Fallout 76: 10 Builds That Use Energy Weapons for Cap Farming

If you're looking to maximize your earnings in Fallout 76, energy weapons can be a fantastic choice for efficient cap farming. Not only do they pack a punch, but many energy weapons also yield high-value loot from enemies, making them perfect for players who want to buy Fallout 76 items cheap or stack up on cheap Fallout 76 caps. Below, we’ve compiled 10 effective builds that leverage energy weapons to help you dominate the wasteland while filling your pockets.

1. Plasma Flamer Crit Build

A Plasma Flamer with the right mods melts enemies in seconds, making it ideal for farming high-level areas like West Tek. Pair it with Critical Savvy and Better Criticals for insane DPS. The melted enemies often drop valuable weapons you can sell for caps.

2. Gatling Laser Heavy Gunner

This build focuses on heavy energy weapons, using Power Armor for stability. A Gatling Laser with the Faster Fire Rate effect clears mobs quickly, and since fusion cores are plentiful, you’ll rarely run out of ammo.

3. Tesla Rifle AoE Farmer

Perfect for events like Radiation Rumble, the Tesla Rifle arcs between enemies, tagging everything for XP and loot. Equip Grenadier to maximize its range and watch the caps roll in from all the scrap and weapons collected.

4. Laser Rifle VATS Sniper

A precision-based build using a modded Laser Rifle with a sniper barrel. With Concentrated Fire and high Perception, you can pick off enemies from a distance, minimizing ammo waste while farming valuable gear.

5. Ultracite Gatling Laser (Bloodied)

For min-maxers, a Bloodied Ultracite Gatling Laser in a low-health build deals absurd damage. Use Stabilized for accuracy and Adrenaline for stacking damage as you clear out high-yield farming spots.

6. Auto Plasma Rifle Commando

Convert a Plasma Rifle into an automatic beast and pair it with Commando perks. Its high damage and ammo efficiency make it great for sustained farming runs, especially in Daily Ops where you can stock up on ammo.

7. Fusion Cell Saver (Energy Efficient Build)

Using perks like Power User and Batteries Included, this build minimizes fusion cell consumption while running weapons like the Laser Gatling or Tesla Rifle. Less ammo spent means more profit from loot sales.

8. Enclave Plasma Pistol Gunslinger

A niche but fun build, the Enclave Plasma Pistol with a flamer mod can be deadly in VATS. Since pistols are lightweight, you’ll have more carry capacity for loot to sell.

9. Two-Shot Cryolator Support Farmer

While not a traditional energy weapon, the Cryolator benefits from energy weapon perks. A Two-Shot variant slows enemies, making them easy targets for you and your team in events, leading to more loot shares.

10. Hybrid Melee/Energy (Shishkebab & Laser Combo)

For a versatile approach, use a Shishkebab (which counts as an energy weapon) alongside a backup Laser Rifle. This lets you switch between melee and ranged while farming, optimizing both durability and damage output.

Final Tips for Cap Farming

Always scrap unnecessary weapons for materials, but sell high-value ones like Plasma Gatlings or Laser Rifles.
Visit player vendors to buy Fallout 76 items cheap and resell them at a profit.
Use the Hard Bargain perk and grape mentats to maximize vendor cap gains.

With these builds, you’ll be swimming in cheap Fallout 76 caps in no time.