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If you're running a melee build in Fallout 76, you know that choosing the right weapon can make all the difference. Whether you prefer swinging a super sledge or slicing through enemies with a stealth blade, pairing your playstyle with the best melee perks will maximize your damage output. Here are 17 weapons that shine when combined with the right perks.

Top Melee Weapons for Powerhouse Builds

1. Super Sledge

A classic heavy hitter, the Super Sledge benefits from Incisor and Martial Artist perks. Its high base damage makes it a favorite among two-handed melee users.

2. War Glaive

This Energy-based weapon scales well with Science perks alongside traditional melee boosts. Its unique attack animations also give it an edge in combat.

3. Deathclaw Gauntlet

Unarmed builds thrive with this beastly weapon. Stack Iron Fist and Twisted Muscles for maximum carnage.

4. Sheepsquatch Club

A solid one-handed option, especially with the Gladiator perk line. Its mods add versatility, making it great for different enemy types.

5. Plasma Cutter

A newer addition, this weapon works well with Science perks and melee damage boosts, making it a hybrid powerhouse.

6. Grognak’s Axe

A fan-favorite, this two-handed weapon is perfect for barbarian-style builds. Pair it with Slugger perks for devastating swings.

7. Mole Miner Gauntlet

Easy to obtain and highly effective, this unarmed weapon benefits from Iron Fist and Bloody Mess.

8. Chainsaw (Auto-Axe Alternative)

With the right mods, the Chainsaw becomes a DPS monster. Incisor and Martial Artist help mitigate its weight and improve armor penetration.

9. The Tenderizer

This unique sledgehammer deals extra damage over time, making it a great choice for sustained fights.

10. Shishkebab

A flaming sword that pairs well with Friendly Fire for team support while still dishing out solid melee damage.

11. Baseball Bat (All-Star Mod)

Surprisingly strong when modded correctly, especially with Gladiator perks.

12. Pole Hook

A reach advantage makes this weapon great for keeping enemies at bay while dealing solid damage.

13. Bear Arm

A rare but powerful unarmed weapon, best used with Iron Fist and Talons mutations.

14. Settler’s Gauntlet

A solid alternative to the Deathclaw Gauntlet, especially if you prefer faster swings.

15. Bone Hammer

A high-damage two-handed weapon that works well with Slugger perks.

16. Switchblade (Stealth Builds)

For stealth melee builds, a fast-hitting Switchblade with Hack and Slash can be deadly.

17. Cultist Blade

A thematic choice for wasteland wanderers, this weapon benefits from Gladiator perks and has solid base damage.

Optimizing Your Melee Build

To get the most out of these weapons, make sure you’re running key perks like:

• Incisor (Armor Penetration)

• Martial Artist (Faster Swing Speed)

• Slugger/Gladiator/Iron Fist (Damage boosts)

• Bloody Mess (Extra damage)

If you're looking to buy Fallout 76 items cheap, some of these weapons can be found through player vendors or trading. For those who want to skip the grind, you can also buy Fallout 76 caps PC to speed up your acquisitions.