In the vast, irradiated world of Fallout 76, mutations play a crucial role in enhancing player characters. These mutations can provide significant benefits but also come with drawbacks. To manage these mutations effectively, players can utilize the Starched Genes perk card. This article will delve into how Starched Genes work and their importance in managing mutations in Fallout 76.
What Are Mutations in Fallout 76?
Mutations in Fallout 76 are special traits that players can acquire by exposing themselves to high levels of radiation. Each mutation offers both positive and negative effects, similar to traits in previous Fallout games. Players can acquire up to 18 out of 19 available mutations, with the exception of two mutually exclusive mutations: Herbivore and Carnivore.
How to Acquire Mutations
Players can acquire mutations by drinking irradiated water or standing near radioactive sources. Once a mutation is acquired, it can be kept or removed using specific methods.
In addition to mastering mutations with Starched Genes, players in Fallout 76 should be mindful of their economic resources, such as Fallout 76 caps. Effective management of caps is crucial for purchasing essential items, trading with other players, or acquiring new equipment that complements their mutation builds. By balancing their financial resources with strategic mutation management using Starched Genes, players can optimize their character's performance and enhance their overall survival and exploration capabilities in the game.

Starched Genes Perk Card
The Starched Genes perk card becomes available at level 30 under the Luck category. It serves two primary purposes:
Prevents Random Mutations: With Starched Genes equipped, players are immune to acquiring new mutations randomly from radiation exposure. This ensures that unwanted mutations are not obtained accidentally.
Preserves Existing Mutations: Starched Genes allows players to use RadAway without losing their existing mutations. This is crucial for maintaining desired mutations while still being able to cure radiation poisoning.
Managing Mutations with Starched Genes
To manage mutations effectively, follow these steps:
Acquiring New Mutations: If you want to acquire a new mutation, unequip Starched Genes, expose yourself to radiation until you get the desired mutation, and then reequip Starched Genes to preserve it.
Removing Unwanted Mutations: If you want to remove a mutation, unequip Starched Genes and use RadAway. This will randomly remove one mutation. After removing the unwanted mutation, reequip Starched Genes and take serums for the mutations you wish to keep.
Combining Starched Genes with Other Perks
For optimal mutation management, combine Starched Genes with the Class Freak perk, available at level 46. Class Freak reduces the negative effects of mutations by up to 75%, making it easier to maintain a balanced set of mutations.
Starched Genes is a vital perk for players seeking to manage their mutations effectively in Fallout 76. By preventing unwanted mutations and preserving desired ones, it allows players to build a character with optimized traits. When combined with other perks like Class Freak, Starched Genes enhances the overall gameplay experience by minimizing the drawbacks of mutations while maximizing their benefits.