In Fallout 76, character progression doesn’t end when you hit level 50. While the early game is marked by frequent perk card choices and S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stat upgrades, many players wonder what happens next. The good news is that the post-50 system still allows you to earn and customize perk cards—but it works a bit differently than before. If you’re aiming to refine your build or unlock new abilities, here’s how you can keep earning perk cards after level 50 in Fallout 76.
Perk Card System Basics
Before level 50, every time you level up, you’re given a point to allocate to a S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attribute and access to a new perk card choice. This makes early game builds flexible and allows you to experiment with various combinations. But once you hit level 50, you stop gaining new S.P.E.C.I.A.L. points. That doesn’t mean you stop growing—far from it.
How Perk Cards Work After Level 50
After level 50, you continue to earn a perk card every time you level up, but you no longer receive S.P.E.C.I.A.L. points. This means you can still tweak and improve your build by collecting cards that better match your playstyle.
Here’s how it works:
- Every level beyond 50, you choose one new perk card from a selection.
- You can swap cards in and out of your build freely as long as they match your current S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stat values.
- You can rank up existing cards by combining duplicates, giving them stronger effects.
This progression system lets you specialize even further. For example, if you started as a melee tank but decide to go stealthy with rifles later, the post-50 card picks allow you to slowly transition your character.
Using Perk Card Packs
In addition to selecting a card each level, Fallout 76 gives you perk card packs every few levels. These packs include four random cards, many of which might not be immediately useful but could be valuable later. Even if you don’t use all of them, duplicates can be merged for higher ranks, and some oddball cards offer niche bonuses that are useful in specific builds or events.
Respec and Loadouts
As of recent updates, Fallout 76 includes a perk loadout system. You can create and switch between multiple perk card builds at will (after unlocking this system at level 25 through the Punch Card Machine). This is incredibly helpful once you’re past level 50, since you can tailor builds for PvE, PvP, crafting, or specific in-game activities.
If you’re sitting on a pile of Fallout 76 Caps, crafting a Punch Card Machine at your C.A.M.P. is a good investment to make this system more accessible. It gives you the flexibility to build around your best Fallout 76 Items—whether that’s a bloodied weapon, a stealth suit, or power armor.
Final Tips for Card Collection
- Plan your long-term build. Use online perk card planners to preview your ideal setup.
- Farm XP efficiently. The faster you level up, the faster you earn cards. Events like Radiation Rumble, West Tek runs, and daily ops are great for farming.
- Complete challenges. Weekly and daily challenges offer good XP gains and resources to help with leveling.
- Use Caps wisely. Trading for rare or synergistic Fallout 76 Items that support your perk build can improve efficiency and survival.
Reaching level 50 in Fallout 76 is just the beginning of fine-tuning your character. With each level beyond that, you continue to gain perk cards that can evolve your build, improve performance, and open up new playstyles. Take advantage of perk card packs, the Punch Card Machine, and your growing stash of Fallout 76 Caps to craft a setup that’s both powerful and flexible.
