The Top 20 Best Weapons in Fallout 4 With Locations

Fallout 4 offers players an expansive arsenal of weapons to explore the post-apocalyptic Boston wasteland. From high-tech energy weapons to brutal melee instruments, there is something for every playstyle. However, with hundreds of options available, it can get overwhelming figuring out which weapons best fit your character build.

That‘s why I‘ve compiled this definitive guide to the 20 best weapons in Fallout 4, along with details on their stats, legendary effects, ideal character builds, and exact locations to find them. Whether you‘re a sneaky sniper, heavy gunner in power armor, or stealthy ninja, you‘ll find ideal weapons in this list.

Let‘s dive in!

1. Pickman‘s Blade

Base Stats:

• Damage: 16
• Weight: 1
• Speed: Fast
• Range: 10
• AP Cost: 20

Pickman‘s Blade is one of the best melee weapons for ninja/stealth builds. It has high damage and a fast swing speed perfect for sneaking up on enemies.

To get it, complete the "Pickman‘s Gift" quest located at Pickman‘s Gallery on the Northern edge of Boston‘s city island. Fight through the raiders inside, then rescue Pickman. He‘ll reward you with the unique Pickman‘s Blade.

2. Grognak‘s Axe

Base Stats:

• Damage: 25
• Weight: 10
• Speed: Medium
• Range: 0.8
• AP Cost: 20

Grognak‘s Axe is the hardest hitting melee weapon in V.A.T.S. Its high damage and mid speed make it ideal for strength builds.

It spawns inside Hubris Comics on the East side of the map near Diamond City. Fight through the ghouls on the lower floors, then grab the axe from the locked display case in Hubris Comics‘ store on the top floor.

3. Furious Power Fist

Base Stats:

• Damage: 20
• Weight: 4
• Speed: Medium
• Range: –
• AP Cost: 35

The Furious Power Fist is extremely deadly, especially against mid-level enemies. It can one-shot most foes.

To get it, go to Swan‘s Pond in Boston Common and kill the legendary behemoth "Swan" guarding it. You‘ll need to pack some heavy ammo! Once Swan is dead, loot the Furious Power Fist from his body.

4. Le Fusil Terribles

Base Stats:

• Damage: 62
• Weight: 15.7
• Accuracy: 41
• Range: 71
• AP Cost: 35
• Fire Rate: 20

Le Fusil Terribles is the highest base damage combat shotgun in the game. It wrecks enemies up close, especially when upgraded.

To get it, travel to the Libertalia ship wreck off the coast. Enter the Captain‘s Cabin and grab Le Fusil Terribles from the wooden crate.

5. Kellogg‘s Pistol

Base Stats:

• Damage: 48
• Weight: 4.3
• Accuracy: 70
• Range: 119
• Fire Rate: 6

Kellogg‘s Pistol is the best .44 Magnum revolver. It has very high damage and performs great in V.A.T.S.

To get it, do the "Reunions" quest with Nick Valentine and confront Kellogg at Fort Hagen. Defeat him, then loot his body to obtain his unique .44 pistol.

6. Ashmaker

Base Stats:

• Damage: 8
• Weight: 27.4
• Range: –
• AP Cost: 40

Ashmaker is a legendary minigun that sets targets on fire, causing damage over time. It has a high fire rate and low spread, making it easier to use than other miniguns.

To get it, complete the "Big Dig" quest for Bobbi No-nose in Goodneighbor. She‘ll reward you with the Ashmaker at the end.

7. Cryolator

Base Stats:

• Damage: 20
• Weight: 13.2
• Range: 71
• AP Cost: 21
• Accuracy: 66

The Cryolator is one of the best freeze weapons in the game. It immobilizes enemies with ice crystals and deals major damage.

This unique weapon spawns inside Vault 111 behind a Master locked case. Use the lockpicking perk on a level 20+ character to retrieve it.

8. Gatling Laser

Base Stats:

• Damage: 14
• Weight: 19.3
• Range: 256
• AP Cost: 30
• Accuracy: 48

Gatling Lasers are devastating heavy weapons, especially when upgraded. This high fire rate laser chews threw enemies fast!

To get one, progress the Brotherhood of Steel quests until you reach the Prydwen. Quartermaster Teagan there stocks Gatling Lasers once you reach level 24.

9. Spray n‘ Pray

Base Stats:

• Damage: 34
• Weight: 19.0
• Range: 77
• AP Cost: 43
• Accuracy: 69

Spray n‘ Pray is an explosive submachine gun that demolishes groups of enemies. Each bullet causes an AOE explosion on impact.

This legendary weapon has a random chance to be sold by the weapons dealer "Cricket" who wanders the map. Listen for her location on Diamond City Radio.

