If you're deep into exploring Appalachia in Fallout 76, you might have come across the EV-21 Blackbox quest or just want to hunt down every blackbox for some extra loot and XP. These little techy devices can be tricky to find, but with a bit of patience and a good map in mind, you’ll have them all in no time. I’ve spent a few runs going through different regions, and here’s a detailed guide to help you locate every EV-21 Blackbox in the game. What Are EV-21 Blackboxes? Before we dive into the locations, let's quickly recap what EV-21 Blackboxes actually are. They’re small, hidden data storage units scattered throughout the world of Fallout 76. Collecting them is part of some quests, but even if you’re not on a mission, they’re worth picking up. They often drop rare Fallout 76 items, which makes hunting for them a little more exciting. Personally, I like grabbing them whenever I stumble upon one because it feels like finding a tiny secret in the wasteland. Northern Appalachia – First Batch of Blackboxes Starting in the northern part of the map, several EV-21 Blackboxes are tucked away in small bunkers and abandoned buildings. One of my favorite spots is the Watoga Underground Headquarters. Head inside, stick close to the walls, and keep an eye on the small shelves and consoles – that’s where the blackboxes like to hide. Another reliable spot is near Point Pleasant, inside a few of the houses that have basements. Sometimes these blackboxes are easy to overlook, so crouching and scanning each room carefully pays off. Pro tip: Always bring a companion or a well-stocked weapon setup, because some of these locations are surprisingly populated with NPCs or roaming creatures. Also, if you’re short on gear, check U4GM—they often have a decent selection of resources to help you stock up before heading into tougher areas. Southern Appalachia – Hidden Gems Down south, the blackboxes are slightly trickier to spot. The Tygart Valley Search and Rescue center is a must-check; there’s usually a blackbox tucked behind some debris in the basement. Charleston Sewers also hide a couple, but you’ll need to navigate a maze of tunnels to find them. I recommend marking these spots on your in-game map once you discover them because backtracking can be tedious otherwise. If you’re running low on caps or need specific gear to tackle the southern regions safely, the best place to buy Fallout 76 items is usually local player vendors or some of the established online outlets. This can save you a lot of time scavenging in high-level areas just to gear up. Tips for Efficient Collection While exploring, keep in mind a few things that make blackbox hunting less frustrating:
Use a scanner perk if you have it unlocked. It helps highlight hidden tech items like the EV-21 Blackboxes.
Travel light – inventory space can fill up fast, especially if you’re picking up all the extra loot along the way. Some of the blackboxes contain useful Fallout 76 items, so plan your carry weight accordingly.
Play during low-pop hours if you’re on public servers. Some spots can get crowded with other players, which sometimes leads to minor PvP encounters or just competing for the same loot.
I personally like combining blackbox hunting with other side quests in the area. That way, it doesn’t feel like a grind, and you end up covering more ground efficiently. Specific Notable Locations Here’s a quick list of EV-21 Blackbox spots that I’ve consistently found:
Watoga Underground Headquarters – behind control panels and shelves
Point Pleasant basements – usually in small cabinets or under debris
Tygart Valley Search and Rescue – basement, behind debris
Charleston Sewers – multiple blackboxes hidden along tunnels
These are just the reliable ones; the world of Fallout 76 is full of surprises, so keep your eyes peeled for hidden rooms, crates, or odd-looking consoles. Some blackboxes are in plain sight but cleverly disguised among other objects. Hunting Strategy From my experience, the most efficient way to collect all EV-21 Blackboxes is to tackle the northern and southern regions separately. Start with the north, then work your way down. Bring a map and maybe even make some notes on where you’ve already searched. I often find myself missing a box because I assumed I’d checked the area thoroughly, only to realize it was tucked behind a stack of crates or inside a small cabinet. A small but handy tip: if you’re struggling to find certain items or missing some blackboxes, U4GM can be a lifesaver. They offer guides and sometimes tools that can help you figure out exact spawn locations, which is great if you’ve already explored most of the map.