In Fallout 76, caps are the main currency used by players to buy and sell items, services, and even real estate. If you’ve spent any time in the Wasteland, you’ve probably heard people talk about “caps” in almost every conversation. But what exactly is the value of Fallout 76 caps, and how can you make the most of them? In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Fallout 76 caps, including how they work, what they’re worth, and the best ways to earn and spend them.
What Are Fallout 76 Caps?
Caps are bottle caps that serve as money in the Fallout universe. In Fallout 76, they are used for trading with NPC vendors, fast traveling, and player-to-player trading. Unlike other in-game resources like Stimpaks or ammo, caps don’t take up space in your inventory and don’t have a weight limit. They are a universal currency that makes the entire game’s economy function smoothly.
How Do You Earn Caps in Fallout 76?
There are several ways to earn caps in the game, and the method you choose often depends on your playstyle:
- Selling Items to Vendors: Loot junk, weapons, armor, or aid items and sell them to NPC vendors. Each vendor has a daily cap limit, so keep this in mind.
- Completing Events and Quests: Many public events and main quests reward you with caps. These are great for new players trying to build a good starting bankroll.
- Treasury Notes and Gold Bullion Conversion: While not a direct source of caps, these high-level currencies can be used to get rare items, which you can then sell to other players for caps.
- Hunting Wanted Players: Killing players who have committed crimes in-game rewards you with a bounty and their caps.
- Caps Stashes: Small containers scattered across the map that contain a random number of caps. They’re often hidden, so keep your eyes open while exploring.
- Daily Challenges and Weekly Missions: Some of these give caps as rewards and can be a consistent source of income.
What Is the Real Value of Fallout 76 Caps?
Caps have different values depending on who you’re trading with:
- With NPC Vendors: Vendors sell most items at fixed prices. For example, a Stimpak might cost 100 caps, while a high-end weapon could be priced around 1,000–2,000 caps. The value of your caps is stable here but limited by the vendor’s daily budget.
- With Other Players: The value of caps becomes more fluid. Player-to-player trading is influenced by supply, demand, and negotiation. For instance, some rare items might cost tens of thousands of caps. Prices are also influenced by market trends, game updates, and event-related items.
- In Online Marketplaces: In the broader community outside the game, some players assign a real-world money value to Fallout 76 caps. While Bethesda discourages real-money trading, it still happens. Depending on the platform and seller, a few hundred thousand caps might sell for a couple of dollars.
Cap Limits and Storage
The maximum cap limit in Fallout 76 is 40,000 caps. If you reach this limit, you won’t be able to collect any more until you spend some. This makes it important to manage your money wisely. Players often store extra wealth in the form of rare items that can be sold later.
Tips for Managing Your Caps
- Don’t Waste Caps on Fast Travel: Fast traveling costs caps. Try walking to nearby locations or setting up camps strategically to avoid unnecessary spending.
- Buy Low, Sell High: Shop around before buying from vendors or other players. Some players offer better deals than NPCs.
- Invest in Blueprints and Plans: These can be expensive, but they add long-term value to your character and camp.
- Use Perks Wisely: Perk cards like “Travel Agent” can help reduce the cost of fast travel and make your caps go further.
- Trade Smart: Learn the current market value of items so you don’t overpay or undersell.
Fallout 76 caps are more than just numbers in your inventory — they are a vital part of your journey through Appalachia. Understanding their value, how to earn them efficiently, and how to spend them wisely can give you a big advantage in the game. Whether you’re a new player trying to make your first thousand caps or a seasoned trader looking for your next big deal, mastering the economy is a key part of the Fallout 76 experience. Keep looting, trading, and exploring — and watch your cap stash grow.