Caps are the main currency in Fallout 76, and whether you’re bartering with other players, purchasing gear from vendors, or fast traveling across Appalachia, you’re going to need a steady supply. In 2025, the ways to earn caps have evolved slightly with updates and shifting player economies, but the core strategies remain effective. This guide will walk you through the 10 best methods to earn caps in Fallout 76, focusing on proven techniques and insights drawn from hundreds of hours of gameplay.
1. Farm and Sell High-Value Junk
Scrap is everywhere in Fallout 76, but not all junk is created equal. Items like aluminum, lead, copper, and adhesive are always in demand. Collecting these, scrapping them, and selling to other players via your vending machine can result in steady profits. Vendors don’t buy junk directly, but players will gladly pay caps for useful materials.
2. Complete Public Events and Daily Ops
Public events like “Radiation Rumble” and “Eviction Notice” offer high caps rewards and valuable loot. These events are not only great for XP but also for farming rare items that can be sold to vendors or other players. Join Daily Ops for a reliable flow of legendaries and caps.
3. Use Your Vending Machine Strategically
Setting up a well-stocked vending machine at your C.A.M.P. is one of the most consistent methods of making caps. Sell plans, legendaries, serums, and surplus materials. Pricing competitively and naming your C.A.M.P. appropriately can increase player traffic and sales.
4. Hunt Legendary Creatures
Killing legendary enemies is a great way to farm desirable 1- to 3-star legendary gear, which you can then sell to other players or script at the Purveyor for new items. While vendors won’t buy legendaries, other players are often willing to trade caps for specific pieces they need.
5. Trade Ammo and Chems
Ammo, especially for popular weapons like .308, 5.56, and Ultracite fusion cores, sells well to players. Similarly, chems like Stimpaks, RadAway, and Buffout are always in demand. You can loot or craft these and list them in your vending machine for consistent cap income.
6. Cap Collector Perk and Cap Stashes
Equipping the Cap Collector perk and scavenging for cap stashes in known spawn locations can add up quickly. Areas like Whitespring Resort and Charleston Capitol Building contain multiple stash spots and safes that can yield significant caps daily.
7. Sell Plans and Recipes
Many players are on the hunt for plans and recipes to complete their collections. Event rewards, vendor rotations, and Daily Ops often drop rare plans. If you get duplicates, list them for sale. Some rare plans can fetch hundreds or even thousands of caps from collectors.
8. Claim and Defend Workshops
Workshops produce valuable resources and allow you to place resource extractors. Defending them against enemies and other players adds action and income to your playstyle. Selling the resulting materials or crafting items with them for your vending machine is highly profitable.
9. Flip Items from NPC Vendors
Certain vendors sell rare plans, chems, and items at low prices. You can buy these and resell them to players at a higher price. Keeping track of vendor rotations and limits is key to maximizing this method.
10. Consider Fallout 76 Caps for Sale (Safely)
While earning caps through gameplay is the most reliable and legitimate way, some players do consider purchasing caps to save time. If you explore Fallout 76 caps for sale, make sure to do so safely and from reputable sources. Always follow Bethesda’s terms of service to avoid account issues or bans.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a veteran vault dweller or a fresh-faced settler, mastering the art of making caps is essential for survival and success in Fallout 76. With these 10 methods, you can build a steady cap income, dominate the in-game economy, and enjoy everything Appalachia has to offer. Keep your vending machines stocked, your C.A.M.P. secure, and your eyes open for the next opportunity to earn.