Top Reverse Onslaught Builds for Fallout 76

Understanding Reverse Onslaught in Fallout 76

In Fallout 76, the Onslaught mechanic is a popular way for players to boost their damage output. Normally, you gain Onslaught stacks by hitting enemies, which increases your damage. However, the Reverse Onslaught build flips this mechanic on its head. Instead of gaining stacks when you hit enemies, you gain them passively over time and spend them when you attack.

This unique approach allows for creative builds that focus on maintaining Onslaught stacks without relying on constant combat. To start a Reverse Onslaught build, one of the key perks is the Gunslinger Master under the Agility tree. This perk reverses the Onslaught mechanics, giving you an Onslaught stack every second while losing one each time you hit an enemy. It also increases the maximum Onslaught stacks for ranged weapons by 10.

Players using this build often opt for slower-firing weapons such as revolvers, shotguns, rifles, or any semi-automatic guns. This setup is especially effective for stealth or sniper builds, where precision and control are crucial. While Gunslinger Master is still useful for melee builds, it doesn’t provide bonus stacks in that context. Fortunately, there are other options available for players who prefer close-range combat.

Reverse Onslaught Build Template

Here’s a basic SPECIAL and Perk build template for those looking to experiment with a Reverse Onslaught setup. This includes the minimum perks needed to maximize damage using this mechanic:

• SPECIAL Points: Focus on Agility and Perception to enhance weapon accuracy and Onslaught management.
• Perks: Include Gunslinger Master to reverse the Onslaught mechanic, and pair it with other damage-increasing perks.

This setup boosts your maximum Onslaught stacks and adds more sources of bonus damage. It works well with both regular aim and VATS playstyles, provided you equip complementary perks.

For a more advanced gun-focused build, consider increasing either Perception or Agility to 15. You can respec your SPECIAL points at a Punch Card Machine and rearrange your perk cards at any time.

High-Level Reverse Onslaught Build (VATS)

The damage portion of this build remains the same as the baseline setup, but it's optimized for VATS play. This includes better critical hits and AP regeneration. Some perks, like those under the Endurance tree, could be further optimized, but they should suffice for general exploration across the wasteland.

Best Weapons for Reverse Onslaught Builds

A legendary weapon with the Furious perk is essential for any Onslaught build. It enhances your Onslaught stacks and increases your maximum stacks even further. Other beneficial legendary effects include:

• Explosive (2-star): Bullets explode for 20% weapon damage.
• Vital (2-star): +50% crit damage.
• Swift (3-star): +15% reload speed.
• Bully's (4-star): +25% damage for every crippled limb your target has.

When choosing actual weapons, go for ones that fire slowly. Fully-automatic weapons will drain your Onslaught stacks quickly, so you want a weapon that fires at least as slowly as the rate at which you gain stacks. Good options include:

• Western Revolver
• Hunting Rifle
• Plasma Rifle
• Black Powder Rifle
• Crusader Pistol
• Bow
• Lever Action Rifle
• Gauss Pistol
• Gauss Rifle

Best Armor for Reverse Onslaught Builds

Armor selection is crucial for survival in the harsh world of Fallout 76. The Secret Service Armor is highly recommended for most content due to its versatility and strong legendary crafting potential. You can obtain it by completing the Wastelanders questline and buying plans from Regs at Vault 79.

Some top legendary armor effects include:

• Mutant's (1-star): +10 Damage Resistance and Energy Resistance while mutated.
• Weightless (1-star): -90% armor weight.
• Powered (2-star): Increased AP regeneration.
• Sentinel's (3-star): Take reduced damage while standing still.

Best Mutations for Reverse Onslaught Builds

Mutations can greatly enhance your gameplay. They can be obtained by exposing yourself to radiation or using specific consumable items. For this build, consider the following mutations:

• Marsupial: Gain bonus carry weight and increased jump height at the cost of INT.
• Eagle Eyes: Gain bonus crit damage and PER at the cost of STR.
• Adrenal Reaction: Gain DMG per kill while on a kill streak.
• Healing Factor: Gain massively increased health regeneration at the cost of reduced chem duration.

Best Legendary Perks for Reverse Onslaught Builds

To maximize your performance, choose Legendary SPECIAL perks that boost your stats. Focusing on Endurance is ideal for adding more survivability perks. For quality-of-life improvements, consider:

• Electric Absorption: Great for Power Armor users, as it gives a chance to recover Fusion Cell energy after taking damage.
• Follow Through: Increases damage enemies take briefly after being hit by Sneak attacks.
• Master Infiltrator: Automatically picks locks and hacks terminals.
• Taking One for the Team: Makes enemies take more damage if they attack you while in a team.