Fallout 4: 8 Best Melee Weapons - Ranked

In the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 4, melee combat offers an up-close and personal approach to dealing with the dangers of the wasteland. While ranged weapons may seem more practical, a well-crafted melee weapon can be an absolute game-changer. From the classic to the unconventional, Fallout 4 boasts a diverse array of melee weapons, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we'll rank the 8 best melee weapons in Fallout 4, providing insight into their capabilities and how they can help you survive.

#8 Grognak's Axe

• Damage: 40
• Speed: Medium
• Weight: 10
• Value: 100
• Special Effect: Stagger and bleeding damage.

Kicking off our list is Grognak's Axe, a weapon that pays homage to the iconic Grognak the Barbarian comics.

With its ability to disarm opponents and its relatively low strength requirement, this axe is perfect for those who favor a stealthy, VATS-based playstyle. Its early-game availability also makes it a valuable addition to any melee build.

#7 Shishkebab

• Damage: 20
• Speed: Medium
• Weight: 3
• Value: 200
• Special Effect: Additional fire damage.

For those who prefer to bring the heat to their battles, the Shishkebab is a must-have.

This flaming sword not only deals impressive base damage but also inflicts additional fire damage with each strike, making it particularly effective against larger groups of enemies. Its unique design and fiery aesthetic only add to its appeal.

#6 Super Sledge

• Damage: 64
• Speed: Slow
• Weight: 20
• Value: 180
• Special Effect: Knockback.

No list of melee weapons would be complete without the iconic Super Sledge. This heavy-hitting weapon not only deals incredible damage but also has the added benefit of knocking back enemies, making it an excellent choice for crowd control.

Whether you're facing a horde of ghouls or just seeking a reliable and powerful melee option, the Super Sledge is a classic that never disappoints.

#5 The Harvester

• Damage: 4
• Speed: Very Fast
• Weight: 6
• Value: 50
• Special Effect: Chance to stagger on hit. 

If you prefer to overwhelm your opponents with a relentless barrage of attacks, the Harvester is the weapon for you.

This unique Ripper has a 50% chance to stagger enemies on each hit, allowing you to effectively incapacitate and tear through even the most formidable foes.

Its rapid attack rate and the ability to stack bleed damage make it a force to be reckoned with in close-quarters combat.

#4 Kremvh's Tooth

• Damage: 44
• Speed: Medium
• Weight: 2
• Value: 50
• Special Effect: Bleeding and poison damage over time.

For those seeking a versatile and adaptable melee weapon, Kremvh's Tooth is a solid choice. This unique machete inflicts both bleed and poison damage, making it effective against a wide range of enemies.

Additionally, its ability to be paired with various Legendary effects allows for customization, ensuring that you have the perfect tool for any situation.

#3 Atom's Judgement

• Damage: 40
• Speed: Slow
• Weight: 20
• Value: 900
• Special Effect: Plus 100 Radiation damage.

When it comes to sheer power and unique effects, Atom's Judgement stands out as a truly exceptional weapon. This Super Sledge variant deals an immense amount of radiation damage that bypasses enemy resistances, making it a formidable choice against even the most resilient foes.

Whether you're facing off against mutated canine or super mutants, Atom's Judgement is sure to leave a lasting impression.

#2 Throatslicer

• Damage: 35
• Speed: Fast
• Weight: 2
• Value: 440
• Legendary effect: Additional bleeding damage.

For those who prefer a more surgical approach, the Throatslicer is a must-have. This unique variant of the Disciples Blade inflicts a devastating bleed effect, making it incredibly effective for taking down even the toughest opponents.

With its fast swing speed and low AP cost, the Throatslicer is perfect for those who favor stealthy, precise strikes.

#1 Deathclaw Gauntlet

• Damage: 40
• Speed: Medium
• Weight: 10
• Value: 75
• Special Effect: Armor piercing - improved by taking the Iron Fist perk.

Closing out our list is the Deathclaw Gauntlet, a weapon that truly embodies the raw power of melee combat.

With its armor-piercing capabilities and the potential to further enhance its damage through the Iron Fist perk, this gauntlet is a force to be reckoned with. Whether you're facing heavily armored foes or just seeking to unleash pure devastation, the Deathclaw Gauntlet is an excellent choice.

Summary

Having the right melee weapon in Fallout 4 can mean the difference between survival and succumbing to the dangers that lurk around every corner.

Whether you prefer the stealthy strikes of Grognak's Axe, the fiery fury of the Shishkebab, or the brutal power of the Deathclaw Gauntlet, these melee weapons will undoubtedly give you the edge you need to dominate the wasteland.