Stealth builds in Fallout 76 aren’t just fun—they’re incredibly powerful when optimized with the right gear. Whether you’re creeping through the woods in Appalachia or ghosting your way through an enemy-infested vault, staying undetected can mean the difference between a clean takedown and a chaotic firefight. If you're building a silent killer or fine-tuning your covert character, these 18 weapons are ideal for stealth gameplay. Here's what makes each of them stand out and how they can fit into your strategy.

1. Suppressed Lever Action Rifle

A fan favorite, the Lever Action Rifle delivers great damage, especially when modified with a suppressor. It’s lightweight, quick to reload, and hits hard with perk support. Perfect for sneaky sharpshooters.

2. Combat Knife (Stealth Blade Mod)

Quick, deadly, and nearly silent. The Combat Knife with a Stealth Blade mod is ideal for stealth melee players who want to remain completely undetected while taking enemies out one by one.

3. Suppressed Handmade Rifle

High rate of fire and solid mod potential make the Handmade a top-tier rifle for stealth. Suppress it, pair it with Rifleman perks, and you’ll drop targets before they even know what hit them.

4. Gauss Rifle

While not traditionally thought of as a stealth weapon due to its charge mechanic, the Gauss Rifle can be silenced and devastating in the right hands. Great for stealth snipers who like to pack a punch.

5. Suppressor’s 10mm Pistol

A classic sidearm with solid stealth potential, especially when you find one with the Suppressor’s legendary effect to stack damage reduction while staying quiet.

6. Silenced Hunting Rifle

This one’s a staple for early-to-mid game stealth builds. It may not have the highest rate of fire, but when modded for stealth, it's a reliable and effective option.

7. Bow (Compound or Standard)

Bows are naturally silent and bypass the need for suppressors. They’re incredibly effective in stealth, especially when paired with perks like Archer and Covert Operative.

8. Crossbow

Like bows, the Crossbow is inherently quiet and deadly. It trades fire rate for raw damage and precision. Ideal for players who enjoy calculated, one-shot kills from the shadows.

9. Suppressor’s Plasma Pistol

Energy weapons aren’t usually the go-to for stealth, but the Plasma Pistol can be modded for silence. With the right perks and mods, it’s a surprisingly effective choice for sneaky energy builds.

10. Shishkebab

For stealth melee players who like a bit of flair, the Shishkebab combines fiery visuals with deadly silent strikes—just make sure you’re not lighting up your cover.

11. Suppressor’s Pipe Rifle

It may not look like much, but the Pipe Rifle can be customized heavily, and with the right perks, it performs well as a stealth rifle—especially for budget builds or early-game characters.

12. Compound Bow (Explosive Arrows)

While explosive arrows seem counterintuitive to stealth, they can be used strategically to eliminate small groups quietly if done right. It’s unconventional, but surprisingly effective.

13. Chinese Officer Sword

Fast, sleek, and quiet. The Chinese Officer Sword is a solid choice for those wanting a bit more style in their stealth melee setup, especially when boosted with melee perks.

14. Suppressor’s Radium Rifle

This hybrid weapon deals both ballistic and radiation damage. When modded with a suppressor, it becomes a deadly and versatile stealth rifle with some added flair.

15. Cryolator (With Stealth Approach)

Not a typical stealth weapon, but in niche builds—especially crowd control—it can freeze enemies quietly and let you pick them off silently with a backup weapon.

16. Suppressor’s Submachine Gun

Though not the most accurate at range, the SMG can work in close quarters stealth builds, particularly for players who like to sneak into tight areas and eliminate enemies quickly and quietly.

17. Black Diamond (Unique Ski Sword)

With the right perks, this unique melee weapon hits hard and can be used for silent takedowns with style. It’s perfect for stealth players who prefer heavy melee attacks.

18. Suppressor’s Western Revolver

Stylish and powerful, the Western Revolver hits hard and can be suppressed for stealth use. A great sidearm for snipers who want something strong when enemies close in.

Stealth Strategy and Gear Tips

Maximizing the effectiveness of these weapons often comes down to the right combination of perks, armor, and playstyle. Perks like Covert Operative, Sneak, and Escape Artist are essential. Legendary armor effects like Chameleon or Unyielding can also enhance your stealth capabilities dramatically.

When hunting for the best versions of these weapons—particularly those with desirable legendary effects—check player vendors regularly and keep an eye on Fallout 76 item prices to avoid overpaying. Some stealth-specific weapons can be surprisingly affordable if you know where and when to look.

For those who prefer skipping the grind, some players choose to buy Fallout 76 Caps online to fast-track their gear upgrades. While not necessary, it’s a method used by some to stay competitive or jumpstart a new build.

Final Thoughts

Stealth builds in Fallout 76 offer a unique way to explore Appalachia, relying on brains over brawn and precision over chaos. With the right weapon in hand—and the right perks to back it up—you can become a ghost, eliminating threats before they even know you were there. Try out different combinations from the list above and find the loadout that best matches your silent assassin playstyle.