Best Perk Cards for Power Armor

A Power Armor perk card in Fallout 76 is a stat-enhancing utility item. The game features a roster of PA-exclusive cards intricately linked to the functions of these chassis, such as Full Charge, Pain Train, Fix It Good, Portable Power, Power Smith, Power Patcher, Power User, and Stabilized. Nevertheless, non-exclusive perk cards can also complement Power Armor sets, prompting the question: which Power Armor perk cards are the best? The following tier list and guide assist players in pinpointing the most potent perks tailored to various PA builds.

Updated May 14, 2024, by Mohsen Baqery: As the conflict in Appalachia rages on, an increasing number of players are rallying to the cause of restoring America to its former glory. For these fresh recruits, understanding how to harness the full potential of Power Armor, a cornerstone of exploration in Fallout 76, is crucial. With this in mind, we’ve revisited and expanded upon this guide. Read on to find a comprehensive tier list of Power Armor perk cards, and delve into which ones warrant the most dedicated effort to obtain.

Power Armor Perk Card Tier List

S-Tier perk cards for any Power Armor are Fireproof and Master Heavy Gunner. As for the Legendary perk cards, the most consistent one is Electric Absorption, which turns the enemies’ Electric attacks into Fusion Core charge.

Here’s a tier list of the ideal Power Armor perk cards:

• S-Tier: Maximum value per investment.
• A-Tier: Drastically improve specific stats.
• B-Tier: More of a quality-of-life upgrade.

S-Tier Cards for Power Armor

The best cards for Power Armor are Fireproof, Master Heavy Gunner, and Electric Absorption. Given that most Power Armor users prefer Tank builds, these three perks guarantee maximum endurance and HP. Other good perk combos for a PA include Bandolier, Stabilized, and Power Patcher.

Master Heavy Gunner

With the Master Heavy Gunner perk card, non-explosive heavy guns gain 20% more damage. This is crucial for Power Armor sets that rely on heavy weaponry. But players will need to combine the card with a maxed-out Heavy Gunner and Expert Heavy Gunner to achieve the full potential and inflict up to 60% damage.

Fireproof

Because enemies often take down Power Armor sets with explosives and flames, the Fireproof perk card becomes quite handy in the battle. This card gives 45% more resistance against explosives and flames, helping Power Armor users to survive heavy attacks.

Electric Absorption

As one of the best Legendary perks for Power Armor, Electric Absorption converts up to 20% of the enemy’s Energy Damage into Fusion Core charge. Although this perk is disabled in PvP modes, its recharging effect can be a game changer for exploration, as it significantly extends the Power Armor’s lifespan.

A-Tier Cards for Power Armor

In Fallout 76, A-tier Power Armor cards are specialized perks that enhance one crucial aspect of the machine’s functionality.

Bandolier

With the Bandolier perk, all ballistic ammunition weighs up to 90% less, allowing the Power Armor operator to carry much more ammo. Although ammo is not usually scarce for a Power Armor operator, this perk is still a quality-of-life upgrade that eliminates any worries about running out.

Bloody Mess

For those looking to destroy enemies with Power Armor, the Bloody Mess perk is a must. This perk gives the player up to 15% extra damage, and enemies they shoot have a chance to explode.

Power Patcher

This is one of the best perk cards for beginner players. With Power Patcher, players’ Power Armors break 60% slower and become cheaper to repair. Of course, those who have level 50 sets might not need this card, as their suits are already low-maintenance. But players with basic models such as T-51b would benefit from Power Patcher and save resources.

Stabilized

The Stabilized perk card makes heavy guns more accurate and ignores 45% of enemy armor. This is a good perk, because using VATS in a Power Armor drains the Fusion Core.

One Gun Army

As a tank, Power Armor users must be in the front line and exchange bullets with enemies directly. That’s why they need the One Gun Army perk card, which that gives heavy guns a 12% chance of staggering enemies and a 12% chance of crippling their limbs.

B-Tier Cards for Power Armor

B-tier Power Armor perk cards are utility items that improve the overall experience of using Power Armor. However, players can still create an effective Power Armor build without them.

Gunsmith

At the highest level, Gunsmith allows the player to craft Tier 5 guns. However, its primary effect is slowing weapon breakage by up to 50%. When the player equips the Gunsmith perk card, they don’t need to worry about their firearm breaking in the middle of battle, which is just as important as having unbreakable armor.

Action Boy/Girl

Power Armor depletes Action Points quickly. However, with the Action Boy/Girl perk card, the suit can regenerate AP 45% faster. This is especially beneficial for players who plan on using VATS.

Power User

Beginner players who struggle with farming Fusion Cores will need the Power User perk card. At max level, Power User decreases Fusion Core consumption by 50%, significantly extending the Power Armor’s lifespan.

Bear Arms

With the Bear Arms perk card, heavy guns weigh 90% less. The biggest downside of all Power Armor in Fallout 76 is extra weight and slowness. But the Bear Arms card helps reduce the weaponry’s weight and makes these suits slightly lighter.

Bullet Shield

With Bullet Shield, players earn +60 Damage Resistance while firing a heavy gun. It basically allows them to stand in front of the enemy and exchange fire without taking much damage.

Blocker

Since Power Armor is vulnerable to close-range melee attacks, the Blocker perk card is a must. It reduces the received melee damage by 45%, making the PA an indescribable battle tank.

The Best Build for Power Armor

A Full Health build works best for every Power Armor in Fallout 76. To replicate this setup, players will need to equip the three essential perk cards: Fireproof,Master Heavy Gunner, and Electric Absorption. Plus, they must modify the PA’s chassis with Internal Database, Emergency Protocols, Calibrated Shocks, and Optimized Braces.

As for the ideal weapon, this build goes well with all heavy-duty weaponry. However, the most effective gun for a Power Armor build is the Gatling Gun. Other reliable options are the .50 Cal Machine Gun, Minigun, and the Gatling Plasma.

Perk Cards to Avoid in a Power Armor

Fallout 76 has eleven perk cards that don’t work in a Power Armor. Equipping these cards while operating a PA is pointless, as their effects are not compatible:

• Barbarian
• Evasive
• Ironclad
• Serendipity
• Marathoner
• Sneak
• Junk Shield
• Luck Break
• Escape Artist
• Moving Target
• White Knight