Launching a nuclear missile in Fallout 76 isn’t just a flashy spectacle—it’s a major late-game activity that unlocks high-level content and some of the best loot in the game. But before you can rain down fire on the Scorchbeast Queen or clear out an area for farming flux, you’ll need to know how to get Nuke Codes in Fallout 76. Here’s a detailed guide to help you go from curious Vault Dweller to full-blown nuclear commander.

Understanding the Nuke System

In Fallout 76, nukes are launched from one of three missile silos: Alpha, Bravo, or Charlie. Accessing them requires a combination of silo access and decrypted launch codes. This system is deliberately complex, designed to require teamwork and persistence.

Step 1: Join the Enclave

Your journey starts with the Enclave faction, located in the Whitespring Bunker. You'll need to complete a questline that begins with finding the Abandoned Waste Dump and completing “Bunker Buster.” This quest line is essential because it grants you access to the command center where nuke code fragments are decrypted.

Step 2: Collect Nuke Code Fragments

Each week, a new set of nuke code fragments is rotated in. These are dropped by high-level enemies known as Scorched Officers. You’ll often find them wandering around the map—listen for their distinctive radio beeping. Kill them and loot the code fragments.

Each silo (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie) has its own 8-character launch code, split into fragments. You’ll need to gather all 8 fragments for the specific silo you want to use.

Step 3: Decrypting the Code

Once you’ve collected all the code fragments, you must decrypt the full launch code. This is where the game gets challenging, as the codes are encrypted using a keyword cipher. Players usually collaborate through community tools or Discord servers that publish the decrypted codes weekly.

Alternatively, if you’re determined to go solo, you can try decrypting it manually by figuring out the week’s keyword and solving the cipher using the Enclave command center.

Step 4: Acquire a Nuclear Keycard

To complete the launch, you’ll also need a nuclear keycard. These are obtained by shooting down a cargo bot plane that flies around the map. The plane is heavily defended by vertibots, so bring friends or a heavy build. After the crash, loot the cargo to get your keycard.

Each launch consumes one nuclear keycard, so make sure you have one ready before heading to a silo.

Step 5: Enter the Silo and Fight Your Way Through

Gaining access to the silo is just the beginning. Inside, you’ll face a gauntlet of robots, turrets, and environmental hazards. Completing the silo involves fighting through multiple rooms, solving puzzles, and reaching the launch control room.

Make sure you have plenty of ammo, stimpaks, and repair kits. A well-equipped power armor build is highly recommended.

Step 6: Launch the Nuke

At the launch console, enter the decrypted code and insert your keycard. You’ll get to choose the impact zone on the map. Most players target places like Fissure Site Prime to spawn the Scorchbeast Queen, but you can drop a nuke anywhere except protected areas like Vault 76 or the Whitespring Resort.

After the launch, the targeted zone becomes irradiated, spawning powerful enemies and rare resources like glowing mass, hardened mass, and flux.

• Nuke codes expire every week, usually resetting on Monday or Tuesday, so plan accordingly.

• Team up with other players for silo runs and decryption—it’s faster and more fun.

• Always bring multiple nuclear keycards in case of mistakes or repeat launches.

Learning how to get Nuke Codes in Fallout 76 is a rite of passage for serious players. It’s a multi-step process that involves strategy, coordination, and a little bit of brute force. But once you’ve mastered it, you’ll have access to some of the most rewarding content the game has to offer.