In Fallout 76, rifles remain among the most versatile and powerful weapon types, favored by players who enjoy long-range precision or semi-automatic efficiency. Whether you're looking to complete your collection, find rare variants, or break down rifles for crafting mods, knowing the right farming locations is essential. Based on community experience and player testing, we’ve compiled a reliable list of the top five locations to farm rifles effectively. We’ll also share practical tips and how to maximize your farming runs—especially if you're planning to trade or Fallout 76 buy items from vendors and other players.

1. West Tek Research Center

Located in the Savage Divide, West Tek is a hotspot for Super Mutants—one of the best enemy types for dropping rifles. Expect to find everything from Hunting Rifles to Assault Rifles. With enemies often respawning quickly, this location allows multiple runs per hour, especially if you server hop. Bring plenty of RadAway, as the radiation here can add up.

Tip: Equip the Pharma Farma perk to loot more chems and consider using Scrounger for extra ammo.

2. The Whitespring Resort

One of the game’s most iconic locations, the Whitespring Resort and its surrounding area are crawling with high-level Scorched and robots that frequently drop combat rifles and laser rifles. Explore the interior and exterior grounds to ensure maximum yield.

Tip: Use power armor to handle robot damage and avoid unnecessary durability loss to your gear.

3. National Isolated Radio Array

This area spawns numerous Scorched enemies armed with Hunting Rifles, Lever Action Rifles, and even rare variants. It’s a low-risk, high-reward farming location, making it ideal for mid-level players trying to build up their collection of Fallout 76 items.

Tip: Check the nearby Ranger District Office for additional spawns and a nearby stash box.

4. Watoga Shopping Plaza

An underrated spot for farming, the shopping plaza in Watoga often spawns both Scorched and robots equipped with energy rifles and automatic variants. This area is particularly good for players looking to find weapons to scrap for mods.

Tip: Combine this location with the Watoga Civic Center for an extended farming loop without needing fast travel.

5. Charleston Capitol Building

This massive, multi-level building is full of Scorched enemies carrying various rifles. Because the building has multiple interior sections, it’s possible to loot dozens of enemies without needing to leave the area. It’s also a great location for farming Legendary enemies.

Tip: Make sure to check the upper floors and basements—many players miss the rifle-carrying enemies hiding in offices and tunnels.

General Tips for Rifle Farming

• Use Perks Wisely: The Gunsmith and Scrapper perks will help you get more components and rare mods from breaking down rifles.

• Farm, Then Trade: Once you’ve collected a stash of rifles, use player vendors or online markets where players Fallout 76 buy items. Well-modded rifles can be sold for Caps or traded for rare gear.

• Server Hopping: After clearing one of these locations, hop servers to respawn enemy spawns for faster farming.

Whether you’re hunting rifles to use, sell, or scrap, efficient farming can give you an edge in the Appalachian wasteland. Combine these farming routes with smart trading habits and you'll always have valuable Fallout 76 items on hand—either for your personal loadout or to stock your vending machine.

What You Should Know: How to Trade Fallout 76 Items Safely