Fallout 76 Mutation is radiation-induced metamorphosis, which can cause both insertion and deletion of abnormal features. Insertion involves the addition of a new ability, such as the capacity to jump abnormally high, while deletion entails the loss of an ability, such as decreased strength or endurance.
Gameplay-wise, Mutation functions as an “Effect.” Effects are temporary buffs and debuffs that modify the player's stats. In the current version of the game, all Mutations (excluding Chameleon) come with both positive and negative effects to maintain balance after alterations. However, players have the option to mitigate the downsides of a Mutation by utilizing specific perk cards like Class Freak.
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Updated on April 30, 2024, by Mohsen Baqery: Mutations often go overlooked in Fallout 76 despite their potential to significantly enhance player stats and address specific gameplay needs. Despite their somewhat daunting titles, Mutations can prove invaluable. In this updated piece, we delve deeper into the topic, introducing all available mutations and providing guidance on how to acquire, maintain, and remove them effectively.
The Best Way 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 important to note that there is a limit to gaining Mutations from Rads. Players can get only one effect per server, meaning they will need to server-hop to be able to farm them.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for farming Mutations:
- Go to the Emmett Mountain Disposal Site
- Enter the contaminated pool in the basement.
- Rinse unwanted Mutations in the Contamination Shower and repeat the process.
- Equip the Starched Genes Perk Card to secure the desirable Mutation.
A maxed-out Starched Genes perk prevents Contamination Showers and RadAway serums from washing the Mutations away. As a result, when players get a practical effect, they will need to have this card equipped to keep it on their characters.
List of All Mutations in Fallout 76
Excluding Rad Walker, Fallout 76 features 19 Mutation types: 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. Of these Mutations, players can have 18 simultaneously. This is because players cannot have both Carnivore and Herbivore Mutations at the same time.
Mutation | Insertion | Deletion |
Unstable Isotope | Chance to create a radiation blast when hit by melee attacks | Inflicts small DMG to the player during the blast |
Twisted Muscles | +25% Melee DMG and better cripple limbs | -50% gun accuracy |
Talons | Fist deals +25% normal and bleed damage | Deducts four Agility points |
Speed Demon | +20% movement and reload speed | +50% hunger and thirst drain |
Scaly Skin | +50 Damage and Energy Resistance | -50 Action Points |
Plague Walker | Poison aura scaling with diseases | Works only when there’s a disease |
Marsupial | Increases carry weight (+20) and jump height | Deducts four Intelligence points |
Herbivore | Eating plants grants double stats | Eating meat does not grant additional stats |
Healing Factor | +300% Health Regeneration in non-combat situations | -55% Chem Effects |
Grounded | +100 Energy Resistance | -50% Energy DMG |
Empath | 25% less DMG to teammates | 33% more DMG to the player |
Electrically Charged | Melee attackers might get shocked | Shocks deal some DMG to the player |
Egg Head | Gives six extra Intelligence points | Reduces Strength and Endurance by three points each |
Eagle Eyes | Give four Perception points and increase Critical Hit chance by 60% | Deducts four Strength points |
Chameleon | Grants invisibility | Works only when the player is unarmed and is standing still |
Carnivore | Eating meat grants double stats | Eating plants does not grant additional stats |
Bird Bones | Increases Agility by four points | Decreases Strength by four points |
Adrenaline Reaction | Extra weapon damage when HP is low | Deduct 50 points from max HP |
Hard Mentality | +2 to SPECIAL stats when grouped | -2 to SPECIAL stats when solo |
The Best Perks for Farming Mutations in Fallout 76
Ideally, players farming Mutations must have maxed-out Starched Genes, Class Freak, and Strange in Numbers Perk Cards. With the first card, Starched Genes, Mutations become permanent. The second card, Class Freak, reduces the negative effects of Mutations by up to 75%. The third card, Strange in Numbers, boosts Mutations’ effects in a team of mutants.
The Best Mutations to Farm in Fallout 76
Out of all 20 Mutations in Fallout 76, the best ones are Adrenal Reaction, Healing Factor, Speed Demon, and Marsupial. Adrenal Reaction increases weapon damage when HP is low, Healing Factor boosts HP regen by +300%, Speed Demon accelerates running and reloading by 20%, and Marsupial gives extra jump power and Carry Weight.
How to Keep a Mutation
Equipping the Starched Genes perk card preserves a Mutation. However, this method is effective only if the player equips the card after being exposed to radiation. Otherwise, with Starched Genes maxed out, the player won't acquire Mutations from radiation exposure.
How to Remove or Cure Mutations
The quickest way to remove Mutation is by drinking RadAway Serums. Alternatively, players can also get rid of alterations using the Decontamination Showers, Nuka-Grape, and Brahmin Milk. In terms of perk cards, ideal healing options are What Rad?, Healing Hands, and Rad Sponge. “What Rad?” increases rad resistance, while Healing Hands allows players to cure a teammate’s Mutation by reviving them. Rad Sponge, on the other hand, grants Rad Heal when a rad-exposed player is near an ally.
How to Get Serums
Mutation Serums are consumables that bestow specific types of alterations upon players. These serums can be purchased from other players’ Vending Machines or obtained via recipes from the MODUS Science Terminals at the Whitespring Bunker. Drinking a Serum is the sole guaranteed (non-random) method of acquiring a particular Mutation in Fallout 76.
