The Appalachians already understand what makes a Power Armor great: durability, agility, and utility. But what makes a Power Armor unbearable or unworthy? That’s the question some Fallout 76 players ask as they seek to identify the best options and determine what to avoid. With this in mind, the following list ranks the worst Power Armors in Fallout 76 based on appearance, functionality, cost, and, most importantly, stats.
The criteria for identifying the worst Power Armors are as follows:
- Look: If a Power Armor is outdated or its appearance is its only notable feature, it makes this list.
- Functionality: If a Power Armor lacks distinctive utility and is outperformed by other models, it deserves to be included.
- Cost: If a Power Armor has a high price tag or maintenance fee, it qualifies as one of the worst.
- Stats: If a Power Armor fails to protect the wearer effectively, it must be on this list.
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All Power Armor models in Fallout 76 offer a default 42% Damage and 90% Radiation Reduction, rendering them all formidable protective suits. The ranking presented in this list stems from minor drawbacks and exacting standards rather than any inherent deficiency in the armor models themselves.
Updated on August 17, 2024, by Mohsen Baqery: Fallout 76 keeps its fanbase engaged with regular updates that continuously enhance the experience for the Appalachians. However, the game has rarely expanded its roster of Power Armor models with each update, maintaining a relatively closed but rich lineup. That said, the Power Armors ranked on this list remain unchanged in this revision. However, the list has been updated to clarify the criteria and provide a better explanation of why each Power Armor deserves its spot.
5 Strangler Heart
Biggest Drawback: Price
- Max Damage Resistance: 453
- Max Energy Resistance: 393
- Max Radiation Resistance: 500
When comparing Power Armor based on resistance, Strangler Heart potentially sits at the peak. This ultra-rad-resistant PA possesses a unique ability to inflict Acid DMG on nearby foes while poisoning targets with each strike. Design-wise, Strangler Heart resembles an Ultracite Armor infused with the essence of Strangler Vine, a mutated plant born from the aftermath of the G.E.C.K. Meltdown.
Despite being one of the most resilient PAs in the Fallout 76 universe, Strangler Heart disappoints many survivors with its price tag. 6,900 Gold Bullions is an outrageous price for a Power Armor that some free alternatives can surpass.
While Strangler Heart shines in PvP encounters and is hailed for its exceptional radiation protection, its steep unlocking cost is a deterrent. Following the Wastelanders patch, obtaining Strangler Heart requires a hefty investment of 6,900 Gold Bullion. What's more, crafting plans for this PA demands legendary materials like Scrip, yet the initial armor lacks any Legendary Effects.
4 Ultracite
Biggest Drawback: Maintenance
- Max Damage Resistance: 453
- Max Energy Resistance: 393
- Max Radiation Resistance: 393
Upon discovering ultracite's effectiveness against the Scorched, the Brotherhood of Steel envisioned it as the primary material for a new Power Armor, aiming to create the first anti-Scorched protective suit for their military operations. This was an ambitious goal. However, despite significant efforts, particularly from Appalachian scientist Scribe Grant McNamara, the faction failed to produce a functional prototype.
Only a veteran Fallout 76 player with an excess of Ultracite can afford the maintenance of the Ultracite PA. While this Power Armor may be among the best in terms of stats, it consumes far too many of an ordinary player’s precious materials.
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Ultracite Power Armor deserves a spot here not due to its weakness or insignificance, but because of its exorbitant maintenance costs. Repairing this armor necessitates up to 50 units of Ultracite, a rare material challenging to acquire. Had the Brotherhood of Steel managed to develop this PA using more readily available material, Ultracite could have easily dominated any tier list, given its efficacy against the Scorched and high radiation resistance.
3 T-51b
Biggest Drawback: Outdatedness
- Max Damage Resistance: 454
- Max Energy Resistance: 454
- Max Radiation Resistance: 305
The T-51b holds a legacy dating back to its initial design as the Powered Infantry Armor Model T-51, utilized during the United States-China conflict in 2066. Post-apocalypse, the US Government employed this Power Armor against human adversaries, achieving notable success. Not only did it contribute to victory in the Battle of Anchorage, but it also played a pivotal role in engagements against the People's Liberation Army.
The T-Series is a staple of the Power Armor industry. However, its youngest member, the T-51b, falls short of expectations as it provides minimal radiation protection and is less appealing compared to other options in the series due to its unimpressive stats.
However, one might wonder why an all-around Power Armor with dependable stats would find its place among the worst. The answer lies in its capabilities. The T-51b boasts the lowest Radiation Resistance, rendering it less reliable in the heavily irradiated landscapes of Appalachia. When the US Government invested in the T-51, the Great War had not yet erupted, and Appalachia had yet to become a toxic, irradiated terrain. Hence, the T-51b's vulnerability to radiation—an aspect rooted in lore, yet also deemed unforgivable in practical terms.
2 T-45
Biggest Drawback: Weakness
- Max Damage Resistance: 360
- Max Energy Resistance: 360
- Max Radiation Resistance: 360
The T-45, the predecessor of the T-51, stands as a US-manufactured Power Armor pivotal in aiding the army during the Sino-American War. Designed to withstand basic ballistic assaults and equip operators with heavy-duty weaponry, it significantly strengthened frontline soldier endurance, effectively holding back the enemy. However, akin to the T-51, the T-45's design and production predate the Great War, resulting in its lack of certain essential features for the post-radiation world.
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The T-45 is simply dull. It looks ordinary, offers minimal protection, and is weaker than even the most basic Power Armors found in Appalachia.
Offering comprehensive protection against all primary damage types, the T-45 could be deemed a practical choice for novice PA users. However, given the abundance of affordable options early in the game, it often pales in comparison. For instance, the Raider Power Armor emerges as a superior choice for beginner Fallout 76 players, being easier to obtain and offering more perks.
1 T-60
Biggest Drawback: Mediocrity
- Max Damage Resistance: 400
- Max Energy Resistance: 370
- Max Radiation Resistance: 415
The T-60 garners little excitement. While it does boast a visually appealing appearance in Prime Video's adaptation, that's where its allure ends. According to Fallout lore, this model was manufactured mere months before the Great War. Initially utilized by the US Army to maintain order in the early stages of the apocalypse, it proved effective against human adversaries. However, its performance against mutants and other threats falls short.
The issue with the T-60 is that it has no advantage over its younger sibling, the T-65. It's the Power Armor one might choose only if there are no better options, as it lacks any exclusive features to entice the wearer.
Regrettably, the T-60 ranks as the worst Power Armor in Fallout 76, largely due to being overshadowed by older models. It ranks as the second-weakest in Energy Protection and falls behind both X-01 and T-65 in terms of Radiation Protection. To compound matters, its ballistic protection is inferior to that of the T-51.
Fallout 76
- Released
- November 14, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Engine
- Creation
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- no
- Cross Save
- no
- Franchise
- Fallout
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- How Long To Beat
- 34 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- File Size Xbox Series
- 97 GB (May 2024)
