In the game Fallout 76 , a feature known as Mutation represents a transformation triggered by radiation, leading to both the addition and removal of unusual characteristics. The addition process, known as insertion, can grant a new skill, such as the ability to leap extraordinarily high. On the other hand, deletion refers to the loss of a skill, such as a reduction in strength or stamina.
In terms of gameplay, Mutation operates as an “Effect.” These Effects are temporary boosts and reductions that alter the player’s statistics. In the game’s current version, all Mutations (excluding Chameleon) come with both positive and negative effects to maintain equilibrium after changes. However, players can lessen the negative impacts of a Mutation by using specific perk cards like Class Freak.
Updated on April 30, 2024, by Mohsen Baqery: Despite their potential to significantly enhance player stats and address specific gameplay needs, Mutations are often overlooked in Fallout 76. Despite their somewhat intimidating names, Mutations can be incredibly beneficial. In this updated article, we delve deeper into the subject, introducing all available mutations and providing guidance on how to acquire, maintain, and effectively remove them.
Optimal Method to Farm Mutations in Fallout 76
To farm Mutations, players will need to enter the radioactive pool at the basement of the Emmett Mountain Disposal Site. Each time they do so, their character earns a random Mutation, and they can repeat the process until a desired effect is farmed.
It’s crucial to understand that the acquisition of Mutations from Rads has a cap. Players can only obtain one effect per server, which necessitates server-hopping for effective farming.
A Comprehensive Guide to Farming Mutations
Follow these steps to farm Mutations effectively:
- Visit the Emmett Mountain Disposal Site
- Step into the radioactive pool located in the basement.
- Use the Contamination Shower to wash off unwanted Mutations and repeat the process.
- Equip the Starched Genes Perk Card to retain the desired Mutation.
A fully upgraded Starched Genes perk prevents the removal of Mutations by Contamination Showers and RadAway serums. Therefore, players must have this card equipped to maintain any beneficial effects on their characters.
Comprehensive List of Mutations in Fallout 76
Apart from Rad Walker, Fallout 76 offers 19 types of Mutations: Adrenaline Reaction, Bird Bones, Carnivore, Chameleon, Eagle Eyes, Egg Head, Electrically Charged, Empath, Grounded, Healing Factor, Herbivore, Hard Mentality, Marsupial, Plague Walker, Scaly Skin, Speed Demon, Talons, Twisted Muscles, and Unstable Isotope. Players can have up to 18 of these Mutations at once, as the Carnivore and Herbivore Mutations are mutually exclusive.
Detailed Breakdown of Fallout 76 Mutations
Mutation |
Benefit |
Drawback |
Unstable Isotope |
Chance to trigger a radiation blast when hit by melee attacks |
Small damage inflicted to the player during the blast |
Twisted Muscles |
+25% Melee damage and increased chance to cripple limbs |
-50% gun accuracy |
Talons |
Fist deals +25% normal damage and |
-4 Agility |
In the world of Fallout 76, mutations can significantly impact gameplay, offering both advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common mutations and their effects:
Bleed Damage
This mutation causes a reduction of four agility points.
Speed Demon
This mutation increases movement and reload speed by 20%, but also increases hunger and thirst drain by 50%.
Scaly Skin
This mutation provides +50 Damage and Energy Resistance, but at the cost of -50 Action Points.
Plague Walker
This mutation creates a poison aura that scales with diseases, but it only works when the player is diseased.
Marsupial
This mutation increases carry weight (+20) and jump height, but reduces intelligence points by four.
Herbivore
This mutation doubles the stats gained from eating plants, but eating meat does not grant additional stats.
Healing Factor
This mutation increases health regeneration by 300% in non-combat situations, but reduces the effects of chems by 55%.
Grounded
This mutation provides +100 Energy Resistance, but reduces energy damage by 50%.
Empath
This mutation reduces damage to teammates by 25%, but increases damage to the player by 33%.
Electrically Charged
This mutation may shock melee attackers, but the shocks also deal some damage to the player.
Egg Head
This mutation grants six extra intelligence points, but reduces strength and endurance by three points each.
Eagle Eyes
This mutation grants four perception points and increases critical hit chance by 60%, but reduces strength points by four.
Chameleon
This mutation grants invisibility, but only works when the player is unarmed and standing still.
Carnivore
This mutation doubles the stats gained from eating meat, but eating plants does not grant additional stats.
Bird Bones
This mutation increases agility by four points, but reduces strength by four points.
Adrenaline Reaction
This mutation increases weapon damage when HP is low, but reduces max HP by 50 points.
Hard Mentality
This mutation grants +2 to SPECIAL stats when grouped, but reduces SPECIAL stats by -2 when solo.
Optimizing Perks for Mutation Farming in Fallout 76
Understanding these mutations and their effects can help players optimize their gameplay in Fallout 76. By strategically choosing and managing mutations, players can enhance their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses to gain an edge in the game.
For players aiming to farm Mutations, it’s crucial to have the Starched Genes, Class Freak, and Strange in Numbers Perk Cards fully upgraded. The Starched Genes card makes Mutations permanent, while Class Freak reduces the negative impacts of Mutations by up to 75%. The Strange in Numbers card enhances the effects of Mutations when in a team of mutants.
Top Mutations to Acquire in Fallout 76
Among the 20 Mutations available in Fallout 76, the most beneficial ones are Adrenal Reaction, Healing Factor, Speed Demon, and Marsupial. Adrenal Reaction increases weapon damage when HP is low, Healing Factor enhances HP regeneration by +300%, Speed Demon boosts running and reloading speed by 20%, and Marsupial provides additional jump power and Carry Weight.
Preserving a Mutation
To maintain a Mutation, players need to equip the Starched Genes perk card. However, this strategy only works if the card is equipped after the player has been exposed to radiation. If Starched Genes is fully upgraded before exposure, the player will not gain Mutations from radiation.
Eliminating or Treating Mutations
The fastest way to eliminate a Mutation is by consuming RadAway Serums. Players can also remove alterations using Decontamination Showers, Nuka-Grape, and Brahmin Milk. When it comes to perk cards, the best healing options are What Rad?, Healing Hands, and Rad Sponge. “What Rad?” enhances rad resistance, Healing Hands allows players to cure a teammate’s Mutation by reviving them, and Rad Sponge provides Rad Heal when a rad-exposed player is near an ally.