Deviants In Once Human: What They Are And How to Fight Them

Once Human throws players into a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a cosmic dust known as Stardust. This Stardust has twisted the world and its inhabitants, creating monstrous creatures and powerful, corrupted humans known as Deviants. These Deviants are a major threat in Once Human, posing a significant challenge to survival. Understanding what they are and how to effectively combat them is crucial to thriving in this harsh environment. This guide will break down everything you need to know about Deviants, from their origins to effective combat strategies.

Think of Deviants as mini-bosses scattered throughout the world, guarding valuable resources and offering unique challenges. They are significantly tougher than your average Stardust-infected creature, possessing unique abilities and requiring strategic planning to defeat. Ignoring them is not an option if you want to progress and secure valuable territory.

What Are Deviants? The Stardust Corruption

Deviants are humans who have been heavily mutated and corrupted by the Stardust. Unlike the mindless, zombified creatures you'll encounter, Deviants retain some semblance of their former selves, though their minds are twisted and their bodies transformed into monstrous forms. This corruption grants them enhanced strength, durability, and unique abilities tied to their specific mutations.

The exact origin of each Deviant is shrouded in mystery, but it's implied that they were once ordinary people who succumbed to the Stardust's influence. Some may have been exposed to concentrated sources of Stardust, while others may have possessed a pre-existing vulnerability that made them susceptible to its corrupting power. Regardless of their origins, Deviants represent a significant threat to humanity's survival.

Identifying Deviants: Knowing Your Enemy

Before you can fight a Deviant, you need to know how to identify them. Here are some key characteristics:

  • Unique Appearance: Deviants have distinct appearances that set them apart from regular enemies. They often possess grotesque mutations, such as extra limbs, hardened armor plating, or glowing Stardust-infused growths.
  • Larger Size: Deviants are typically larger than standard infected creatures. Their increased size reflects their enhanced strength and durability.
  • Boss-Level Health Bars: When you encounter a Deviant, you'll notice a significantly larger health bar compared to regular enemies. This indicates their increased resilience and the need for a more strategic approach.
  • Unique Abilities: Each Deviant possesses a unique set of abilities that make them challenging to fight. These abilities can range from powerful melee attacks to ranged projectiles and area-of-effect abilities.
  • Location Specific Spawns: Deviants are often found guarding valuable resources or controlling strategic locations. Pay attention to areas with high Stardust concentration or abandoned settlements, as these are prime locations for Deviant encounters.

Preparing for a Deviant Fight: Gear Up!

Facing a Deviant unprepared is a recipe for disaster. Proper preparation is key to victory. Here's what you need to consider:

  • Weapon Choice: Select weapons that are effective against the Deviant's specific weaknesses. Some Deviants may be vulnerable to fire damage, while others may be more susceptible to piercing or explosive damage. Experiment with different weapon types to find what works best.
  • Armor: Equip the best armor you can find to mitigate the Deviant's powerful attacks. Prioritize armor with high damage resistance and status effect protection.
  • Healing Items: Stock up on healing items to recover health during the fight. Bandages, medkits, and other healing consumables are essential for survival.
  • Buff Items: Consider using buff items to enhance your combat capabilities. Items that increase damage output, defense, or movement speed can provide a significant advantage.
  • Companions: If possible, bring along companions to assist you in the fight. Companions can provide valuable support by drawing aggro, dealing damage, and providing healing.

Combat Strategies: Taking Down a Deviant

Once you're prepared, it's time to engage the Deviant. Here are some effective combat strategies:

  1. Observe and Learn: Before rushing in, take some time to observe the Deviant's attack patterns and abilities. Understanding their moveset will allow you to anticipate their attacks and react accordingly.
  2. Exploit Weaknesses: Every Deviant has weaknesses that you can exploit. Look for visual cues, such as glowing weak points or exposed areas, and focus your attacks on these vulnerabilities.
  3. Dodge and Evade: Deviants often have powerful melee attacks that can quickly drain your health. Practice dodging and evading their attacks to minimize damage taken.
  4. Maintain Distance: If possible, maintain a safe distance from the Deviant to avoid their melee attacks. Use ranged weapons and abilities to deal damage from afar.
  5. Use the Environment: Utilize the environment to your advantage. Use cover to avoid ranged attacks, create choke points to funnel the Deviant's movement, and exploit environmental hazards to deal additional damage.
  6. Coordinate with Teammates: If you're fighting with teammates, coordinate your attacks and strategies. Focus fire on the Deviant's weak points, provide support with healing and buffs, and use crowd control abilities to keep the Deviant at bay.
  7. Patience is Key: Deviant fights can be long and challenging. Don't get discouraged if you fail on your first attempt. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your strategy, and keep trying until you emerge victorious.

Specific Deviant Examples and Tactics

While the above strategies are generally applicable, some Deviants require specific tactics. Here are a few examples:

  • The Bloated One: This Deviant is slow but possesses a powerful melee attack and can explode upon death, dealing significant damage. Maintain distance and use ranged weapons to whittle down its health. Be prepared to dodge the explosion when it dies.
  • The Spiker: This Deviant is agile and can fire projectiles from its body. Use cover to avoid the projectiles and focus fire on its exposed weak points.
  • The Armored Hulk: This Deviant is heavily armored and resistant to most types of damage. Use weapons with high armor penetration or focus fire on its unarmored weak points.

Remember to adapt your strategies based on the specific Deviant you're facing. Experiment with different tactics and weapon combinations to find what works best.

Rewards for Victory: Loot and Progression

Defeating a Deviant is not just about survival; it's also about progression. Deviants drop valuable loot, including rare resources, powerful weapons, and unique blueprints. These rewards can be used to craft better gear, upgrade your base, and unlock new abilities.

Furthermore, defeating Deviants often unlocks new areas and quests, allowing you to explore more of the world and uncover its secrets. They are a critical part of the progression loop in Once Human.

Conclusion: Mastering the Deviant Threat

Deviants are a formidable challenge in Once Human, but with the right knowledge and preparation, they can be overcome. By understanding their origins, identifying their weaknesses, and employing effective combat strategies, you can conquer these monstrous creatures and claim their valuable rewards. Remember to adapt your tactics based on the specific Deviant you're facing and never underestimate the power of teamwork. Mastering the Deviant threat is essential to surviving and thriving in the Stardust-ravaged world of Once Human. Now get out there and show those Deviants who's boss!