Public events in Fallout 76 are where chaos meets strategy. Whether you're fending off waves of enemies in "Radiation Rumble" or protecting a Brahmin in "Feed the People," having the right weapon can make all the difference between an easy victory and a frustrating loss. Over the years, players have experimented with dozens of builds and gear combos, but some weapons stand out consistently. Here are 14 weapons that truly shine during public events—and why they deserve a spot in your loadout.

1. Gatling Plasma
A powerhouse for crowd control, the Gatling Plasma is especially effective in events like "Eviction Notice" where Super Mutants come in waves. With the right perks and mods, it melts enemies while keeping your ammo usage efficient.

2. Explosive Legendary Shotgun
Nothing clears out ghouls faster in "Radiation Rumble" than a combat shotgun with the explosive legendary effect. Pair it with Scattershot and Enforcer for added punch.

3. Tesla Rifle
The Tesla Rifle is practically made for public events. Its chain lightning can tag multiple enemies at once, perfect for tagging foes quickly in large-scale events where loot eligibility depends on getting some hits in.

4. Fixer (Silenced, Bloodied Build)
Ideal for stealth builds, the Fixer offers high damage with reduced detection. It’s particularly useful during events where staying out of harm's way is vital, like "Guided Meditation."

5. Gauss Minigun
Great for heavy weapons builds, the Gauss Minigun combines high damage with area suppression. Charge it up and watch groups of enemies disintegrate, especially useful in "A Colossal Problem."

6. Auto Grenade Launcher
While ammo can be expensive, this weapon excels in open-area events like "Line in the Sand." Just be careful with friendly fire—it can knock your teammates flat if you're not precise.

7. Railway Rifle
The Railway Rifle’s pinpoint accuracy and satisfying "choo-choo" sound make it a favorite among players. It’s especially useful for taking out tougher enemies in events like "One Violent Night."

8. Crusader Pistol
Compact but deadly, the Crusader Pistol is reliable for faster-paced events. It’s even more potent when paired with a VATS-heavy build, letting you land criticals with ease.

9. Plasma Caster
High single-shot damage makes this a solid choice for boss enemies that show up in events like "Encryptid." Aim for the head, and watch the health bar drop.

10. Vampire’s Weapon (Any Type)
The Vampire’s legendary effect works wonders in group events where healing is crucial. Whether it’s a Vampire’s Gatling Gun or Knife, you’ll stay alive longer even under pressure.

11. Quad Machine Gun
With quadruple the magazine size, this weapon is perfect for events with sustained waves of enemies. Less reloading means more shooting, and that matters when things get intense.

12. Bloodied Lever Action Rifle
For high-risk, high-reward builds, a Bloodied Lever Action Rifle can deal massive damage—especially when your health is low. Just don’t forget to keep an eye on those stimpaks.

13. Pepper Shaker
The Pepper Shaker is a hybrid energy-ballistic weapon that thrives in crowd-control scenarios. Perfect for "Project Paradise" or similar enemy-rich events.

14. Enclave Plasma Rifle
When modded for automatic fire, this weapon combines high energy damage with a manageable fire rate. It performs well against armored enemies and in tight areas where precision matters.

Pro Tips for Public Event Loadouts

While weapon choice is crucial, don’t forget about armor, perk cards, and team synergy. Public events are often where the best loot drops, so coming prepared is key. Many players also use these opportunities to trade and stock up. If you’re looking to enhance your gear or just want a head start, many survivors look to buy Fallout 76 items cheap or buy Fallout 76 bottle caps from reputable sources to save time.

Ultimately, the best weapon is the one that fits your build and playstyle. Test different combinations, mod your favorites, and adapt based on the event’s objectives. With these 14 weapons in your arsenal, you’ll be more than ready to take on anything Appalachia throws at you.