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Fallout 76: Mastering the Railway Rifle
The Railway Rifle in Fallout 76 is a unique and powerful weapon that has earned its place as a favorite among players, especially those running VATS-focused Commando builds. This homemade steel stake launcher combines high damage output with readily craftable ammunition, making it a reliable choice for both casual encounters and challenging boss fights.
Why Choose the Railway Rifle?
The Railway Rifle excels in versatility and raw power. It can deal over 200 points of damage per shot, excluding critical hits, and its performance skyrockets when paired with perks like Critical Savvy and Commando. As an automatic weapon, it can deliver hundreds of points of damage per second, making it a formidable boss killer. Although its recoil is significant, this drawback is mitigated when used in VATS, where accuracy and reduced recoil shine.
Ammo efficiency is another major advantage. The spikes it uses can be crafted from steel, a common resource in Appalachia. Daily Ops further enhance its appeal by providing substantial amounts of ammo for the Railway Rifle.
How to Obtain the Railway Rifle
There are two primary ways to acquire the Railway Rifle:
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Random Drops: Boss enemies scattered across Appalachia may drop this weapon.
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Crafting: Purchase the plans from the robot vendor at Berkeley Springs Station for approximately 1800 Caps. To craft it, you'll need Gunsmith level 3 and materials like adhesive, screws, steel, nuclear material, oil, plastic, and gears.
Adhesive and screws are often the trickiest components to gather. Adhesive can be sourced from scrapping glue or crafting Vegetable Starch using Mutfruit, Corn, and Tatos at a Cooking Station. Screws are commonly found in items like typewriters and desk fans.
The Railway Rifle is one of the standout Fallout 76 items, known for its impressive damage output and versatility, especially in VATS-focused Commando builds. With craftable steel spike ammunition and legendary effects like Quad, Bloodied, or Explosive, this weapon proves invaluable for tackling tough enemies and bosses in Appalachia. Whether found as a random drop or crafted using plans from Berkeley Springs Station, the Railway Rifle is a powerful addition to any arsenal, particularly when paired with perks that amplify its efficiency in automatic mode.
Optimizing the Railway Rifle
To maximize its potential, aim for legendary effects that complement your build:
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Bloodied: Boosts damage as health decreases.
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Two Shot: Fires two projectiles for increased damage.
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Quad: Expands magazine size from 10 to 40 spikes—ideal for automatic builds.
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Anti-Armor: Ignores 50% of enemy armor.
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Explosive: Converts projectiles into instant hitscan shots for devastating long-range efficiency.
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VATS Enhanced: Reduces AP cost in VATS.
For Commando builds relying on automatic fire, the Quad prefix is particularly effective as it minimizes reload interruptions during combat. Explosive effects are also highly sought after since they transform the weapon into a precise hit-scan powerhouse.
Best Practices
While the Railway Rifle can function as a semi-auto weapon, its true strength lies in automatic mode paired with VATS. Without VATS, controlling its heavy recoil becomes challenging, even with modifications like the short barrel or recoil-compensating stock. Reflex sights are recommended to lower AP costs further during VATS usage.
Players should also consider synergizing their build with perks such as Tank Killer (to ignore armor) and Critical Savvy (to recharge critical hits faster). These perks amplify the rifle's already impressive capabilities.
Conclusion
The Railway Rifle remains one of Fallout 76's most versatile weapons despite its quirks. Whether you're hunting bosses or clearing waves of enemies in Daily Ops, this weapon delivers consistent high damage and reliability. With thoughtful crafting and strategic legendary rolls, it can become a cornerstone of your arsenal—a true Commando beast in Appalachia.