Fallout 76Mutationis 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.
Updated on June 16, 2025, 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:
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 76features 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.
Deletion
Unstable Isotope
Chance to create a radiation blast when hit by melee attacks
Inflicts small DMG to the player during the blast
+25% Melee DMG and better cripple limbs
-50% gun accuracy
Fist deals +25% normal and bleed damage
Deducts four Agility points
+20% movement and reload speed
+50% hunger and thirst drain
+50 Damage and Energy Resistance
Poison aura scaling with diseases
Works only when there’s a disease
Increases carry weight (+20) and jump height
Deducts four Intelligence points
Eating plants grants double stats
Eating meat does not grant additional stats
+300% Health Regeneration in non-combat situations
25% less DMG to teammates
33% more DMG to the player
Melee attackers might get shocked
Shocks deal some DMG to the player
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
Eating meat grants double stats
Eating plants does not grant additional stats
Increases Agility by four points
Decreases Strength by four points
Extra weapon damage when HP is low
Deduct 50 points from max HP
+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-outStarched Genes,Class Freak, andStrange in NumbersPerk 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 ofall 20 Mutations inFallout 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 orobtained via recipes from the MODUS Science Terminalsat the Whitespring Bunker. Drinking a Serum is the sole guaranteed (non-random) method of acquiring a particular Mutation inFallout 76.
