How to Beat The Cleaner in Fallout 76 Bounty Hunts

[Ylvakeon]

If you’ve been running bounty hunts in Appalachia, you’ve probably come across The Cleaner. This high-level target can be tricky if you’re not prepared, but with the right strategy, you can take them down without too much trouble. I’ve spent a fair amount of time tracking and fighting this foe, so here’s what I’ve learned from my experiences.

Understanding The Cleaner

The Cleaner isn’t just a regular enemy. They come equipped with powerful melee attacks and a surprisingly resilient set of defenses. One thing I’ve noticed is that rushing in blindly almost always ends badly. Their movement patterns can be unpredictable, and they often use cover effectively. Observing them for a minute or two before engaging can save you a lot of trouble later on.

One tip I’ve found useful is paying attention to their environment. Cleaners often hang around buildings or tight spaces, so make sure you’re not cornered. Keeping a bit of distance lets you react to their attacks and plan your next move without taking unnecessary damage.

Gear Up Smartly

Before going after The Cleaner, it’s crucial to make sure your loadout is optimal. Certain Fallout 76 items can make this fight much easier. For example, weapons with high damage per second and armor with decent energy resistance are particularly effective. I personally like using a combination of ranged weapons to chip away at their health and explosives when they get too close. Healing items are, of course, a must-have—you don’t want to be caught without Stimpaks in the middle of the fight.

Also, don’t underestimate the value of perks that improve your damage or reduce incoming damage. Even if you’re not running a fully min-maxed build, having a few key perk cards can significantly tip the scales in your favor.

Movement and Tactics

The Cleaner’s melee attacks hit hard, so mobility is key. I tend to circle around them while keeping my distance, occasionally popping off a few shots when there’s an opening. Sprinting can help avoid big swings, but remember that stamina management is important—you don’t want to run out mid-fight.

A sneaky trick I’ve picked up is to lure them into choke points or narrow corridors. They tend to struggle with tight spaces, which gives you more opportunities to attack safely. Teaming up with friends also makes a huge difference; coordinating flanking maneuvers or drawing aggro can turn a tough fight into a manageable one.

Don’t Forget the Rewards

One of the best parts of taking down The Cleaner is the loot. They often drop high-tier gear, which can make your next missions much easier. Keep an eye out for rare Fallout 76 items, especially if you’re completing challenges or trying to upgrade your base. Personally, I always take a moment to sort through everything after a fight—it’s amazing how some overlooked items can be game-changers.

Optional Help

If you’re struggling to find reliable strategies or fast ways to gear up, some players turn to external resources like U4GM. They offer guides and insights into character builds, item farming, and other mechanics that can make bounty hunting smoother. While I don’t rely on them for gameplay, checking a few tips here and there can save a lot of trial-and-error frustration.


Beating The Cleaner isn’t just about raw power—it’s about preparation, movement, and patience. Pay attention to the environment, choose the right Fallout 76 items, and don’t be afraid to pull back if the fight isn’t going your way. With these tips, you’ll find yourself completing bounty hunts more consistently and walking away with some sweet loot.

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