Fallout 4 offers an extensive range of weapons catering to different play styles, including everything from stealthy pistols to powerful miniguns. While firearms and energy weapons typically dominate the inventory, there are some remarkable melee weapons for players to discover while exploring the Commonwealth. Uncovering these unique weapons, particularly those that are harder to find, can elevate your gameplay experience significantly.
For players who lean towards melee combat, choosing the right build and perks can turn this niche playstyle into a rewarding venture. The game showcases an impressive selection of melee options, including swords, machetes, baseball bats, and even sledgehammers. Below, we delve into some of the best melee weapons you should keep an eye out for in your next playthrough.
10
2076 World Series Baseball Bat
Baseball Bat Looted From Jamaica Plains
Given that one of the key settlements in Fallout 4 is based in Boston’s Fenway Park, it’s no surprise that you can find a variety of baseball bats scattered throughout the Commonwealth. For something truly remarkable, head over to Jamaica Plains to acquire the 2076 World Series Baseball Bat. This bat is obtained by completing the side quest “Find the Treasure of Jamaica Plains,” rather than through a standard quest reward.
|
Base Damage |
16 |
|---|---|
|
Speed |
Slow |
|
Action Point Cost |
35 |
|
Effect |
6% chance to send targets flying |
Upon arriving in Jamaica Plains, make your way into the town hall and descend into the basement. Be alert for traps, which can be neutralized with the Mayor’s ID found on a corpse in the nearby church. The basement is replete with pre-war items, including the coveted bat, which has the fantastic ability to send enemies flying, making it especially effective against large groups.
9
Cito’s Shiny Slugger
Baseball Bat Quest Reward From Cito In Nuka-World
Another excellent melee option is Cito’s Shiny Slugger, awarded to you after completing the “Grand Tour” quest in the Safari Adventure zone of Nuka-World. To receive this bat, both Cito and his family of ghouls must survive. This can be achieved by persuading them to leave or convincing Cito to ally with the raiders. Ensuring Cito and his family make it through is not only commendable but also awards you with one of the strongest blunt weapons in the game, boasting the highest damage output among them.
Cito’s Shiny Slugger features a spiked rocket modification that enhances its armor-piercing capabilities and grants a chance to cripple foes. This upgraded bat can deal an impressive 123 damage. A favorite aspect of Cito’s Shiny Slugger is the Relentless legendary effect, which replenishes your action points following a critical hit.
8
General Chao’s Revenge
Chinese Officer Sword Purchased From Trudy At Drumlin Diner
While exploring the Commonwealth, you may encounter a scenario just west of Starlight Drive-In involving a conflict outside a diner. By intervening, you can initiate the quest “Order Up,” which presents the opportunity to obtain an outstanding variant of the Chinese Officer Sword named General Chao’s Revenge. To secure this sword, you must keep Trudy, the diner’s proprietor, alive; you can do this by persuading her to settle her son’s debt or by eliminating her aggressor.
Purchasing General Chao’s Revenge from Trudy grants you a weapon enhanced with the Troubleshooter’s legendary effect, which inflicts an additional 50% damage to robotic foes, making it particularly useful during Automatron’s quests. It features a serrated blade that induces bleeding effects on enemies, yielding a base damage of 28 before bonuses or perks.
7
Grognak’s Axe
Two-Handed Axe Looted From Hubris Comics
Among the most iconic melee weapons in Fallout 4 is Grognak’s Axe, wielded by the beloved comic character of the same name. This impressive two-handed axe can be discovered locked in a display case at Hubris Comics, situated near Boston Common. Though unmodifiable, Grognak’s Axe boasts effects that justify the trek.
Additionally, players should not miss collecting the Grognak costume located on the top floor of Hubris Comics. Wearing this costume provides a +2 to Strength and boosts melee damage by 25%. The axe not only causes significant stagger with its strikes but also inflicts bleed damage, ensuring enemies suffer prolonged damage during encounters. Grognak’s Axe also has a hidden capability, utilizing fewer action points in V.A.T.S., enhancing its viability during combat.
6
Atom’s Judgement
Super Sledge Quest Reward From Grand Zealot Richter In Far Harbor
For those seeking a powerful weapon with remarkable aesthetics, look no further than Atom’s Judgement. To acquire this visually striking sledgehammer, journey to Far Harbor and align yourself with the Children of Atom cult, ultimately receiving the quest “The Heretic” from Grand Zealot Richter. Completing this quest results in receiving Atom’s Judgement, which is equipped with four damaged fusion cores embedded in the hammer’s head.
