Flux

Flux is a type of crafting component or consumable in Fallout 76.

Background
Flux flora is a type of mutated flora that briefly emerges in the wake of a nuclear missile detonation. The radiation and extreme conditions can fundamentally change the nature of the affected plant's tissue, showing exceptional versatility in manufacturing, as a fuel and component for advanced weapon and armor systems. There are five types of flux, each of which emerges from a different kind of plant and requires stabilizing with chemical components for long-term storage and use. Inert flux is useless, except as an irradiated, but highly hydrating consumable item.

Before the Great War, the military believed that the intense radiation would only produce hideous monstrosities only fit for extermination. The appearance of the flux, collected and researched by the Enclave in Appalachia, was a major surprise, along with their exceptional versatility and volatility. However, the relatively brief lifespan of the flux rendered them a historical curiosity, rather than a permanent element of wasteland survival. Automated training 4: "Due to the region's advanced missile installations, there is a high chance of a retaliatory nuclear strike touching down somewhere in Appalachia. The intense radiation released by such a blast can have devastating effects on local flora and fauna,mutating them into hideous monstrosities fit only for a quick death."

MODUS: "To the contrary, general, our memory banks suggest quite the opposite."

MODUS: "Our previous residents managed to acquire samples of some materials created shortly after the first bombs fell and what they found was ... illuminating, to say the least. /The material samples our previous residents collected after the initial nuclear exchange are impressive things. / We have records of the harvests our previous residents gathered from these nuked zones, and what they found was ... impressive to say the least."

MODUS: "Materials of exceptional versatility ... and volatility. However, if you can stabilize them fast enough, a jaunt into a blast zone, it seems, could be a productive one. / Versatile ... and volatile. But with proper stabilization, their uses are many. / Materials of exceptional power and versatility. If you are feeling courageous, a jaunt into a fallout region, it would seem, can be a fruitful one."

MODUS: "But wherever you nuke, do make sure to don power armor ... or at least a hazmat suit before popping by. Documentation related to these materials can be found in the archives."

MODUS: "As well, the fissures that have cropped up around the region seem promising as possible sources of materials... along with some added pest control. / The map in this room contains the locations of these fissures if you're looking for a target.The region's fissures appear particularly intriguing as targets for transformation."

Characteristics
Raw flux is harvested from flora which have mutated as a result of being in a nuclear blast zone. In its raw form, this flux is consumable and provides water for the player character. Before it can be used in crafting, the raw flux must be stabilized at a chemistry station by combining it with a glowing mass, hardened mass and high-radiation fluids which can be found on the bodies of creatures in the blast zone.

There are five color varieties of flux which can be collected from different plants:
 * Raw cobalt flux (stabilized)
 * Raw crimson flux (stabilized)
 * Raw fluorescent flux (stabilized)
 * Raw violet flux (stabilized)
 * Raw yellowcake flux (stabilized)

Raw flux will deteriorate over time, eventually turning into inert flux. Once the flux becomes inert, it can no longer be stabilized.

Locations

 * Raw flux is harvested from irradiated vegetation and flora within a nuclear blast zone.
 * Stable flux may be rewarded for completing Scorched Earth. It may also be crafted at any chemistry station by stabilizing raw flux with the appropriate ingredients.
 * Inert flux is obtained after raw flux decays in the player character's inventory.