10. Nuka-Nuke Launcher

Base Stats:

• Damage: 18+675
• Weight: 36
• Range: 117
• AP Cost: 75
• Accuracy: 63

The Nuka-Nuke Launcher is a unique Fat Man that shoots Nuka-Nuke projectiles, causing massive explosive damage.

To obtain it, complete the Nuka-World DLC story. At the end, successfully take over the various Raider factions and speak to Fritsch to be rewarded with this special weapon.

11. Shishkebab

Base Stats:

• Damage: 20
• Weight: 1.5
• Speed: Fast
• Range: –
• AP Cost: 20

A flaming sword on a stick – what‘s not to love! The Shishkebab causes serious burn damage with every slash.

This unique melee weapon is given as a reward for completing the "Out of the Fire" misc quest at Finch Farm.

12. Instigating Disciples Blade

Base Stats:

• Damage: 20
• Weight: 1.5
• Speed: Fast
• Range: –
• AP Cost: 20

The Instigating Disciples Blade has very high damage for a fast, lightweight melee weapon. Its special effect causes double damage when used against full health enemies – perfect for stealth kills!

To obtain it, complete the Nuka World DLC story and side with the Disciples Raider faction. Their leader Nisha will reward you with this deadly blade.

13. Prototype UP77 Limitless Potential Laser Gun

Base Stats:

• Damage: 24
• Weight: 3.9
• Range: 227
• Accuracy: 96

A rare prototype laser rifle with unlimited ammo capacity – what more could you want! It has high damage, range, accuracy, and never needs reloading.

To find it, go to the locked security room inside the Malborough Prep School. Hack the terminals and unlock the safe to claim this unique weapon.

14. Sergeant Ash Flamer

Base Stats:

• Damage: 13
• Weight: 16.1
• Range: 47

Armed with the "Kneecapper" legendary effect, the Sergeant Ash Flamer has a 20% chance to cripple enemies‘ legs – drastically reducing mobility.

Purchase this rare flamer from Dejen at Acadia after installing the Far Harbor DLC. It‘s a perfect weapon for survival mode!

15. The Gainer

Base Stats:

• Damage: 48
• Weight: 4.6
• Range: 119
• Accuracy: 74

The Gainer is a unique .44 magnum pistol with bonus incendiary damage over time. It wrecks enemies at close range, setting them ablaze!

Go to the shack below Dunwich Borers and descend into the underground ritual site. Defeat the enemies inside and grab The Gainer off a dead cultist‘s body.

16. Righteous Authority

Base Stats:

• Damage: 26
• Weight: 5.5
• Range: 203
• Accuracy: 76

Righteous Authority is a deadly laser rifle perfect for builds relying on critical hits. It has good range and deals bonus damage on critical shots.

This unique weapon is given as a reward from Paladin Danse for completing his quest "Call to Arms" after joining the Brotherhood of Steel faction.

17. Furious Ripper

Base Stats:

• Damage: 47
• Speed: Very Fast
• Range: 0.8
• AP Cost: 40
• Weight: 6

True to its name, the Furious Ripper unleashes deadly rapid attacks that build in damage with each consecutive hit on an enemy.

Travel to Croup Manor and enter the basement to battle a legendary glowing ghoul. He has a chance to drop the Furious Ripper when killed.

18. Alien Blaster

Base Stats:

• Damage: 50
• Weight: 2.5
• Range: 119
• AP Cost: 20
• Accuracy: 79

This rare weapon is of extraterrestrial origin – bringing an insane 50 damage laser pistol to the Commonwealth! It feels straight out of a retro sci-fi movie.

To obtain it, trigger and complete the UFO crash site random encounter, then retrieve the Blaster from the down Alien Captain.

19. Gauss Rifle

Base Stats:

• Damage: 110
• Weight: 15.7
• Range: 191
• AP Cost: 40
• Accuracy: 69

The Gauss Rifle is hands down the most powerful long-range weapon in Fallout 4. Capable of killing almost any enemy with a single headshot!

Travel to Skylanes Flight 1981 and enter the crashed airplanek. Use Lockpicking level 3 to open the master terminal and steal the unique Gauss Rifle inside.

20. Overseer‘s Guardian

Base Stats:

• Damage: 55
• Weight: 15.7
• Range: 119
• AP Cost: 25
• Accuracy: 70

Overseer‘s Guardian is a combat rifle with a unique legendary effect causing it to fire an additional projectile per shot. This essentially doubles its damage output!

When you reach Vault 81, you can purchase it from the weapon‘s merchant Alexis Combes. It‘s an expensive but worthwhile investment.

And there you have it – the top 20 weapons available in Fallout 4. From high-tech energy beams to bloody melee instruments, you now know where to find the very best guns, blades, hammers, and more. Happy hunting!