The weapon inflicts notable damage, boasting a base of 40, comparable to a standard Super Sledge. However, Atom’s Judgement distinguishes itself with a unique legendary effect, causing an additional 100 points of radiation damage, making it especially lethal against human targets.
5
Throatslicer
Knife Purchased From Katelyn Alden In Nuka-World
The risk-filled realm of Nuka-World calls for formidable weapons, especially notable since the DLC becomes accessible after reaching level 30. One of the standout melee options, Throatslicer, can be purchased early upon entering the park, sold by Katelyn Alden at the Nuka-Town Market. This unique knife, emblematic of the Disciples—Nuka-World’s most deranged faction—lives up to its menacing name.
|
Base Damage |
20 |
|---|---|
|
Speed |
Fast |
|
Effect |
Targets bleed for an additional 25 points of damage |
Throatslicer is an exceptionally swift weapon, ideal for executing sneak attacks against solitary enemies. With a decent base damage of 20 and the Wounding legendary effect, this knife ensures that even a slight cut delivers an extra 25 points of damage—an excellent return for a simple market visit.
4
The Harvester
Chainsaw Looted From Echo Lake Lumber In Far Harbor
Transitioning from speed to sheer brutality, The Harvester can be found while venturing through the Far Harbor DLC. This unique Ripper variant resembles a chainsaw and is incredibly swift in combat. You can obtain it by looting a red steamer trunk located on the top floor of the main building in the Echo Lake Lumber settlement.
True to its Ripper design, The Harvester delivers consecutive damage at short range, and its rapid attack speed renders it a devastating weapon. Its notable legendary effect allows you to stagger enemies, facilitating additional hits before they can counterattack. Many players prefer to pair The Harvester with the Blitz perk for extended melee range in V.A.T.S. or use Critical Banker against armored adversaries.
3
Pickman’s Blade
Combat Knife Looted From Safe In Pickman Gallery
Similar to Grognak’s Axe, Pickman’s Blade is also a fan favorite within the Fallout 4 universe. This agile knife can be found within the Pickman Gallery, specifically in a master-locked safe concealed behind the painting “Picnic for Stanley.” Players with sufficient skills can acquire the key from Pickman’s body, allowing access to the blade without the need for interaction with the serial killer.
Its legendary effects significantly enhance Pickman’s Blade’s appeal, as it features the Wounding effect, causing additional bleeding damage of 25 points with each strike. Enhanced mods deliver extra sneak attack damage, further setting this knife apart as the ideal choice for stealth-oriented characters.
2
Shishkebab
Flaming Sword Quest Reward From Abraham Finch
First introduced in Fallout 3, the Shishkebab has swiftly evolved into a franchise staple, also making appearances in Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 76. This flaming sword encompasses the makeshift ingenuity of wasteland weaponry, merging fuel with a rusted wakizashi blade. Striving for the Shishkebab requires defeating Slag, the leader of the Forged, at the Saugus Ironworks during the quest “Out of the Fire.”
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Base Damage |
13 + 13 Energy |
|---|---|
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Speed |
Medium |
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Action Point Cost |
35 |
A formidable battle awaits against Slag, especially in the confined surroundings, but the reward of obtaining the Shishkebab makes it worthwhile. This captivating weapon delivers both regular and energy damage and can ignite targets, dealing extra damage over time. With the added advantage that it requires no fuel, it’s a weapon you’ll want to keep nearby.
1
Kremvh’s Tooth
Machete Looted From Dunwich Borers
Finally, one of the most unique and visually striking melee weapons is Kremvh’s Tooth, a machete that can be discovered on an underwater altar at Dunwich Borers. This area immerses players in haunting pre-war visions of sacrificial rituals, possibly linked to the enigmatic being, Ug-Qualtoth, before leading you to a claustrophobic submerged section where you can retrieve the blade.
At around level 30, I highly recommend venturing to Dunwich Borers for Kremvh’s Tooth. With an impressive base damage of 28 and a medium attack speed, it stands out as one of my favorite weapons in Fallout 4. Its unique Sacrificial Blade mod increases damage while inflicting poison and bleeding on foes, contributing to the machete’s distinctive appearance.