If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable sidearm in Fallout 76, the Crusader Pistol is a top-tier energy weapon worth adding to your arsenal. Its ability to be modified into different damage types and its fast fire rate make it one of the most adaptable pistols in the game. But crafting it—and optimizing it for your build—requires more than just collecting materials. In this guide, we’ll break down how to craft the Crusader Pistol, what you need to look out for, and how to make the most of it once it’s in your hands.
How to Get the Crusader Pistol Plan
Before you can craft the Crusader Pistol, you need to acquire its plan. This weapon plan was originally introduced through the Brotherhood of Steel questline in the Steel Dawn update, and today it can often be found in Daily Ops rewards or purchased from Minerva during her rotating inventory.
If you’re struggling to find the plan organically, consider trading with other players or checking vendor inventories. Having a healthy stash of Fallout 76 Caps can make this process easier, especially if you’re buying from player vendors.
Required Materials to Craft the Crusader Pistol
Once you have the plan, head to any weapons workbench to craft the pistol. Here’s what you’ll generally need:
- Adhesive
- Aluminum
- Circuitry
- Plastic
- Screws
- Steel
- Legendary Modules (if you plan to roll legendary variants)
These materials are fairly common, but the biggest bottlenecks are often Aluminum and Screws. Running specific farming routes—like the Watoga and Grafton areas—can help you stockpile what you need efficiently. Scavenging robot enemies is also a great source of Circuitry and Aluminum.
Modifying the Crusader Pistol
The Crusader Pistol supports several powerful modifications that can change its damage type, such as:
- Cryo Barrel
- Flamer Barrel
- Plasma Barrel
- Standard Barrel
You can unlock these mods from Daily Ops reward pools, so if you’re serious about customizing the pistol to your liking, running Daily Ops frequently is key. Once unlocked, these mods give the Crusader unmatched adaptability, allowing you to tweak it based on your enemies’ weaknesses.
If you’re crafting multiple variants or experimenting with different roles (PvP vs. PvE), it’s smart to keep a backup stash of crafting materials. This is where some players choose to Buy Fallout 76 Items like bulk components or weapons mods to save time.
Best Perks for Using the Crusader Pistol
To maximize its performance, especially with automatic mods, consider the following perk cards:
- Gunslinger or Commando (depending on your mod type)
- Tenderizer
- Bloody Mess
- Adrenaline
Combining these with a high AGI build allows you to output consistent and deadly damage, especially in close-quarters fights where pistols shine.
The Crusader Pistol is more than just a stylish sidearm—it’s a customizable powerhouse that fits in both stealth and aggressive builds. Crafting it takes some effort, especially if you’re hunting for the rare mods, but once you have it fully upgraded, it can rival many heavier weapons in both damage output and utility.
Whether you’re farming Daily Ops, clearing events, or just looking for a dependable weapon in your loadout, the Crusader Pistol won’t let you down. Just be ready to invest time—or Fallout 76 Caps—to get the best out of it. And if you’re short on materials or modules, it’s often smart to Buy Fallout 76 Items to get ahead of the grind.