In Fallout 76, building around melee perks can turn your character into a devastating force of nature—crushing enemies up close, silently assassinating threats, or simply tearing through the Wasteland with style. While perk cards like Gladiator, Martial Artist, Incisor, and Blocker provide powerful bonuses, the effectiveness of your build also depends heavily on the weapon you choose.

Some melee weapons offer unique effects, others benefit immensely from legendary prefixes, and a few just feel right in the hand of a close-combat survivor. If you're leaning into a melee-focused build and looking for gear that complements your perks, here are 15 weapons that work exceptionally well with them.

1. The All Rise
This unique super sledge comes with reduced weight and increased health benefits. It pairs beautifully with Martial Artist, which cuts swing speed penalties and makes this heavy hitter surprisingly fast.

2. Death Tambo
A fast-attacking unarmed weapon with strong synergy with Iron Fist and Incisor. It’s light, quick, and great for blitzing through lower-level enemies.

3. Shishkebab
Who doesn’t want a flaming sword? This weapon benefits from Gladiator and Fireproof. The added fire damage adds punch, especially against weaker foes.

4. Super Sledge
With the right legendary effects like Power Attack Damage or Faster Swing Speed, this weapon becomes a powerhouse. Combine it with Blocker and Incisor to stay durable while delivering crushing blows.

5. Grognak’s Axe
A fan favorite, Grognak’s Axe has an innate bonus to VATS and increased AP regeneration. Paired with action point perks like Action Boy and melee-centric ones, it’s a solid, stylish choice.

6. Power Fist
A staple in many unarmed builds. It has excellent base damage and shines when modded for speed. Iron Fist and Incisor push it into top-tier territory.

7. Sickle
A surprise pick that benefits from Gladiator perks. With the right mods, this underdog weapon can become a reliable choice for sneak builds.

8. Bone Club
Slow but hits hard. Best used with Heavy Hitter and Martial Artist. Its lower popularity makes it easy to find among cheap Fallout 76 items in player vending machines.

9. War Glaive
This versatile weapon has several mod options (like Cryo or Plasma) and is a favorite among high-level melee users. It’s excellent for builds mixing elemental damage with perk-based bonuses.

10. Baseball Bat
Simple, effective, and mod-friendly. The Baseball Bat can be deadly with the right setup and is often available among cheap Fallout 76 caps traders, making it an easy pick for budget-focused players.

11. Combat Knife
Ideal for stealth builds. Sneak, Ninja, and Mister Sandman all boost this weapon’s already-fast attack rate. Add Incisor to ensure enemies don’t get a second chance.

12. Sledgehammer
A classic heavy weapon that synergizes well with perk cards like Expert Slugger and Pain Train. It's not flashy, but its raw damage output is dependable.

13. Mole Miner Gauntlet
This unique unarmed weapon has solid damage and a cool aesthetic. It benefits from the same perks as Power Fist and can surprise many players with its efficiency.

14. Chainsaw (modded)
With recent updates allowing mods, the Chainsaw now tears through enemies when combined with perks like Martial Artist and Stabilized (if using PA). It’s a beast in PvE content.

15. Sword of Bastet
This weapon has symbolic flair and practical use. When boosted with Gladiator and Incisor, it serves well as a fast, reliable melee option.

Final Thoughts

Melee builds in Fallout 76 offer a unique playstyle that’s both engaging and effective—especially with the right weapons. Whether you’re smashing through hordes with a Super Sledge or slicing silently with a Combat Knife, there’s a weapon to match your perks and preferences.

If you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your loadout, browsing for cheap Fallout 76 items or cheap Fallout 76 caps in player markets or trading communities can help you experiment without breaking the bank. Just remember: the Wasteland favors the prepared—and a well-perked melee build is a terrifying sight.