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If you’re just stepping into the irradiated wastelands of Fallout 76, it’s easy to make choices that bleed your caps dry before you even hit level 20. Caps are essential—not just for buying gear but for fast travel, crafting components, and trading. Here are 20 early-game strategies that will help you conserve those precious caps while still making solid progress through Appalachia.

1. Loot Everything, But Don’t Hoard JunkPick up valuable junk, especially screws, springs, and adhesive. But don’t grab everything—bulkier, low-value items will weigh you down and cost more to stash.

2. Sell to Player Vendors When PossibleNPC vendors have caps limits and poor prices. Players often pay more, especially for rare plans or weapons. It’s a great way to boost your stash early on.

3. Use the Free Fast Travel TrickFast travel to your camp or a teammate’s location is free. Use this instead of spending caps hopping around the map.

4. Don’t Repair Low-Level GearRepair kits and components cost more than the weapon is worth. Replace low-level gear with drops from enemies or events instead.

5. Focus on Daily Quests and EventsThey offer consistent caps, XP, and items. Events like "Fertile Soil" or "Guided Meditation" are manageable early on and pay well.

6. Scrap Weapons and Armor, Don’t Sell ThemScrapping unlocks mods, making future weapons more powerful without needing to buy or find plans.

7. Use the Tinker’s Bench EarlyCrafting your own ammo saves a fortune over buying it. Especially useful for energy weapons and shotguns, which burn through ammo fast.

8. Invest in Luck and Intelligence EarlyLuck perks like “Cap Collector” and Intelligence perks like “Scrapper” help you get more value out of looting and crafting.

9. Eat and Drink Before Paying VendorsVendors like Grahm might charge less depending on charisma boosts from well-fed or well-hydrated status effects.

10. Farm Purified Water for SalesA Water Purifier at your camp gives you a renewable source of purified water—great for healing and selling for caps.

11. Avoid Buying Ammo from VendorsInstead of wasting caps, craft ammo or trade with players. This is one of the easiest ways to burn through your savings unintentionally.

12. Use Charisma to Group UpCharisma increases group-based benefits and rewards. Plus, events are easier with teammates—less Stimpak and armor use means more cap savings.

13. Plan Perk Card Choices WiselyRespeccing costs resources later. Build around your playstyle early and stick to it, avoiding wasted perks and caps on respecs.

14. Stick to One Weapon Type Early OnUsing too many weapon types means investing in multiple perks and crafting materials. Stick with one until you can afford to diversify.

15. Repair High-Durability Items OnlyDon’t waste materials or repair kits on gear that will break in a few fights. Always check condition before spending.

16. Store Legendary Items You’re Not UsingInstead of selling them for a few caps, stash them. You’ll eventually get legendary scrips to trade for better gear.

17. Check Vendors for Cheap PlansSome vendors sell plans cheaper than others. Always compare prices before buying plans or recipes—especially if you're trying to buy Fallout 76 items cheap without breaking the bank.

18. Complete Challenges and Atom Shop ObjectivesThese reward Atoms, which can be used to unlock useful tools and cosmetics—freeing your caps for more practical uses.

19. Repair Armor at 50% Durability or LessRepairing at higher percentages wastes resources. Wait until it's visibly wearing down unless you’re heading into a fight.

20. Trade with Other Players for Specific NeedsInstead of buying overpriced supplies, trade with players directly. Some players looking to buy Fallout 76 caps Xbox One might even offer fair trades to reduce their own stash burden.

These strategies are all about playing smart from the beginning. Caps are tight in the early game, but with a little planning and a lot of caution, you’ll be well on your way to thriving in Appalachia—without constantly worrying about your wallet.