Top Once Human Builds For PvP And Survival – Meta Loadouts Ranked

Once Human throws you into a post-apocalyptic world teeming with dangers, both human and aberrant. Survival isn't just about scavenging; it's about building a character capable of thriving in this harsh environment. And when it comes to player versus player (PvP) combat, having the right build can be the difference between becoming a dominant force and becoming someone else's loot.

This guide breaks down some of the top meta builds currently dominating Once Human, focusing on both PvP effectiveness and overall survival capabilities. We'll rank them based on their overall performance, ease of use, and resource requirements, helping you choose the perfect loadout to conquer the wasteland. Get ready to optimize your character and dominate the competition!

Understanding the Core Components of a Build

Before diving into specific builds, let's quickly cover the key elements that make a build successful in Once Human:

  • Weapon Choice: Rifles, shotguns, SMGs, pistols, and melee weapons all have their strengths and weaknesses. The meta often favors weapons with high damage output and versatility.
  • Armor: Armor provides crucial protection against both aberrant attacks and enemy fire. Consider the balance between protection, mobility, and special effects.
  • Skills (Talents): Skills are your active abilities and passive buffs. Choosing the right skills is paramount to maximizing your build's potential.
  • Implants: Implants offer powerful stat boosts and unique effects. Finding the right implants can significantly enhance your build's strengths.
  • Stats: Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Vitality, and Willpower all contribute to different aspects of your character.

The Meta Builds: Ranked

Here are some of the top builds currently dominating Once Human, ranked based on their overall effectiveness in PvP and survival:

1. The "Rifleman" - All-Around Dominance

  • Playstyle: Mid-to-long range combat, focusing on accurate shots and tactical positioning.
  • Weapon: High-damage assault rifle (e.g., AK-15, M4A1) with attachments for accuracy and recoil control. A secondary pistol for close-quarters emergencies.
  • Armor: Medium armor set providing a balance of protection and mobility. Look for armor with bonuses to rifle damage or accuracy.
  • Key Skills:
    • Rifle Mastery: Increases rifle damage and accuracy.
    • Tactical Reload: Speeds up reload time.
    • Iron Will: Reduces recoil and improves stability.
    • First Aid: For quick healing during combat.
  • Implants: Implants that boost rifle damage, accuracy, critical hit chance, or reload speed.
  • Stats: Prioritize Dexterity for accuracy and critical hit chance, followed by Vitality for health and survivability.
  • Why it's Meta: The Rifleman build offers excellent versatility, excelling at both medium and long-range engagements. The high damage output of rifles, combined with accuracy and reload speed bonuses, makes it a formidable force in PvP. It's also effective against most aberrant types.

2. The "Shotgunner" - Close-Quarters Carnage

  • Playstyle: Aggressive, close-range combat, focusing on burst damage and overwhelming opponents.
  • Weapon: High-damage shotgun (e.g., SPAS-12, M1014) with attachments for tighter spread and faster reload. A secondary SMG for slightly longer-range engagements.
  • Armor: Heavy armor set for maximum protection. Look for armor with bonuses to shotgun damage or damage reduction.
  • Key Skills:
    • Shotgun Mastery: Increases shotgun damage and reduces spread.
    • Close Quarters Combat: Increases movement speed and damage in close range.
    • Toughness: Increases damage resistance.
    • Adrenaline Rush: Briefly increases movement speed after taking damage.
  • Implants: Implants that boost shotgun damage, damage reduction, or movement speed.
  • Stats: Prioritize Strength for increased damage and carry weight, followed by Vitality for health and survivability.
  • Why it's Meta: The Shotgunner build excels in close-quarters combat, capable of one-shotting opponents with well-placed shots. The high damage output and resilience make it a terror in confined spaces. However, it struggles at longer ranges.

3. The "SMG Specialist" - Mobile Mayhem

  • Playstyle: Highly mobile and aggressive, focusing on suppressing fire and flanking maneuvers.
  • Weapon: High-rate-of-fire SMG (e.g., MP5, Vector) with attachments for recoil control and magazine size. A secondary pistol for quick swaps.
  • Armor: Light armor set for maximum mobility. Look for armor with bonuses to SMG damage or movement speed.
  • Key Skills:
    • SMG Mastery: Increases SMG damage and reduces recoil.
    • Agility: Increases movement speed and dodge chance.
    • Suppressive Fire: Increases accuracy while firing continuously.
    • Evade: Allows for quick dodges to avoid damage.
  • Implants: Implants that boost SMG damage, movement speed, or reload speed.
  • Stats: Prioritize Dexterity for accuracy and movement speed, followed by Vitality for health and survivability.
  • Why it's Meta: The SMG Specialist build is incredibly mobile and excels at flanking and harassing opponents. The high rate of fire and mobility make it difficult to hit, while the constant pressure can overwhelm enemies. However, it lacks the raw damage of other builds.

4. The "Survivalist" - Solo Powerhouse

  • Playstyle: Self-sufficient and adaptable, focusing on resource gathering, crafting, and solo survival.
  • Weapon: A versatile weapon like an Assault Rifle or SMG, depending on preference.
  • Armor: A balanced medium armor set.
  • Key Skills:
    • Scavenger: Increases resource gathering efficiency.
    • Crafting Expertise: Reduces crafting time and resource costs.
    • First Aid: For quick healing.
    • Endurance: Increases stamina and reduces stamina consumption.
  • Implants: Implants that boost resource gathering, crafting speed, or stamina regeneration.
  • Stats: Prioritize Intelligence for crafting and resource gathering bonuses, followed by Vitality for survivability.
  • Why it's Good: While not strictly a "PvP" build, the Survivalist is crucial for thriving in Once Human. This build allows you to quickly gather resources, craft essential items, and survive in the harsh environment. A strong survivalist is a valuable asset to any team.

Adapting Your Build

Remember that the meta is constantly evolving. New weapons, armor, skills, and implants are introduced regularly, so it's important to stay informed and adapt your build accordingly. Experiment with different combinations and find what works best for your playstyle. Don't be afraid to deviate from the meta if you find a unique combination that gives you an edge.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right build is crucial for success in Once Human. Whether you prefer the long-range accuracy of the Rifleman, the close-quarters carnage of the Shotgunner, or the mobile mayhem of the SMG Specialist, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each build will help you dominate the competition and survive in this dangerous world. Good luck, and happy hunting!