Mastering the Gleaming Depths Raid in Fallout 76: Complete Guide and Pro Tips
The Fallout 76 Gleaming Depths Raid stands out as one of the more challenging and rewarding endgame activities introduced in recent updates. With a blend of high-stakes combat, environmental hazards, and loot incentives, it's quickly become a go-to for players seeking a PvE challenge beyond daily ops or public events. In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know to complete the Gleaming Depths Raid efficiently, from preparation to boss mechanics.
What Is the Gleaming Depths?
The Gleaming Depths is a high-level instanced raid located deep within the Appalachian underground, believed to have once served as a military-grade bio-research lab. Now overrun by mutated creatures and protected by high-tech security systems, it’s a hotspot for rare loot and powerful crafting materials.
To access the raid, players must be at least level 50 and have completed the prerequisite questline tied to Vault 63. You’ll also need a group of at least 3 well-equipped players, although a full 6-player squad is strongly recommended.
Pre-Raid Preparation
Gear Up WiselyGiven the raid’s mix of feral ghouls, robotic sentries, and irradiated beasts, equip weapons with varied damage types. Plasma weapons work particularly well against armored enemies, while legendary explosive ballistic rifles help with crowd control.
Recommended PerksBring cards like “Tenderizer,” “Suppressor,” and “Rejuvenated.” Don’t underestimate healing perks like “First Aid” or “Chem Fiend,” as chem use is almost mandatory for sustained survival.
Armor and ResistanceRadiation resistance is key. Many areas in the Fallout 76 Gleaming Depths Raid are soaked in rads, and Hazmat Suits or Power Armor with Radiation Shields can help mitigate long-term exposure.
Raid Walkthrough
Phase 1: Security Clearance
The raid opens with a lockdown sequence requiring players to disable three terminal security systems spread across separate corridors. Each area is guarded by waves of robots and booby-trapped floors. Use a stealth build or designate one player to hack terminals while others draw aggro.
Pro Tip: Have one player run a “Hacker” build with maxed-out Intelligence and perks to speed up terminal bypasses.
Phase 2: Bio-Lab Containment
After opening the main gate, you’ll enter the Bio-Lab—home to some of the most grotesque mutations seen in Appalachia. Expect to encounter Albino Grafton Beasts and glowing Mirelurks. AoE damage and cryogenic grenades can keep mobs manageable.
Watch for environmental hazards like toxic gas leaks and unstable platforms. Falling here can mean instant death.
Final Boss: The Glimmering Horror
This unique boss is a grotesque fusion of FEV-mutated human and machine, armed with a devastating laser cannon and high regen. The Glimmering Horror has three phases:
Phase 1: Standard attacks with summoned adds.
Phase 2: Area lockdown and EMP pulses that disable Power Armor briefly.
Phase 3: Radiation burst field—only players with RadShield or high Endurance will survive long.
Tactics:Assign one player to kite the boss, while the rest focus on burst damage when shields are down. Use RadAway and Bufftats liberally, and rotate aggro to prevent one-shot knockouts.
Best Rewards and Loot Table
The Fallout 76 Gleaming Depths Raid is one of the few places to earn fourth-star legendary components consistently. It also drops the new “Luminous Alloy,” required for crafting end-tier weapons and mods.
Loot highlights include:
Luminous Plasma Rifle
Glimmering Armor Set
Vault-Tech Cryo Grenade Blueprint
Completing the raid also grants XP boosts and cosmetic rewards, making it a solid weekly activity for power-leveling and gearing up.
The Gleaming Depths Raid adds depth and replayability to Fallout 76’s endgame, especially for squads hungry for both challenge and reward. With the right team, preparation, and strategy, it’s not just doable—it’s deeply satisfying. Whether you're a veteran Wastelander or a returning player looking for something fresh, this raid is worth the dive.