Artist Appreciation Night Discussion

Caps are the lifeblood of commerce in Fallout 76, and knowing how to spend them wisely can make the difference between a thriving survivor and a struggling one. Whether you're trading with vendors, players, or prepping for late-game challenges, understanding what’s worth your hard-earned bottle caps—and what isn’t—is crucial. As a seasoned Wastelander with hundreds of hours exploring Appalachia, I’ve learned firsthand what purchases elevate your game and which ones leave you with regrets.

Here’s your essential guide on how to use your Fallout 76 Caps wisely—and avoid common money traps along the way.

9 Best Things to Buy with Fallout 76 Caps

1. Plans and Blueprints

Unlocking new crafting plans is one of the most efficient uses of your caps. Rare plans, such as for high-end weapons (like the Plasma Caster or Gauss Shotgun) or unique CAMP items, can often only be bought from specific vendors or player vendors. Always check Watoga or Whitespring vendors for valuable rotating inventory.

2. Legendary Weapons and Armor

Though legendary crafting exists, it’s often RNG-heavy. Buying 2-star or 3-star legendary gear directly from players or inside vendor machines can give you exactly what you need without gambling. I once scored a Bloodied Explosive Handmade for 5,000 caps—still my go-to weapon.

3. Bulk Junk from Vendors

Don’t underestimate the value of buying bulk junk materials like aluminum, adhesive, or screws. These are critical for crafting, modding, and repairing your gear. Vendors like Graham and the various train station machines are good sources.

4. CAMP Defense Items

Turrets, traps, and defensive walls can be expensive to build but are worth every cap if you’re frequently attacked during events or PvP. Plans for these items are often sold at Whitespring or PvE event vendors.

5. Ammo from Players

Ammo crafting is time-consuming and costly. Buying it in bulk from other players, especially at player vending machines, is a cost-effective way to stay stocked up. I frequently buy .50 cal or fusion cells for under 1 cap each.

6. Rare Outfits and Cosmetics

Cosmetics don’t improve gameplay, but they do make you feel good—and in a game where personalization is half the fun, dropping caps on rare outfits or masks (especially event exclusives) is totally justified. Fasnacht masks, for instance, are always in demand.

7. Power Armor Mods

These are often overlooked. Whether you’re building a stealth suit with the T-65 or just optimizing your Excavator armor, specific mods can improve functionality drastically—like jetpacks or optimized servos.

8. Stash Box Expansion (via Plans)

Some vendors sell plans to build stash boxes or stash-expanding furniture for your CAMP. These are a major quality-of-life upgrade if you’re a hoarder like me.

9. Cheap Fallout 76 Caps

If you're running low and need a quick infusion of funds for a specific item or trade, some players opt to get Cheap Fallout 76 Caps. This can be a smart move when time is limited, especially if you're grinding for a specific build or seasonal event.

4 Things to Avoid Buying with Fallout 76 Caps

1. Overpriced Serums

Mutations are game-changers, but the serums sold at Whitespring’s Enclave vendor are wildly overpriced (up to 5,000 caps each). It’s better to find or craft them using plans—or trade with other players for a more reasonable deal.

2. Food and Water

Unless you’re desperate in early game, food and water should never be a cap expense. Between CAMP utilities and regular harvesting, there’s no reason to spend caps on consumables you can craft for free.

3. Common Ammo from Vendors

Buying 10mm, .308, or arrows from train station vendors is a trap. These are marked up significantly and drain your caps fast. Craft these in bulk instead, or buy from players at a fraction of the cost.

4. Aid Items Like Stimpaks or RadAway

Yes, they’re essential—but they’re also abundant if you complete events, loot properly, or level up wisely. I made the mistake early on of spending thousands on Stimpaks when I could’ve just farmed them during daily ops or from super mutant camps.

In a world where every cap matters, making the right choices is key. Stick to high-value purchases, avoid overpriced conveniences, and always check player vendors for deals. The Wasteland rewards those who spend smart.