Are you looking to maximize the potential of your Auto Axe in Fallout 76? This devastating melee weapon, introduced with the Expeditions: The Pitt update, can become even more powerful with the right modifications. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about where to get Auto Axe mods in Fallout 76, along with expert tips on which mods are most effective and how to build your character around this formidable weapon.
Understanding the Auto Axe
The Auto Axe is an industrial saw repurposed as a deadly automatic melee weapon in Fallout 76. Originally featured in Fallout 3’s The Pitt DLC, this weapon made its way to Appalachia with the Expeditions: The Pitt update. With its three sectioned blades and high damage output, the Auto Axe has quickly become one of the most sought-after melee weapons in the game.
How to Obtain the Auto Axe
Before diving into mods, you might need to obtain the Auto Axe itself first. There are currently two main methods:
- Purchase from Giuseppe: The plan for the Auto Axe can be bought from Giuseppe Della Ripa in The Whitespring Refuge for 500 stamps. This price was reduced from its original cost of 1000 stamps.
- Atomic Shop: Occasionally, the Auto Axe plan is available in the Atomic Shop for 700 Atoms, which will unlock crafting of the weapon across all characters on your account.
Note that the Auto Axe was previously a reward at Rank 15 during Season 10 (The City of Steel).
Where to Get Auto Axe Mods Fallout 76
Primary Source: Giuseppe Della Ripa
The primary source for all Auto Axe mods in Fallout 76 is Giuseppe Della Ripa, the stamp vendor located in The Whitespring Refuge. You can find his shop, Giuseppe’s Curios, next to the Nuka-Cola vendor (Bubbles).
All Auto Axe mod plans cost 40 stamps each (reduced from their original price of 85 stamps in patch 1.7.1.21). These plans unlock the ability to craft the respective mod at a weapons workbench.
Secondary Source: Weekly Expedition Rewards
You can also obtain Auto Axe mod plans as weekly rewards for completing all optional objectives during Expeditions. The weekly reward timer resets every Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the same time that weekly challenges reset.
Important Note: Unlike some other weapons in Fallout 76, you cannot learn Auto Axe mods by scrapping the weapon. This is a common misconception among players.
Available Auto Axe Mods and Their Effects
There are four main modifications available for the Auto Axe in Fallout 76:
1. Electrified Mod
- Plan Name: Plan: Auto Axe Electrified Mod
- Cost: 40 stamps from Giuseppe
- Effects: +20% attack damage and +15 Electrical Damage
- Special Synergy: Benefits from Science perk cards that boost energy weapon damage
- Best For: Overall highest damage output
2. Burning Mod
- Plan Name: Plan: Auto Axe Burning Mod
- Cost: 40 stamps from Giuseppe
- Effects: Second-best damage output, adds fire damage
- Special Synergy: Can be used with the Friendly Fire perk to heal allies
- Best For: Support builds or players wanting to help teammates
3. Poisoned Mod
- Plan Name: Plan: Auto Axe Poisoned Mod
- Cost: 40 stamps from Giuseppe
- Effects: Adds poison damage over time
- Limitations: Less effective against robots
- Visual Effect: Creates a green cloud (which some players note can obstruct vision)
- Best For: Fighting organic enemies
4. Turbo Mod
- Plan Name: Plan: Auto Axe Turbo Mod
- Cost: 40 stamps from Giuseppe
- Important Note: Despite its description, many players report that this mod doesn’t actually increase the weapon’s speed, as the Auto Axe already operates at maximum speed
- Best For: Currently not recommended due to limited effectiveness
How to Farm Stamps for Auto Axe Mods
Since stamps are the primary currency needed to purchase Auto Axe mods, here’s how to efficiently farm them:
Expedition Participation
- Complete Expeditions to earn 1-20 stamps per run, depending on objectives completed
- First Expedition of the day with all optional objectives completed can award up to 10 stamps
- Participate in additional Expeditions for up to 8 more stamps
- The most efficient Expedition for farming stamps is “The Most Sensational Game” in Atlantic City, which can be completed in 6-7 minutes with practice
Expedition Leader Bonus
- Becoming an Expedition Leader grants additional stamps
- Leaders earn extra stamps for completing Refuge Daily Quests and charging the Vertibird’s battery
Scoreboard Rewards
- Fallout 76’s battle pass (Season or Scoreboard) occasionally rewards players with stamps
- Fallout 1st members typically receive more stamps through the Scoreboard
Best Legendary Effects for Your Auto Axe
To maximize your Auto Axe’s effectiveness, consider these legendary effects:
Primary Effects (1-star)
- Vampire’s: Most popular choice for general use; heals you with each hit, making you nearly immortal when attacking due to the Auto Axe’s rapid hit rate
- Bloodied: Excellent for low-health builds; significantly increases damage as your health decreases
- Anti-Armor: Ideal for boss fights; ignores 50% of enemy armor
Secondary Effects (2-star)
- 40% More Power Attack Damage: The clear winner for Auto Axe; since all Auto Axe attacks count as power attacks, this provides a constant 40% damage boost
Tertiary Effects (3-star)
- +1 Strength: Increases melee damage
- 90% Reduced Weight: Makes the weapon much lighter
- Breaks 50% Slower: Reduces repair frequency
Important Note: The “40% Faster Swing Speed” legendary effect does NOT work with the Auto Axe, as the weapon already swings at its maximum speed.
