Fallout 76 offers a wide array of weapons to suit various playstyles, and among the most exciting are energy weapons. Known for their futuristic design, powerful effects, and unique damage types, energy weapons can give players an edge in both PvE and PvP. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned Vault Dweller, this guide will walk you through the top 8 energy weapons in Fallout 76 and explain how to unlock them. If you're looking to speed up your journey, many players choose to buy Fallout 76 in game items to gain an early advantage.

Here are the top 8 energy weapons that every player should consider adding to their arsenal.

1. Gatling Plasma
The Gatling Plasma is a heavy energy weapon that fires plasma projectiles at a rapid rate. It’s excellent for sustained damage and works particularly well with a heavy gunner build.
How to Unlock: You can craft it at a weapons workbench after reaching level 35 and acquiring the corresponding plan. The plan is often found in events, or from Brotherhood vendors. It can also be looted from Scorchbeasts and other high-level enemies.

2. Laser Rifle
A reliable semi-automatic energy weapon, the Laser Rifle is versatile and customizable with mods that allow automatic fire, sniping, or increased damage.
How to Unlock: Can be looted from Enclave and Brotherhood of Steel enemies, or purchased from vendors. Plans are available in the Whitespring Bunker or by completing Enclave missions.

3. Plasma Rifle
The Plasma Rifle delivers high energy and ballistic damage, making it deadly against most enemy types. With the right perks, it can rival many other rifles in damage output.
How to Unlock: Plans can be found during Brotherhood questlines, at the Whitespring vendors, or in high-level areas like Watoga and West Tek.

4. Alien Disintegrator
Introduced with the Invaders from Beyond event, the Alien Disintegrator is a fast-firing energy weapon using alien power cells.
How to Unlock: Participate in the "Invaders from Beyond" public event. Collect alien weapon plans and components dropped by event bosses and enemies.

5. Enclave Plasma Rifle
This is a more advanced version of the standard Plasma Rifle with improved stats. It’s a favorite among players pursuing an energy weapon build.
How to Unlock: Requires completing the Enclave questline to gain access to the Whitespring Bunker. Plans and weapons are purchasable through Enclave faction vendors.

6. Tesla Rifle
The Tesla Rifle shoots electric arcs that can hit multiple enemies at once, making it especially useful in crowd control situations or when dealing with hordes.
How to Unlock: Often rewarded from Daily Ops, certain Brotherhood of Steel quests, or purchased from faction vendors. Mods make it more efficient with better range and accuracy.

7. Ultracite Laser Rifle
This upgraded version of the standard Laser Rifle uses Ultracite cells and deals more damage. It’s especially useful for high-level events and endgame content.
How to Unlock: Found during Scorched Earth events and other endgame scenarios. Players can obtain plans by completing missions tied to the Scorched or from rewards in Daily Ops.

8. Hellstorm Missile Launcher (Cryo Mod)
While technically not a traditional energy weapon, the Hellstorm with Cryo mod delivers explosive cryo energy damage and is often grouped with high-tech weapons.
How to Unlock: Participate in the “A Colossal Problem” event or trade with other players. If you're low on time, consider options to buy Fallout 76 in game items from trusted marketplaces like U4GM.

Final Tips
Energy weapons in Fallout 76 are powerful but often require specific perks and a steady supply of ammo. Investing in perks like “Science Expert” and “Gunsmith” will improve crafting and maintenance. If you want to optimize your build or try out several weapons quickly, buying Fallout 76 items from reputable sources can be a great time-saver.

Whether you enjoy disintegrating enemies with alien tech or electrifying hordes with Tesla arcs, these energy weapons are must-haves for any wasteland warrior.

Helpful Breakdown: Fallout 76 Items: Gauss Pistol Wastelanders