Controlling workshops in Fallout 76 can be a rewarding and strategic endeavor, offering players a steady flow of resources and some good PvP action when contested. Whether you're a solo survivor or working in a team, your build makes a huge difference in how efficiently you can capture and defend these valuable locations. Over time, I’ve tested dozens of builds, and the 19 listed below have proven to be the most effective for taking and holding workshops with minimal hassle.

1. Commando Rifle Build

A classic for mid-to-long-range skirmishes. Using automatic rifles with perks like Commando and Tank Killer, this build balances damage output and AP efficiency for PvP and PvE control.

2. Stealth Sniper

Perfect for players who like to secure a workshop and snipe from the hills. Focus on Sneak, Covert Operative, and Rifleman perks. Pair it with a suppressed hunting or Gauss rifle for silent domination.

3. Heavy Gunner Tank

If you’re looking to anchor down a workshop and mow through attackers, this build with perks like Heavy Gunner, Bullet Shield, and Blocker lets you become a walking turret.

4. Power Armor Melee

Great for close-quarters combat. Combine Power Armor with perks like Incisor, Martial Artist, and Pain Train. You’ll surprise enemies expecting a shootout.

5. Explosive Demolitionist

Using grenade launchers and explosive-based weapons, this build focuses on area control. Demolition Expert, Grenadier, and Fire in the Hole are your best friends here.

6. Unyielding VATS Crit Build

With Unyielding armor and a high Luck stat, this build makes critical hits nearly constant. Grab perks like Better Criticals and Critical Savvy to shred opponents at workshops.

7. Junkie’s Damage Dealer

Perfect if you’re using chems for bonuses. Junkie’s weapons paired with a chem-heavy loadout are surprisingly effective in high-stakes workshop fights.

8. Bloodied Glass Cannon

High risk, high reward. Bloodied weapons do more damage the lower your health. Use perks like Nerd Rage and Adrenaline, and keep Stimpaks handy.

9. Tesla Turret Engineer

Great for defending after capture. Use a Tesla rifle with perks like Power User and Batteries Included to maximize energy efficiency while you build and defend with turrets.

10. Full Auto Shotgunner

Excellent for clearing enemies who breach your defenses. Shotgunner perks and a fully automatic shotgun make you deadly in close-range defense scenarios.

11. Mutant Master

If you’ve stacked mutations like Marsupial and Speed Demon, pair them with perks like Class Freak and Starched Genes. You'll outmaneuver most invaders.

12. PvP Specialist

Designed for human enemies. Use perks like Dodgy, Serendipity, and Escape Artist to outlast and outplay real players contesting your workshop.

13. Camp Defender Hybrid

Part builder, part fighter. This build relies on fast camp placement, turret deployment, and defensive perks. You’ll shine in pre-planned, fortified workshop fights.

14. Flamer Purist

Flamers aren’t just for Scorchbeasts. In tight corners and when enemies rush in, they are devastating. Use Fireproof and Ground Pounder to stay in control.

15. Drone Commander

Use the Friendly Turrent Bot and Perk Cards like Robotics Expert to deploy helpful bots. Not the strongest offense, but great for setting traps and distractions.

16. AP Sprinter

With high agility and low weight armor, this build is for players who want to constantly move between workshops. Use Action Boy/Girl and Marathoner to stay on the go.

17. Rad Barrel Berserker

Use Berserker’s weapons and low armor values combined with Radiation damage perks. It’s niche but can be surprisingly effective if you know what you're doing.

18. Team Buffer

Perfect for squad play. Focus on Charisma and perks like Strange in Numbers and Team Medic. Keep your team alive and help them hold the workshop with coordinated support.

19. Crafting and Salvage Pro

You’ll want this for the downtime between takeovers. With perks like Scrapper, Super Duper, and Contractor, you can gather, repair, and craft better defenses on the fly.

Workshops aren’t just a PvP hotspot—they're a chance to gather valuable resources, especially if you're farming for cheap Fallout 76 Items. Keeping control over multiple workshops can also help you stack up those caps quickly, especially if you know the Best Place to buy Fallout 76 Caps when you're running low. Personally, I’ve found that U4GM offers a straightforward and consistent way to stay geared up between in-game grinds.