Fallout 76’s trophy list isn’t particularly demanding, but one achievement stands out as a hurdle for many vault dwellers: the Good Grief trophy. This silver trophy requires you to kill 20 other players, which can seem intimidating in a game where PvP is entirely optional and often avoided. However, with the right approach and a little patience, adding this trophy to your collection is entirely achievable. Whether you’re a PvP novice or just looking for the most efficient method, this guide covers everything you need to know to unlock Good Grief and move on to rarer challenges.
Understanding PvP in Fallout 76
Before diving into trophy hunting, it’s important to grasp how player-versus-player combat works in Appalachia. Fallout 76 uses a consensual PvP system designed to protect players who aren’t interested in fighting. By default, your attacks against other players deal significantly reduced damage, and the person you’re targeting must hit you back to initiate full combat. This is known as “slap damage” and prevents random one-shot kills. If both players attack each other, the damage normalizes and the fight is on.
There are a few ways to bypass this consent mechanic. Claiming a public workshop automatically opens you up to PvP within that area, and anyone who contests the workshop can engage you freely. Additionally, becoming “Wanted” by lockpicking another player’s camp or resource collector marks you for unrestricted PvP across the entire server. The Hunter/Hunted radio station is a dedicated PvP mode that pairs you with other willing participants. Understanding these systems helps you choose the method that best suits your playstyle.
Preparing for Player Kills
You’ll need a character capable of holding its own in a fight, even if you’re only seeking 20 kills. PvP in Fallout 76 is heavily influenced by your build, gear, and consumables. Investing some time in preparation will make the process much smoother.
Optimizing Your Build
A dedicated PvP build isn’t mandatory, but perks that increase your damage, survivability, and stealth are invaluable. Consider using Rifleman or Commando perks if you prefer automatic rifles, or Heavy Gunner perks for high-damage weapons like the .50 Cal or Gatling Plasma. Defensively, perks like Blocker, Dodgy, and Serendipity can dramatically reduce incoming damage. Legendary perk cards such as Taking One for the Team or Power Armor Reboot add further survivability.
Essential Gear and Consumables
Legendary weapons with the Anti-Armor, Bloodied, or Junkie’s effects are popular choices. Assassin’s legendary armor pieces reduce damage from human players, making them ideal for PvP encounters. Stockpile Stimpaks, Psychobuff, and Nuka-Cola Quantums for healing and damage boosts. Stealth Boys can give you the element of surprise, especially if you’re running a stealth build.
Earning the Trophy Naturally
If you prefer to earn the trophy through organic gameplay rather than deliberately seeking kills, there are several in-game activities that lead to PvP. These methods might take longer, but they feel more rewarding and align with the game’s intended mechanics.
Workshop PvP
Workshops are the most common source of spontaneous PvP. When you claim a workshop, you become vulnerable to attack from any player who enters the workshop’s radius. To attract challengers, hold popular workshops like the Charleston Landfill or the Ammo Factory. Fortify the area with turrets, then wait for someone to contest. Defending these locations against other players counts toward your kill total.
Hunter/Hunted Radio
Tune into the Hunter/Hunted channel on your Pip-Boy to join a queue of PvP participants. Once enough players sign up, you’ll be assigned a target to hunt while another player hunts you. This mode is entirely consensual and a great way to find motivated PvP opponents. Keep in mind that wait times can be long if the server isn’t full of willing participants.
Bounty Hunting
Players with a Wanted status are fair game for anyone, and killing them awards caps. Search your map for red player icons and track them down. This method isn’t always reliable since many Wanted players deliberately hide or are heavily armed, but it can provide a few kills while adding excitement to your session.
Boosting the Trophy
The most efficient way to earn Good Grief is by boosting with a friend or a willing stranger. This approach removes the guesswork and frustration of random PvP, letting you rack up 20 kills in under an hour.
Setting Up a Boosting Session
Coordinate with another player who also needs the trophy, or find help through online communities. Agree on a meeting spot, such as Vault 76 or a secluded camp location. The player being killed should have no junk items in their inventory to avoid losing anything. One player initiates slapping the other, then the target retaliates to start full combat. The killer lands the final blow, and the kill counts. The killed player can respawn nearby and repeat the process.
Minimizing the Cooldown
After a death in PvP, there’s a brief period before you can seek revenge. To speed things up, have the killed player respawn at the nearest map marker or use a fast travel point placed close by. If possible, build a temporary camp with a bed for quicker respawns. Trading kills alternately ensures both players progress toward the trophy efficiently.
Tips for Successful PvP
Even with boosting, a few tactics can make the process smoother. If you’re engaging in real PvP, these tips will help you stay alive and secure kills.
Movement and Positioning
Staying mobile is key. Bunny hopping and using jetpacks make you a harder target to hit. Avoid standing still while shooting. Use cover effectively and reposition frequently to keep your opponent guessing.
Damage and Armor Counters
Most veteran PvPers stack damage resistance and specific legendary effects. If you’re up against an assassin’s armor set, consider using poison or explosive damage (via the Poisoned or Explosive legendary effects) to bypass conventional resistances. Energy weapons like the Plasma Caster can also pressure opponents in power armor.
Managing Aid Items
Quick-healing with Stimpak hotkeys is essential. Carry Super Stimpaks for emergency situations. Nuka-Cola Quantum spam can make you nearly invincible for short bursts, but be mindful of rads unless you have the Cola Nut perk or rad-cleansing aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I boost the Good Grief trophy with a friend?
Absolutely. Boosting with a friend is the fastest and most reliable method. Simply take turns killing each other until both of you reach 20 kills. Make sure the friend retaliates against your initial slap so the kill counts as a full PvP elimination.
Is PvP mandatory to earn the Good Grief trophy?
Yes. The trophy specifically requires killing 20 other players, which can only be done through PvP combat. There is no way to earn it through events, quests, or PvE activities.
What counts as a player kill toward the trophy?
Any kill in which you land the final blow on another human player in a PvP-enabled scenario counts. This includes workshop PvP, Hunter/Hunted kills, Wanted player eliminations, and duels. Kills in Nuclear Winter do not count, as that mode has been sunset.
Does killing the same player multiple times count?
Yes. You can kill the same player repeatedly and each kill will increment your progress toward the 20 required. This is why boosting is so effective.
Are there any penalties for dying in PvP while boosting?
Only if you are carrying junk. When you die in PvP, you drop any junk items you were holding. For boosting, always stash your junk beforehand so you lose nothing. Caps are not lost from PvP deaths.
Can I get the trophy by killing my teammates?
No. Teammates are not valid targets for PvP, even if you leave the team during combat. You must kill players who are not on your team at the moment of the kill.
The Good Grief trophy may seem daunting at first glance, but with the right preparation or a willing boosting partner, it becomes a straightforward checklist item. Whether you choose the path of a raider, a bounty hunter, or a friendly duelist, those 20 kills are well within reach. Once you hear that trophy ping, you can return to rebuilding Appalachia in peace.
