot version.

2. The Last Minute

Damage: 192
Magazine Size: 7
Fire Rate: 66
Range: 203
Accuracy: 112
AP Cost: 57

Foes won’t stand a chance with The Last Minute. Not only does it hit like a truck, but it also applies 50% Limb Damage, often forcing enemies to crawl—setting them up for a final blow. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a brutal edge to their gameplay.

How can you find it?
Purchase it directly from Ronnie Shaw at the Castle in South Boston, after progressing with the Minutemen.

3. Experiment 18-A

Damage: 24
Magazine Size: 36
Fire Rate: 136
Range: 203
Accuracy: 140

This plasma rifle is a beast during high-density combat. Its Rapid Legendary effect improves both fire rate and reload speed. Though it consumes rare Plasma Cartridges, its destructive force is well worth conserving for tougher fights.

How to obtain Experiment 18-A?
You can buy it for 1809 caps from the Synth Requisition Officer at the Institute Concourse.

4. Nuka-Nuke Launcher (Nuka World DLC)

Damage: 794
Magazine Size: 1
Fire Rate: 1
Range: 117
Accuracy: 63
AP Cost: 75

This enhanced version of the Fat Man launcher uses Nuka-Nukes to deliver even more explosive mayhem. It’s especially deadly in enclosed areas—just make sure you're out of the blast radius.

How to obtain it?
Complete the "Cappy in a Haystack" quest and agree to power down John-Caleb Bradberton’s life support. He’ll lead you to the vault containing this devastating launcher.

5. Atom’s Judgement (Far Harbor DLC)

Damage: 40 regular, 100 radiation
Speed: Slow
AP Cost: 45

Arguably the strongest melee weapon in Fallout 4, Atom’s Judgement inflicts radiation damage on top of its regular attack. It becomes even stronger with the Nuclear Physicist perk, making it essential for melee enthusiasts.

How to get it?
Complete The Heretic quest from the Children of Atom faction to earn this mighty sledgehammer.

6. Final Judgement

Damage: 14
Magazine Size: 500
Fire Rate: 340
Range: 203
Accuracy: 48
AP Cost: 30

This Gatling laser delivers a storm of energy with rapid fire. It's perfect against powerful adversaries but burns through Fusion Cores quickly, which can be a significant drawback if you rely on Power Armor.

How can you get Final Judgement?
It’s carried by Arthur Maxson, and you can loot it from him during quests like Rocket’s Red Glare or Precipice of War.

7. Ashmaker Minigun

Damage: 8
Magazine Size: 500
Fire Rate: 272
Range: 131
Accuracy: 35
AP Cost: 40

This isn’t your average minigun—Ashmaker adds fire damage, boosting its DPS significantly. Though hefty, assigning it to a companion is a smart move to save weight and still benefit from its firepower.

How to get it?
Finish "The Big Dig" quest from Bobbi No-Nose in Goodneighbor, and you’ll be rewarded with this weapon no matter the path you take.

8. Cryolator

Damage: 20
Magazine Size: 25
Fire Rate: 90
Range: 71
Accuracy: 66
AP Cost: 21

This cold-blooded gun slows and freezes enemies, making it easier to eliminate them. It’s located early in the game, but many miss it due to its high lockpick requirement. It adds unique flair to your arsenal.

How to get it?
Return to Vault 111 later in the game with Master-level Lockpicking to unlock the display case in the overseer’s room.

9. Spray n’ Pray

Damage: 34
Magazine Size: 100
Fire Rate: 127
Range: 77
Accuracy: 69
AP Cost: 43

This .45 caliber SMG comes with explosive bullets, dealing splash damage with each shot. It’s highly customizable and becomes lethal with the Demolition Expert perk. Use caution indoors—it can harm you and your allies.

How to get it?
Buy it from the traveling merchant Cricket, often found in Diamond City, Bunker Hill, Vault 81, or Warwick Homestead. It may also appear on other vendors or legendary enemies.

10. Le Fusil Terribles

Damage: 62
Magazine Size: 32
Fire Rate: 20
Range: 71
Accuracy: 41
AP Cost: 35

This powerhouse shotgun offers increased damage and a higher chance to cripple enemies. Despite heavier recoil, it provides faster fire rate and better range than most combat shotguns.

Where to find it?
Look for it on a wooden crate in the captain’s cabin at Libertalia, accessed during the Institute’s Synth Retention quest.

11. Deliverer

Damage: 25
Magazine Size: 12
Fire Rate: 66
Range: 53
Accuracy: 67
AP Cost: 26

This silenced 10mm pistol is perfect for V.A.T.S.-focused and stealth builds. It has lower AP costs and a built-in suppressor, making it great for covert operations throughout the Commonwealth.

How to get it?
Join the Railroad and finish the Tradecraft quest to receive it from Deacon. Be warned—allying with the Railroad means conflict with the Brotherhood and Institute.

12. Alien Blaster Pistol

Damage: 50
Magazine Size: 42
Fire Rate: 100
Range: 119
Accuracy: 79
AP Cost: 20

This fan-favorite weapon returns with high damage and a sci-fi flair. Ammo is rare, but it can be modified to use fusion cells with the right perks.

How can you find it?
After level 20, watch for a UFO crash near Oberland Station. Follow the blood trail from the crash site to claim the weapon from its alien pilot.

13. Tinker Tom Special

Damage: 37
Magazine Size: 5
Fire Rate: 3
Range: 185
Accuracy: 112

This hunting rifle improves V.A.T.S. accuracy when undetected and is perfect for stealth snipers. It requires Railroad affiliation, so choose your allegiances wisely.

Where can you find it?
After completing "Road to Freedom" and "Tradecraft," you can join the Railroad and purchase it from Tinker Tom for 709 caps.

14. Pickman’s Blade

Damage: 15
Speed: Fast
AP Cost: 20

This deadly melee weapon causes bleeding damage and excels in sneak attacks thanks to its stealth blade mod. It’s ideal for stealthy, close-quarters players.

How to obtain it?
Head to Pickman’s Gallery and complete the Pickman’s Gift quest. After rescuing Pickman, he’ll reward you with the blade and some caps.

15. Shishkebab

Damage: 13 regular, 13 energy
Speed: Medium
AP Cost: 35

This flaming sword is a Fallout classic, offering style and decent melee power. It’s not the strongest, but its fiery effect adds personality to your loadout.

Where can you get it?
Complete the quest from Abraham Finch at Finch Farm. Occasionally, it also drops from legendary enemies.

Conclusion

As you've seen, many of the Fallout 4 best weapons are within easy reach—you just need to know where to look or which quests to complete. Exploring every nook and cranny of the Wasteland and going off the beaten path can reward you with some of the most devastating and memorable gear. So gear up, wanderer, and if you're looking for additional gear or game accounts, Gamer Choice is the go-to platform for trustworthy gaming products!