U4GM - How to Upgrade 14 Fallout 76 Weapons Without Breaking the Bank

[StarWarden]

Upgrading weapons in Fallout 76 can be one of the most satisfying parts of the game—nothing beats taking your favorite firearm or melee tool and turning it into a true Wasteland powerhouse. But if you've been playing for a while, you’ve probably noticed how quickly things can get expensive, both in terms of in-game resources and Caps. Whether you're grinding events or scavenging through the Ash Heap, saving Caps and crafting materials is crucial if you want to keep your gear top-tier. Here's a breakdown of how to upgrade 14 popular weapons in Fallout 76 without spending all your hard-earned Caps—or your sanity.

1. Fixer (The Go-To Stealth Rifle)
The Fixer is a fan favorite for stealth builds, thanks to its innate stealth and movement speed boosts. Upgrade the receiver to a Prime variant and consider a suppressor for stealth. Plan drops in Daily Ops and Treasure Maps are your best bet—way cheaper than buying outright. If you’re looking to buy Fallout 76 items cheap, compare values before pulling the trigger.

2. Handmade Rifle
This versatile rifle shines with a Powerful Automatic Receiver and Perforating Magazine. Instead of buying every mod, complete daily challenges and events like Eviction Notice for mod plans. If you're short on resources, farming Mole Miners and Super Mutants can net you materials without the Caps cost.

3. Gauss Shotgun
Devastating at close range, especially with the Shielded Barrel mod. It uses ultracite ammo, which can get pricey, so grind the Cranberry Bog for Ultracite veins or Buy Fallout 76 Caps cheap when you're in a pinch—but keep it under control. You're playing smart, not throwing money at every problem.

4. Gatling Plasma
The Prime Capacitor is the key here, and it requires Ultracite Fusion Cores. Instead of crafting these, trade with players or scour vendor bots in train stations. Check in with other players who might be looking to buy Fallout 76 items cheap in bulk—you can sometimes negotiate for less common parts this way.

5. Plasma Caster
This heavy weapon hits like a truck but needs some serious upgrading to reach peak performance. Prime mods are a must. Save your Legendary Modules for weapons you really use—don’t blow them on every random Caster drop.

6. Tesla Rifle
Great for crowd control. Modding it with a Splitter and Automatic Barrel turns it into a legendary event clearer. It burns through ammo fast though, so craft in batches and consider running Ammo Factory perk to ease the burden.

7. Dragon
Old but gold. High damage with a slow reload. If you find a Two Shot or Bloodied version, hold on to it. Upgrade the sights for better targeting. If you’re looking for specific legendary rolls, marketplaces like U4GM are often where collectors go to Buy Fallout 76 Caps cheap or trade for high-end gear.

8. Super Sledge
For melee builds, the Heating Coil mod adds burning damage. Use Power Attack builds to get the most from it. Find plans from Free States or Brotherhood vendors—don’t rush into overpaying.

9. Crusader Pistol
A newer addition to the game, this pistol can be modded for both energy and ballistic damage. The Reflex Sight and Suppressor combo gives it versatility. Participate in Steel Dawn quests to unlock mods or trade on player hubs instead of wasting Caps.

10. Gauss Minigun
Once you’ve got the plan, upgrading this beast with the Tesla Capacitor mod is a game-changer. Keep in mind, you'll need a lot of Ultracite ammo. Combine a high Intelligence build with the Ammosmith perk to make it viable without breaking the bank.

11. Combat Shotgun
Simple but effective. Add a Hardened Receiver and a Stabilized Stock to make it viable even in tougher zones. You can find plenty of these on Scorched and Raider enemies. Save your Caps for endgame mods, not standard ones.

12. Enclave Plasma Rifle
This underrated weapon becomes a monster with the Flamer Barrel mod. Run White Springs events and loot Enclave bots for upgrades. If you can’t get the mod, trading communities or shops like U4GM are often the place to buy Fallout 76 items cheap—no need to overpay.

13. Railway Rifle
The signature choo-choo weapon. Maximize it with a Long Barrel and Aligned Stock for great accuracy and range. It’s a solid option for VATS builds and worth investing into—but again, collect parts organically before considering trades.

14. Black Powder Rifle
Great for critical builds and role-playing. Mod it with a Short Scope for increased targeting ease. Craft ammo in small batches—black powder can be expensive in bulk. If you’re short on Caps, think ahead and only upgrade the ones you actively use.

Final Thoughts
Upgrading doesn’t have to mean going broke. With the right farming routes, events, and trading practices, you can fully kit out your favorite weapons for much less than expected. Be patient, know the value of your Caps, and if you're ever in a bind, sites like U4GM offer a way to buy Fallout 76 items cheap or find deals when you’re low on resources. Just make sure you're spending wisely—it’s the Wasteland, after all.