In the world of Fallout 76, crafting and modding your gear often hinges on your ability to gather rare materials. One of the more elusive components is fiber optics, a necessary scrap for crafting high-tech mods, power armor upgrades, and energy weapon improvements. If you’re planning to optimize your build or tinker with energy gear, you’ll want a steady supply of this resource. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to find fiber optics in Fallout 76—and how to make the most of every piece.
What Is Fiber Optics Used For?
Fiber optics scrap is commonly used in crafting items such as:
- Energy weapon scopes and mods
- Power armor targeting HUDs
- Energy turrets for CAMP defense
- High-tech electronics and advanced mods
Without it, many of your energy-related upgrades will be locked behind junk runs and vendor searches. And as you experiment with new blueprints or tweak your build, you’ll quickly realize how valuable fiber optics really are.
Best Items to Scrap for Fiber Optics
Certain junk items yield fiber optics when broken down. Here are the top contenders:
- Flight Data Recorder
- High-Powered Magnet
- Military-Grade Circuit Board
- Sensor Module
- Television (some models only)
- Microscope
These items can be found scattered across the map, often in military, scientific, or industrial-themed locations. If you’re specifically farming for fiber optics, knowing where to find these items is crucial.
Top Locations to Farm Fiber Optics
Here are a few reliable spots for gathering fiber optics components:
1. National Radio Astronomy Research Center
Located in the Savage Divide, this facility is loaded with scientific equipment, consoles, and potential sensor modules. Don’t forget to check the buildings and scrap all electronic-looking junk.
2. West Tek Research Center
Expect resistance from Super Mutants here, but the rewards are worth it. Military-grade circuit boards and microscopes are common finds in the labs.
3. RobCo Research Center
This location is rich in high-tech loot. You can gather flight data recorders and sensor modules, and it often respawns valuable junk with fiber optics.
4. Watoga
Almost every part of this futuristic city offers tech junk. Look in offices, terminals, and maintenance rooms for parts.
Vendor Tip: Buying Junk for Fiber Optics
You can also buy junk items from vendors around Appalachia. Look for traders at Whitespring Resort, Watoga Shopping Plaza, or Foundation. While prices may vary, spending some Fallout 76 Caps on the right junk can be a great shortcut when you’re in a hurry.
If you’re running low on supplies, sometimes the best move is to Buy Fallout 76 Items from reliable sources, especially if you’re looking to save time and focus on exploring rather than grinding for materials.
Final Tips for Efficient Fiber Optics Farming
- Equip Scrapper Perk: In the Intelligence tree, this perk boosts the yield of uncommon components like fiber optics when scrapping.
- Server Hop: If a good location is picked clean, change servers and revisit it for a fresh loot spawn.
- Mark for Search: Use the “Component View” in your crafting station to mark fiber optics, making junk items with it easier to spot.
Fiber optics may not be as common as screws or adhesive, but with the right strategy, you can maintain a decent supply. Whether you’re building a turret fortress, modding a Gauss rifle, or fine-tuning power armor, fiber optics are a vital part of staying competitive in Appalachia. And when things get tight, spending a few Fallout 76 Caps or choosing to Buy Fallout 76 Items might just be the smart shortcut you need.