Fallout 76: 19 Things to Do Before Level 20 to Save Time Later
Getting off to a strong start in Fallout 76 makes a huge difference. The early game can feel overwhelming, especially with the constant stream of quests, events, and exploration opportunities. But if you focus on the right things before hitting level 20, you’ll avoid a ton of headaches later. Here are 19 smart moves that seasoned players swear by to streamline progression and maximize your impact in Appalachia.
1. Complete the Overseer’s Questline
Following the Overseer’s journey teaches you how to use key systems like C.A.M.P. building and crafting. It’s also a solid introduction to the lore and gives you XP and loot worth chasing early.
2. Learn Where to Farm Adhesive
Adhesive is a constant crafting bottleneck. Collect vegetables and boil them with purified water to make Vegetable Starch, or farm duct tape from toolboxes. Trust me, future you will thank you.
3. Use Events to Power Level
Dynamic events like “Guided Meditation” and “Tea Time” give generous XP and loot. Jump into these whenever they pop up to make fast progress without grinding.
4. Pick Up Every Bobblehead and Magazine
Even if the bonuses are temporary, they stack and help early combat and crafting. Plus, these items are light and sell well to vendors.
5. Join a Public Team for Perks
Public Teams grant passive bonuses like +XP or +Intelligence. Always hop into one while exploring or farming to squeeze more value out of your time.
6. Scrap Everything, Don’t Sell It
Scrapping gear teaches you mods, which are essential later. Selling might give you Caps now, but unlocking mods makes your weapons and armor far more efficient down the road.
7. Use the Free Fast-Travel Points
The Train Stations, Vault 76, and your own C.A.M.P. offer free fast travel. Get familiar with them early to cut down on unnecessary Cap spending.
8. Craft a Reliable Early Weapon
Instead of relying on random drops, craft a weapon you can mod and maintain. A simple Pipe Rifle with a suppressor and long barrel can carry you for hours.
9. Build a Compact, Defensible C.A.M.P.
Don’t go big just yet. A small, well-defended base with crafting stations and turrets saves time and reduces stress during surprise attacks.
10. Learn Vendor Routes and Inventories
Vendors refresh their stock every 20 hours. If you find one selling ammo or plans you need, mark the location and come back. This also helps when you want to buy Fallout 76 Caps online by exchanging goods efficiently.
11. Start Saving Legendary Modules
Even if you’re not crafting legendary gear yet, these modules are a future must-have. Stockpile them early by completing Daily Ops or claiming Treasury Notes.
12. Farm Daily Challenges
Challenges award Atoms and can often be completed passively while doing other things. Don’t ignore them—they’re your path to unlocking cosmetics without spending real money.
13. Specialize Your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Early
Decide if you want to go melee, stealth, heavy guns, or crafting early on. Respecs cost more effort later, so avoid spreading points too thin before level 20.
14. Use Perk Card Packs Wisely
Open card packs on characters that need variety, but try to focus perk choices that align with your build. Cards like “Pharma Farma” and “Traveling Pharmacy” are quality-of-life staples early on.
15. Collect Plans from Everywhere
Whether it’s a random terminal, a corpse, or a container—check for plans. These let you craft more items and reduce dependence on other players when you want to buy Fallout 76 items cheap.
16. Learn to Use Workbenches for Repairs
Workbench repair costs fewer resources than direct repair. Use them when possible to keep gear fresh without draining your stash.
17. Claim a Public Workshop and Defend It
Workshops provide resources like aluminum, lead, and even fusion cores. Defending them teaches good PvE habits and nets you materials vital to your journey.
18. Join the Enclave Early
The Enclave questline opens up key gear and vendors. You can start the “Bunker Buster” quest around level 10 and it’s well worth the early effort.
19. Get Comfortable Trading with Players
Even if you're not buying or selling yet, understanding prices and what other players value helps down the line—especially when you're ready to buy Fallout 76 Caps online or unload high-demand items for profit.
Before level 20, your actions have a long tail. From choosing the right perks to learning where to get adhesive or how to maximize events, these steps save hours later. Treat the early game as your foundation, and you’ll avoid frustration when the tougher parts of Appalachia start showing their teeth.
Happy hunting out there.
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