The Commando build in Fallout 76 is renowned for its high damage output, making it one of the most formidable archetypes in the game. This build focuses on using automatic rifles to deliver rapid and precise attacks, often from stealthy positions. Here's a detailed guide on how to create and optimize a Commando build.
Core Perks and Cards
To build an effective Commando, you'll need to focus on several key perks and cards:
Bandolier: Essential for managing ammo weight, allowing you to carry more ammunition without encumbrance. Opt for Bandolier rank 2 to reduce ammo weight by 90%.
Commando, Expert Commando, Master Commando: These cards increase the damage output of automatic rifles by up to 60%. Maxing out all three is crucial for maximizing damage.
Tank Killer: Provides armor penetration, which is vital for dealing damage to heavily armored enemies.
Concentrated Fire: Useful if you plan to use V.A.T.S. (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System) for precise limb targeting.
Ground Pounder: Ideal for builds that focus on rapid firing without V.A.T.S..
Gunsmith: Helps maintain your rifles by reducing wear and tear, though not essential if you have optimized armor.
Action Boy/Girl: Increases Action Points (AP), which are crucial for movement and combat actions. Consider dropping this if your armor has the "Increased AP Refresh" legendary effect.
Follow Through: Highly recommended if you use stealth tactics, as it allows you to move quickly after attacking.
To optimize your Commando build in Fallout 76, it's also important to focus on acquiring and managing essential Fallout 76 items. These include high-quality automatic rifles, lightweight and durable armor, and critical consumables like stimpaks and purified water. Efficiently utilizing Fallout 76 items such as Bandolier (for reduced ammo weight) can significantly enhance your build's overall effectiveness and survivability. Additionally, ensure you have access to repair kits and armor maintenance tools to keep your gear in top condition, allowing you to seamlessly transition between stealthy ambushes and intense combat scenarios.
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Attributes
When allocating points to your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes, consider the following distribution for a balanced Commando build:
Strength: Low to moderate, as you won't be relying on melee attacks.
Perception: High, to enhance V.A.T.S. accuracy and effectiveness.
Endurance: Moderate, to ensure decent health without sacrificing other attributes.
Charisma: Low, unless you plan to use certain social perks.
Intelligence: Moderate to high, depending on your need for crafting and hacking.
Agility: High, to improve movement speed and AP regeneration.
Luck: Moderate, as it affects critical hit chances and other luck-based perks.
Stealth and V.A.T.S.
Stealth is a key component of many Commando builds, allowing you to set up ambushes and deal critical hits before enemies can react. V.A.T.S. is particularly effective with high Perception and the right perks, enabling you to target specific body parts for maximum damage.
Bloodied and Full Health Builds
Bloodied Builds: These builds focus on dealing massive damage while maintaining low health, relying on stealth and quick kills to avoid taking damage. They often incorporate mutations and specific perks to mitigate health risks.
Full Health Builds: These builds prioritize survivability, ensuring you can withstand more damage while still delivering high damage output. They often require more points in Endurance and may use different perk combinations.
Power Armor
While Power Armor can be used with any build, it's not typically recommended for Commandos due to the emphasis on agility and stealth. However, it can be useful in specific situations like Daily Ops or against tough enemies.
The Commando build in Fallout 76 offers a versatile and powerful playstyle, excelling in both stealth and open combat scenarios. By focusing on automatic rifles and optimizing your perks and S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes, you can create a formidable character capable of taking down even the toughest foes in the wasteland.