Junk is the lifeblood of survival in Fallout 76, whether you're crafting weapons, repairing armor, or building your C.A.M.P. However, managing it efficiently can be a challenge, especially when stash space is limited. Here are 20 practical tips to help you master junk management and keep your inventory clutter-free.
1. Prioritize High-Value Scrap
Not all junk is equal. Focus on collecting materials like screws, gears, ballistic fiber, and aluminum—these are essential for high-tier crafting and repairs.
2. Break Down Junk Before Storing
Always scrap junk at a workbench before stashing it. Bulky items like typewriters or fans take up more space than their components.
3. Use the Scrapper Perk
The Scrapper perk (INT 3) yields more materials when breaking down weapons and armor, making it a must-have for efficient resource gathering.
4. Tag Materials for Search
Open your Pip-Boy, go to the junk tab, and tag materials you frequently need. This highlights them in the world, so you never miss important loot.
5. Store Bulk Junk to Save Space
Some materials (like plastic, wood, and steel) can be bulked at a Tinker’s Workbench, reducing stash weight. However, avoid bulking everything—some items weigh more when bulked.
6. Sell Excess Junk for Cheap Fallout 76 Caps
If you’re swimming in common materials like steel or wood, bulk and sell them to vendor bots for extra caps. This is a great way to earn cheap Fallout 76 caps without grinding events.
7. Invest in Fallout 1st for Unlimited Scrap Storage
If you play regularly, Fallout 1st provides a scrapbox with unlimited junk storage, a game-changer for hoarders.
8. Loot Smart in High-Yield Areas
Locations like the Charleston Herald (screws, springs) and Sugar Grove (circuitry, aluminum) are goldmines for rare scrap.
9. Use Workshops for Passive Farming
Claiming workshops like Hemlock Holes (acid) or Grafton Steel Yard (steel) lets you harvest resources automatically—just be ready to defend them.
10. Drop or Sell Low-Value Junk
Items like burnt books or broken lamps offer little value. Ditch them to save space.
11. Keep an Eye on Weight-to-Material Ratios
Some junk (like lead weights) gives more material per pound. Prioritize these when inventory space is tight.
12. Use Perks to Reduce Junk Weight
Pack Rat (STR 3) reduces junk weight by up to 75%, while Strong Back (STR 6) increases carry capacity.
13. Farm Plastic for Bulk Crafting
Plastic is needed for bulking junk. Hit locations like Morgantown High School (cafeteria) or Watoga High School for stacks of plastic plates and forks.
14. Trade for Cheap Fallout 76 Items
If you’re missing key materials, check player vendors. Many sell bulk junk at reasonable prices, offering cheap Fallout 76 items to fill your needs.
15. Don’t Hoard Common Materials
Steel and wood are everywhere. Only keep what you need for immediate projects.
16. Repair Weapons and Armor Judiciously
Instead of constantly repairing mid-tier gear, replace them with new drops to save adhesive and other repair materials.
17. Use the “New” Tab to Avoid Losing Junk
After scrapping, check the “New” tab in your stash to ensure nothing important was accidentally stored.
18. Collect Junk in Power Armor
If overencumbered, hop into Power Armor for extra carry weight while you fast-travel to unload.
19. Participate in Public Events
Many events reward bulk scrap. Radiation Rumble and Uranium Fever are great for lead, steel, and other essentials.
20. Regularly Purge Your Stash
Set a routine to clear out unused junk. A lean stash means less stress when looting new treasures.
By following these tips, you’ll spend less time managing inventory and more time enjoying the wasteland.