Fallout 76 has always offered a wide variety of weapons, but for players who love to rely on VATS, certain tools of destruction simply stand out. If you’re aiming to maximize critical hits, headshots, and overall VATS efficiency, picking the right weapon is crucial. After spending countless hours experimenting with different setups, here’s a list of 19 weapons that I believe every VATS-focused player should consider.

1. Overseer’s Guardian

This classic rifle is almost tailor-made for VATS builds. Its unique perk allows you to fire an additional projectile with every shot, dramatically increasing damage output. It’s particularly effective against mid-tier enemies and works well with critical-focused perks.

2. Deliverer

Deliverer is a small pistol that excels in AP efficiency. Perfect for stealth VATS builds, it allows frequent critical shots without draining your Action Points too quickly.

3. Gauss Rifle

If you love sniping in VATS, the Gauss Rifle is a no-brainer. Its high base damage and charge-up mechanic make every critical shot devastating.

4. Bloodied Combat Rifle

For low health builds, the Bloodied Combat Rifle shines. The more health you sacrifice, the higher your damage becomes—a perfect fit for aggressive VATS strategies.

5. Two-Shot Laser Rifle

This one speaks for itself. Doubling projectiles means every VATS attack hits harder. Combined with a high Perception build, it’s lethal in both PvE and PvP.

6. Lever Action Rifle

Reliable, accurate, and with the right mods, a lever action rifle can shred through opponents in VATS. Its consistent performance makes it a favorite among mid-range fighters.

7. Handmade Rifle

The Handmade Rifle’s high critical multiplier makes it a staple for VATS-focused players. With proper ammo and perks, headshots feel satisfying every time.

8. Incinerator Flamethrower

While unconventional, using a flamethrower in VATS lets you control crowds efficiently. Perfect for groups of enemies that stick close together.

9. Bloodied Overseer’s Guardian

Combining the Overseer’s Guardian with Bloodied perks turns it into a monster for VATS headshots. It’s risky, but the payoff is huge.

10. Jet-Enhanced Fat Man

If you can manage the ammo and heavy AP cost, the Fat Man is devastating in VATS. The splash damage makes it ideal for heavily armored groups.

11. Explosive Shotgun

For close-range VATS, nothing beats an explosive shotgun. Multiple enemies get hit simultaneously, and critical hits feel explosive—literally.

12. Two-Shot Hunting Rifle

Similar to the laser variant, this rifle doubles projectiles for higher damage per shot. It’s particularly useful for high Perception sniper builds.

13. Bloodied Overseer’s Guardian (Laser Mod)

Customizing your weapons with laser mods can further optimize VATS damage, especially when paired with critical perks.

14. Plasma Rifle

A reliable mid-range option with elemental damage. Plasma rifles are especially effective when targeting vulnerable points with VATS.

15. Deliverer (Jet Build)

By stacking Jet perks and AP recovery, Deliverer can be used almost endlessly in VATS. Perfect for stealthy, critical-heavy builds.

16. Instigating Combat Rifle

This rifle doubles damage against full-health targets, making it excellent for initiating fights via VATS.

17. Cryolator

For slowing down tough enemies while landing VATS shots, the Cryolator is unmatched. Slowing enemies gives you more critical hit opportunities.

18. Two-Shot Gauss Rifle

Taking the Gauss Rifle to the next level, the two-shot variant ensures devastating VATS headshots. Few weapons feel as satisfying.

19. Bloodied Handmade Rifle

A combination of high damage, Bloodied perks, and critical multipliers makes this rifle a VATS powerhouse. Ideal for players who thrive at low health thresholds.

When hunting for these weapons, it’s worth keeping an eye out for cheap Fallout 76 Items that can complement your build without breaking the bank. Similarly, you don’t always need to spend a fortune; some of the best setups can be acquired using cheap Fallout 76 Caps if you’re savvy in trading and looting.

Mastering VATS in Fallout 76 is as much about timing and targeting as it is about weapon choice. These 19 weapons have proven themselves in my own adventures across Appalachia, and they can help any VATS enthusiast maximize their effectiveness in combat.

If you want, I can also create a version with short tips for each weapon that make it even more practical for forum or blog readers.