In Fallout 76, survival often comes down to what you’ve got in your stash—and more importantly, what you’ve got in bulk. Whether you're repairing weapons, building camps, or crafting ammo, scrap plays a huge role in keeping your journey running smoothly. As any seasoned Wastelander knows, not all scrap is created equal. Here are 15 scrap types you should always be hoarding, especially if you don’t want to constantly run back to vendors or public workbenches.
This one’s obvious. From weapon repairs to armor mods, adhesive is everywhere. Bulk up on it by farming vegetables for vegetable starch, or keep an eye out for duct tape and wonderglue.
Essential for power armor and weapons, aluminum can disappear fast. Salvage items like TV trays, cake pans, and surgical trays whenever you see them.
Used in crafting, ammo production, and camp construction. Pick up utensils, cups, and coolers—they break down into plastic easily.
If you're into energy or ballistic weaponry, lead is your best friend. A popular trick is scrapping weights from gyms and picking up pencils.
The most common but most consumed material in the game. From bullets to buildings, steel is foundational. Even though it’s everywhere, don’t take it for granted.
Necessary for wiring, turrets, and power generators. Items like light bulbs, fuses, and hot plates contain copper. Farming copper veins at a camp spot also helps.
You’ll need oil for turrets, weapons, and flamers. Collect lanterns, oil cans, and cutting fluid to keep your stash filled.
Tiny but mighty, screws are a must for weapon and armor crafting. Desk fans, typewriters, and toy trucks usually yield several at once.
Closely tied with screws, springs are another essential component for crafting and maintaining your gear. Old cameras and clipboards are good sources.
Used in everything from power armor to defensive structures. Grab alarm clocks and fans to stay stocked up.
Needed for armor and camp defenses. Basketballs, tires, and even some kids' toys break down into rubber.
Crucial for breaking down other materials and making gunpowder. It’s often overlooked until you run out. Pick up Abraxo cleaner and batteries regularly.
Important for making camp furniture, customizing your gear, and even crafting stealth boys. Pick up pre-war money, pillows, and teddy bears when exploring.
While not as high-demand as some others, glass is still needed for light fixtures and camp items. Empty bottles and microscopes are your go-tos.
Vital for advanced electronics, traps, and turrets. Military circuit boards, sensor modules, and hot plates are worth grabbing when you see them.
If you're low on inventory space but still want to prepare for the long haul, set up a resource-rich CAMP near junk nodes and use collectors like the Excavator Power Armor or collectrons. Players who are actively crafting or selling gear—especially those looking for Fallout 76 items for sale PC—will need to keep these scrap types topped up to stay efficient and competitive.
And while you're at it, don’t waste your caps on overpriced junk. Spend wisely and keep some Cheap Fallout 76 Caps in reserve so you can buy rare components when needed without breaking your stash.
In the end, your efficiency in Fallout 76 often depends on how well-stocked you are. Scrap may not be flashy, but in the Wasteland, it’s as good as gold.