If you’ve been exploring Appalachia in Fallout 76, you might have heard whispers about a mysterious enemy called The Cleaner. This sneaky character isn’t exactly the easiest to take down, but with the right preparation and a bit of patience, you can handle it—and even make the encounter rewarding. In this guide, I’ll walk you through where to find The Cleaner, how to approach the fight, and some extra tips I’ve picked up while roaming the wasteland.

Who is The Cleaner?

Before jumping into combat strategies, let’s quickly cover who The Cleaner is. Essentially, The Cleaner is one of the more elusive NPC enemies that patrol certain areas. They’re fast, pack a decent punch, and have a tendency to disappear into shadows, making them a bit frustrating if you’re not ready. Players often encounter them in mid-to-late level zones, so make sure your gear and health are up to par before seeking them out.

Knowing The Cleaner’s attack patterns is key. They usually start with quick melee hits and will dodge a lot if you try to go head-on immediately. That’s why I like to hang back, use cover, and let them come to me, especially if I’m trying to conserve ammo. Speaking of ammo and equipment, I’ve found that exploring different vendors or even hunting around the map can yield some really useful Fallout 76 items that make a fight like this much easier. Things like stimpaks, chems, and stronger weapons can turn a tough encounter into a manageable one.

Where to Find The Cleaner

Tracking down The Cleaner isn’t as random as it seems. There are a few hot spots where they spawn more frequently:

  • Morgantown Train Yard: This is probably my favorite location. It’s got enough cover to kite The Cleaner, and the spawn rate is decent.

  • Watoga Underground: If you don’t mind some claustrophobic corridors, this area can be great for tactical play.

  • Crater: Wide open spaces here mean you can spot The Cleaner from a distance, but be careful of other enemies joining the party.

One tip I’d give is to check these locations during different times of the day in-game. For some reason, I’ve noticed The Cleaner seems more aggressive at night, which makes sense for the lore but adds a layer of challenge. Also, if you’re low on resources, you can stock up on affordable Fallout 76 items beforehand. Even simple stuff like low-tier weapons or healing items can save a lot of headaches.

Combat Strategies

Now for the fun part—taking The Cleaner down. Here’s a strategy that’s worked for me:

  1. Use cover smartly: The Cleaner loves to close distance fast. Staying behind cover lets you control the fight and pick your shots carefully.

  2. Exploit their weaknesses: Energy weapons and high-damage melee can stagger The Cleaner if timed correctly.

  3. Stay mobile: Don’t camp in one spot. The Cleaner can flank you surprisingly well. I usually circle around pillars or debris, which gives me a chance to reload or heal.

  4. Bring companions or teammates: If you’re playing in a team, coordinate attacks so someone draws attention while others hit from range. It’s way less stressful than trying to fight solo.

During fights, I often keep an eye on my inventory to make sure I’m not running low on stimpaks or ammo. It’s tempting to just swing wildly, but a calm, measured approach works best. And for those who are still building up their gear, U4GM has a reputation for offering a variety of Fallout 76 items that can help round out your collection. It’s not necessary, but having a backup plan never hurts.

Loot and Rewards

Defeating The Cleaner comes with some decent loot drops. Beyond the standard caps and crafting materials, you might get rare schematics or unique weapons that are hard to find elsewhere. I’ve personally snagged a couple of items that have been game-changers in tougher zones. Remember to check your inventory immediately after a fight—The Cleaner has a tendency to make you miss loot if you’re too eager to leave the area.

Also, don’t forget the intangible rewards. Taking down a challenging enemy like The Cleaner gives a nice sense of accomplishment, and it’s always fun to tell your friends, “Yeah, I got The Cleaner without dying once.”

Final Tips

A few extra nuggets of advice before you head out:

  • Keep your loadout light if you’re planning multiple encounters. Heavy gear slows movement and can make dodging The Cleaner’s attacks tricky.

  • Use V.A.T.S. for precision hits. It’s surprisingly effective, especially when the enemy starts sprinting around.

  • Pay attention to the environment. Sometimes explosive barrels or traps can give you a huge advantage if timed right.

  • Don’t underestimate the value of simple consumables. Even cheap healing items or temporary buffs can tip the scales. Affordable options work fine in most cases.

Hunting The Cleaner can be frustrating at first, but it’s also one of those moments that makes Fallout 76 feel alive and exciting. With the right preparation, a bit of patience, and a solid strategy, you’ll walk away with good loot and a story worth sharing. So pack your gear, check your map, and dive into the wasteland—The Cleaner isn’t going to defeat itself.