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If you're tired of draining your Caps stash every time you respec or experiment with a new loadout in Fallout 76, you're not alone. The truth is, you don't need to spend thousands of Caps to build something that’s both functional and fun. Whether you’re a casual player or someone rebuilding after a Wasteland wipe, here are 9 easy builds that cost under 2000 Caps and still pack a punch.

1. The Pipe Rifle Sharpshooter

The Pipe Rifle is easy to find and mod. With perks like Rifleman and Concentrated Fire, you can turn this scrap-tier weapon into a budget sniper. Pair it with a set of Leather Armor (modded for Pocketed or Lead Lined), and you're good to go.

Tip: Buy Fallout 76 items cheap to fine-tune this build early on.

2. Unarmed Brawler

Knuckles, Boxing Gloves, or even bare fists—combine them with Iron Fist and Martial Artist for fast, raw melee damage. Add some Raider Armor and go full Wasteland pit-fighter on a shoestring budget.

Cost Breakdown: Most unarmed weapons and armor pieces can be bought or crafted under 200 Caps each.

3. Budget Flamethrower Build

Pick up a Flamer from an event or trade group and slap on Fireproof and Pyromaniac perks. With a couple thousand Caps, you’ll be roasting Super Mutants without burning your wallet.

Pro Tip: U4GM is often considered the best site to buy Fallout 76 Caps if you're short on funds but want to jump into trading.

4. Bolstering Scout Sneak

Scout Armor is often cheaper than Combat Armor, and the Bolstering effect helps tank damage when you're low on health. Add Covert Operative and Sneak perks, then go silent with a Suppressed Pipe Pistol.

5. The Hunter’s Bow Build

Use a basic Bow or Compound Bow and stack perks like Archer and Bow Before Me. This build is especially effective during daily ops and events, and arrows are super cheap to craft.

Materials Note: If you're low on wood or adhesive, buy Fallout 76 items cheap from players to save time.

6. Mutant’s Budget Commando

Grab a low-roll Mutant’s 10mm SMG or Handmade and stack Commando perks. Add Glow Sight and Born Survivor. You don’t need god rolls to make this work—just smart perk choices and a few mods.

7. Junkie’s Melee Scrapper

Pick up a Junkie’s Shishkebab or Chainsaw and mix it with chem use perks like Chem Fiend and Nerd Rage. You’ll get a serious damage boost for less than 1500 Caps if you shop wisely in player vending machines.

8. Explosives Expert Budget Build

Stick to simple launchers like the Missile Launcher or Grenade Launcher. Use Demolition Expert, Grenadier, and Fire in the Hole for big bang effects. Ammo is heavy, but you’ll finish fights fast.

Ammo Tip: Buying explosives from vending machines is cheaper than crafting sometimes. Watch for sales or use U4GM to top off your Caps reserves.

9. Radiation Tank Build

Use cheap Power Armor frames with Radiation Resistance mods and stack Rad Resistant and Ghoulish. Perfect for Nuclear Zones and Radiation Rumble. Most Power Armor parts can be found in the wild or traded for minimal Caps.

Not every build needs to be a legendary-slaying masterpiece. With under 2000 Caps and some thoughtful perk allocation, you can still enjoy solid performance in both PvE and events. And when you’re strapped for gear or currency, it doesn’t hurt to buy Fallout 76 items cheap from trusted sources. If you're ever low on in-game cash, the best site to buy Fallout 76 Caps according to many traders is U4GM, thanks to its fair rates and fast service.

Caps management is a key part of the Wasteland life—spend smart, build smarter.