If you’re just starting out in Fallout 76, one of the most important things to understand is how to earn and use Fallout 76 caps. Caps are the main currency in the game, and you’ll need them for everything from fast traveling to buying gear from other players. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through what caps are, how to earn them efficiently, and how to spend them wisely.
What Are Fallout 76 Caps?
Caps are bottle caps, used as currency in the Fallout universe. In Fallout 76, they serve as your money for buying, selling, trading, and fast traveling. Whether you’re purchasing rare weapons from other players, buying supplies from vendors, or teleporting to distant locations, you’ll be spending caps. Managing your caps well is crucial for survival and progression in Appalachia.
How to Earn Fallout 76 Caps
There are many ways to earn caps in Fallout 76, and some methods are more effective than others. Here are the top ways for beginners to get started:
1. Selling Junk and Items to NPC Vendors
As you explore the world, you’ll collect a lot of junk and loot. Many of these items can be sold to vendors for caps. Look for items like weapons, armor, and chems that you don’t need. Each vendor has a daily cap limit they can spend, so it’s smart to visit different vendors across the map.
Tip: Scrap junk first to use the components and sell only what you don’t need.
2. Completing Events and Quests
Public events, daily missions, and main story quests often reward you with caps. Some of the best events for caps include:
- Radiation Rumble
- A Colossal Problem
- Scorched Earth
These events not only give you caps but also rare loot and experience points.
3. Selling to Other Players
Player-to-player trading is a great way to make caps, especially if you have rare plans, weapons, or armor. You can set up your own player vending machine at your C.A.M.P. and list items for sale. High-demand items like serums, rare plans, and legendary gear often sell for a good amount of caps.
4. Finding Cap Stashes
Cap stashes are small hidden boxes or piles found throughout the world. They often give between 10 and 30 caps. While not a large amount, collecting them adds up over time. You can find cap stashes in:
- Abandoned buildings
- Behind counters
- Inside safes and cabinets
Using a perk like Cap Collector increases the number of caps you find.
5. Treasure Maps and Containers
Exploring treasure map locations can lead to buried stashes containing caps, weapons, and other loot. Also, don’t forget to loot safes and locked containers. They often contain caps and valuable items to sell.
Best Ways to Spend Your Fallout 76 Caps
While it’s tempting to spend your caps quickly, being smart with your spending can help you progress faster. Here are the most effective ways to use your caps:
1. Fast Travel
Traveling between locations costs caps. The farther the distance, the more it costs. You can fast travel for free to:
- Your C.A.M.P.
- Vault 76
- Train Stations you’ve visited
- Friends or teammates
Try to plan your routes to avoid unnecessary fast travel costs.
2. Buying from Player Vendors
Other players often sell rare items at their vending machines. You can find weapons, armor, plans, mods, and chems—often at better prices than NPC vendors. Be sure to check vending machines as you explore.
3. Buying Legendary Modules
Once you’re ready to craft or reroll legendary gear, you’ll need Legendary Modules, which are bought from the Purveyor Murmrgh at The Rusty Pick. These cost caps and are essential for improving your build.
4. Buying Plans and Recipes
Some vendors sell plans and recipes you can’t find elsewhere. Learning new plans helps you craft better gear, which can later be sold for more caps.
Cap Limits and Tips
- The maximum number of caps a player can hold is 40,000.
- Always check vendor caps before selling. Vendors share a daily pool, so you might need to switch locations.
- Use the Hard Bargain perk to sell items for more and buy for less.
- Try not to carry too many caps when exploring high-risk areas, especially in PvP zones.
Caps are a vital part of your journey in Fallout 76. From buying items to traveling across the map, you’ll need a steady flow of caps to survive and thrive. By using the tips in this guide, new players can earn and manage their Fallout 76 caps more efficiently and enjoy a smoother experience in the Wasteland. Keep collecting, trading, and exploring—those caps will add up faster than you think.
