If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself over-encumbered more times than you can count in Fallout 76. Managing weight is one of the biggest challenges in the game, especially when you’re out exploring and looting everything in sight. Over time, I’ve learned that not all Fallout 76 items are worth holding onto—some just weigh you down without offering much value in return. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned wastelander, avoiding certain items can make your experience much smoother.

Here are 10 high-weight, low-value Fallout 76 items you should avoid lugging around in your inventory.

1. Lead Pipes

These are everywhere, and at first, they seem like useful backup weapons. But they’re heavy for their value and durability. I used to hoard these until I realized they break too easily and don’t sell for much.

2. Rusty Knuckles

You’ll often find these on Super Mutants and Scorched. While they look cool, they don’t pack much punch, and they weigh more than their worth. I recommend scrapping them for parts instead.

3. Board (Melee Weapon)

A common spawn, especially early in the game. The board is bulky, doesn’t do much damage, and is quickly outclassed by other melee options. I stopped picking these up after a few play sessions.

4. Bowling Balls

Sure, they’re a fun collectible—but each bowling ball weighs a ton. Unless you’re decorating your camp or roleplaying, they’re dead weight. I learned this the hard way while fast traveling and constantly becoming over-encumbered.

5. Glass Pitchers

They look nice and can be scrapped for glass, but they weigh too much compared to how little they return. With better sources for glass out there, this is one item I always skip.

6. Shovels

They seem practical, right? Unfortunately, shovels are too heavy and don’t serve much purpose beyond novelty or crafting. I used to keep one for no reason—until I desperately needed to drop weight.

7. Bowling Pins

Similar to bowling balls, these are clutter items. While some players use them for camp décor, they offer almost no value and weigh more than they should. They’re on my personal “do not pick up” list.

8. Fire Axes (Unmodded)

They can be powerful with the right mods, but a plain fire axe is heavy and slow. Unless you’re building a melee character, these take up too much space in your stash and inventory.

9. Giddyup Buttercup Parts

These are oddly specific crafting components. While they’re required for some plans, the individual parts weigh a lot. I once hoarded these thinking I’d need them soon—turns out I didn’t, and they ate up tons of storage.

10. Silver Tableware

Shiny but useless in bulk. Silver spoons, forks, and trays might feel like valuable loot, but unless you’re after silver specifically, they’re better left behind. I used to pick up every piece, then realized the return wasn’t worth the carry weight.

Efficient inventory management in Fallout 76 is key to enjoying your adventures without constantly being burdened. While it can be tempting to pick up everything you find, some items just aren’t worth the space they take up. By avoiding these high-weight, low-value Fallout 76 items, you’ll keep your load lighter and your focus on the loot that actually matters.

Also, if you’re looking to get better gear without the grind, there are always Fallout 76 inventory items for sale from trusted community sources like U4GM. Just make sure you’re buying safely and legally.

In the end, smart looting and knowing what to avoid is part of what makes surviving the wasteland satisfying. Choose wisely, and your stash—and back—will thank you.

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