Best Perk Cards for Auto Axe Builds
Essential Strength Perks
- Slugger, Expert Slugger, and Master Slugger: Core perks that increase two-handed melee damage
- Incisor: Reduces enemy armor by up to 75%
- Martial Artist: Improves swing speed and reduces weapon weight
Science Perks (for Electrified Mod)
- Science Expert, Science, and Master Science: Boost damage when using the Electrified mod
Survivability Perks
- Blocker: Reduces damage from melee attacks
- Lifegiver: Increases maximum health
- Ironclad: Provides damage and energy resistance
Mutation Support
- Class Freak: Reduces negative mutation effects
- Starched Genes: Prevents mutations from being cured
Comparing Auto Axe Mod Effectiveness
| Mod Type | Damage Output | Special Properties | Best Against | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrified | Highest (+20%) | Works with Science perks | All enemies | Any build with Science perks |
| Burning | Second highest | Works with Friendly Fire | Most enemies | Support builds |
| Poisoned | Moderate | Poison damage over time | Organic enemies | Standard melee builds |
| Turbo | Lowest | Currently ineffective | Not recommended | Not recommended |
Building the Ultimate Auto Axe Character
S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Point Allocation
For an optimized Auto Axe build, focus on these attributes:
- Strength: 15 points (Primary focus)
- Perception: 3-4 points
- Endurance: 5-7 points
- Charisma: 3-4 points
- Intelligence: 5-7 points (more if using Electrified mod with Science perks)
- Agility: 6-8 points
- Luck: 5-7 points
Recommended Mutations
- Twisted Muscles: +25% melee damage
- Talons: Additional melee damage
- Adrenal Reaction: Increased damage at low health (for Bloodied builds)
- Healing Factor: Health regeneration
- Carnivore: Double benefits from meat-based foods (useful for strength-boosting foods)
Play Style Tips
- Close the Gap: Use terrain and obstacles to approach enemies without taking excessive ranged damage
- Power Armor Consideration: While not mandatory, power armor can significantly improve survivability
- Food Buffs: Meats like Yao Guai Roast can substantially increase melee damage
- Chems: Fury and Psychobuff can provide temporary damage boosts
- VATS Usage: For the Auto Axe, VATS can sometimes be less effective than manual targeting
FAQ: Auto Axe Mods and Usage
Can I learn Auto Axe mods by scrapping the weapon?
No, unlike many other weapons in Fallout 76, Auto Axe mods cannot be learned by scrapping. They must be purchased as plans from Giuseppe using stamps or received as Expedition rewards.
Which Auto Axe mod is best for boss fights?
The Electrified mod combined with Science perks generally offers the highest damage output for boss encounters. Pair this with an Anti-Armor or Bloodied legendary effect for maximum effectiveness.
Is the Auto Axe worth the 500 stamp cost?
Yes, despite the high stamp cost, the Auto Axe is considered one of the most powerful melee weapons in the game. Its high damage output, especially when properly modded and equipped with suitable legendary effects, makes it extremely valuable.
How long does it take to farm enough stamps for the Auto Axe and its mods?
With focused play, you can earn enough stamps for the Auto Axe (500) within 1-2 play sessions of concentrated Expedition grinding. Each mod (40 stamps) requires approximately 4-5 Expeditions with all objectives completed.
Does the Auto Axe benefit from the Friendly Fire perk?
Only when equipped with the Burning mod. This combination allows you to heal allies, making it valuable for team play.
Conclusion
The Auto Axe is one of Fallout 76’s most devastating melee weapons, and with the right modifications, it becomes even more formidable. While obtaining the weapon and its mods requires a significant investment of stamps through Expeditions, the result is well worth the effort for melee-focused players.
Remember to visit Giuseppe Della Ripa at The Whitespring Refuge to purchase your Auto Axe mods, and consider the Electrified modification for maximum damage output in most situations. With proper legendary effects like Vampire’s or Bloodied combined with +40% Power Attack Damage, you’ll be slicing through Appalachia’s toughest enemies in no time.
Happy hunting in the wasteland!
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