Fallout 76 introduced the Battle Ready Dweller system, where players could start a new character and begin at level 20 with a selection of curated weapons, armor, and Perk Cards. It’s essentially a starter class—the foundation of your journey in Appalachia. Here is a full rundown of starter classes in Fallout 76!
Every Starter Class in Fallout 76
Previously, when starting a new character in Fallout 76, you were thrust into the reaches of Appalachia, terrified and alone, with little to call yours. You had to eke out a living, scouring points of interest for makeshift weapons and supplies. But they’ve made the game easier and more accessible to new players over the years.
One such system designed to streamline the starting experience is the Battle Ready Dweller—a starter class system that kickstarts your experience in Fallout 76 to level 20. You can dive straight into the game’s story, veer off the beaten path, explore more of the game, and participate in community events.
But picking the suitable starter class in Fallout 76 could mean the difference between a good time and a great time!
Commando
The Commando focuses on automatic rifles and, as a byproduct, rifles as a whole. You start the game with a selection of equipment tailored to this combat-oriented playstyle, including an automatic rifle and a bolt-action rifle. It’s enough to dive straight into any combat encounter in the immediate area without fear.
But more importantly, it tailors your Perk Cards to a frontline soldier-style archetype that should allow you to excel in community events across Appalachia.
Slugger
Even experienced players run low on ammunition, necessitating regular farming runs to craft more. It takes away from the experience somewhat. But the Slugger doesn’t need to worry themselves about pesky annoyances like ammo. They’ll swing a two-handed melee weapon, lopping off Ghoul heads with a single swing. It’s an in-your-face playstyle that’s visceral and entertaining from the get-go!
To facilitate this chaotic and close-quarters playstyle, the selection of Perk Cards designed for the Slugger boosts overall melee damage, increases health regeneration, and improves Action Points regeneration to keep smacking and whacking at enemies with reckless abandon!
Gunslinger
Following the immense success of the Fallout television series, I imagine the Gunslinger became infinitely more enticing to new players. After all, who doesn’t want to roam the wasteland with a powerful revolver, one-hitting enemy heads with a quick shot? Unfortunately, it rarely happens like in the show, if ever. That said, Gunslinger is still a highly entertaining playstyle, with readily available ammunition and powerful yet compact weaponry that, with the right Perk Cards, can see you through to the end game.
Speaking of Perk Cards, Crack Shot, Gunslinger, and Modern Renegade all buff pistol accuracy, movement, and damage, allowing you to remain mobile while landing shots from the hip or ADS.
Shotgunner
Shotgunner is a straightforward class for those who prefer not to worry about unique skills and perks that alter minute details. This one focuses on the big booms—powerful shotguns that deal large amounts of damage in close quarters. If you don’t mind closing the distance with a Super Mutant, a blast to the face should end the encounter relatively fast.
Like all other starter classes in Fallout 76, the Shotgunner is fully equipped with numerous class-specific Perk Cards. The most important are Shotgunner, Scattershot, and Skeet Shooter, all of which enhance how shotguns perform.
Specialist
Finally, Specialist. This isn’t a class I would immediately recommend to new players, as it heavily relies on learning more of the game’s mechanics and combat systems before you can excel in encounters and events. The Specialist relies on V.A.T.S. to deal critical damage by targeting specific limbs and weak points on enemies.
The Specialist Perk Cards improve how V.A.T.S. performs, allowing you to focus damage on specific limbs using Concentrated Fire, regenerate Action Points with Action Boy, and recuperate your Crit Meter when achieving a kill in V.A.T.S. with Psychopath.
Related: How to Change Your Player Icon in Fallout 76
Which Starter Class is Right For You?
Of the five starter classes in Fallout 76, two I would immediately recommend, without a second thought, to new players. Those two include Commando and Shotgunner. They’re straightforward, no-frills class types that allow you to dive straight into Fallout 76 without worrying about a build guide or complex mechanics and buffs.
Both provide you with the necessary equipment, ammunition, aid items, and Perk Cards to leave Vault 76 and immediately start blasting Ghouls and Mole Rats without fear of repercussions!
The Guide Hall hit level 100 in Fallout 76 and immediately started a fresh character to explore the new player experience. We’ll have more in-depth guides from the lands of Appalachia shortly!