Fallout 76 isn’t just about exploring Appalachia and trading shots across long distances. Many encounters happen up close—inside cramped buildings, narrow caves, or tight event zones where enemies rush you from all directions. In these moments, the right gear and consumables can be the difference between walking away with loot or staring at a “You Died” screen.

Here are 11 items that experienced players rely on to dominate close quarters combat, based on practical in-game use rather than theory.

1. Auto Melee Weapons

Weapons like the Auto Axe or Chainsaw bring continuous damage output, perfect for swarming ghouls or mole miners. Their high DPS can cut through enemy health bars before they have a chance to retaliate.

2. Combat Shotgun

The Combat Shotgun’s spread and knockback make it a reliable crowd-control tool. With the right legendary perks, it becomes a devastating hallway sweeper.

3. Power Fist

This unarmed powerhouse delivers massive single-target damage. Great for heavily armored foes, especially when you need to conserve ammo.

4. Stimpak Diffuser

Regular Stimpaks work, but the Stimpak Diffuser heals allies around you—ideal for team events where everyone is bunched up under fire.

5. Fury

This chem boosts both melee damage and Strength, making it a short-term powerhouse buff when you need to hit harder and faster.

6. Overdrive

A favorite for crit builds, Overdrive increases critical hit damage and meter fill rate, giving you the burst damage you need in confined fights.

7. Cryo Grenades

Not every close-range battle needs to be a damage race. Freezing enemies in place gives you breathing room, whether you’re reloading or repositioning.

8. Shielded Armor Mods

In CQC, survival is just as important as offense. Shielded mods can give you that extra moment to counterattack or pop a heal.

9. Cheap Fallout 76 Items for Modding

Buying or trading for cheap Fallout 76 Items can be a quick way to acquire the mods you need without spending hours farming. A well-modded weapon or armor piece often outperforms higher-level gear without upgrades.

10. Cheap Fallout 76 Caps for Emergency Purchases

When traveling vendors or player camps have rare gear for sale, having Cheap Fallout 76 Caps ready lets you instantly grab that perfect weapon for your build.

11. Bufftats

Combining Endurance, Strength, and Perception boosts, Bufftats are a solid all-rounder consumable that works well for both melee and shotgun builds.

Final Thoughts

Close quarters combat in Fallout 76 is fast, brutal, and often unpredictable. Equipping yourself with the right weapons, consumables, and armor upgrades will tilt the odds in your favor. Whether you’re sprinting through a Scorched-infested building or holding your ground in a Radstorm, the items above can give you the extra edge you need to survive—and thrive—in Appalachia’s most dangerous spaces.

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