Noclip released a “Making of” video about Fallout 76 shortly after E3. The video provides insights into the development of Fallout 76 – and some new features, including mutation perks that veterans from Fallout 1 will recognize.
In Fallout 76, radiation leads to mutations: The project lead of Fallout 76, Jeff Gardiner, discussed gameplay and features of Fallout 76. He introduced a new feature: mutations.
Mutations in Fallout 76: Cause and Effect
In Fallout 76, the world is irradiated, the nuclear war has only just ended, and you can still use nuclear weapons. Radiation also had an impact on gameplay in previous installments. In Fallout 4, you had less health the higher the radiation levels were. In Fallout 76, radiation leads to mutations.
The more radiation, the higher the risk: You can acquire mutations in Fallout 76 by getting irradiated. Radioactive radiation is a fundamental element of gameplay that can be caused by war remnants or nuclear strikes in the game.
There are said to be ways to get rid of radiation and protect yourself from it. However, if you decide to allow it, you may mutate. The higher the radiation exposure, the greater the chance of mutation.
Mutations are like traits: The mutations have a significant impact on the game and the players. Mutations come with advantages and disadvantages that can change the character and provide bonuses and penalties.
Mutations in Fallout 76 function similarly to the traits from the previous games Fallout 1 and 2. However, some mutations are said to even have visual effects – maybe you will soon be able to wave with a third arm!
A list of all known mutations in Fallout 76 can be found in our article.
Mutations may also be permanently available: How exactly mutations will affect gameplay is still unknown. However, they seem to only have a temporary effect. If you cure your radiation, the mutations will likely disappear as well.
However, there are also said to be ways to retain mutations permanently. If you find a mutation you like, you should be able to keep it permanently. How exactly that works is still unknown.
The community is excited – and hopes for more: There are already several discussions on Reddit and videos on YouTube about mutations. Overall, the outlook on the feature is very positive. Especially old Fallout veterans who started with part 1 or 2 are looking forward to a familiar feature.
The discussions also take on a swooning character. Radiation has introduced entirely new characters in Fallout – such as ghouls and super mutants. The community speculates whether that might also be possible now. It remains to be seen whether Bethesda will go that far.
