The endgame in Starry Studios’ survival game offers a range of diverse builds, and one of the most unique is the Burn build in Once Human. While other popular builds like Power Surge, and Frost Vortex, focus on different playstyles, the Once Human Burn build stands out for its straightforward approach: dealing damage over time (DoT) with fire.
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective build, the Once Human Burn build might be perfect for you.
Best Weapon for the Burn Build in Once Human
The Burn build in Once Human is mainly centered around the Boom Boom LMG (light machine gun). This weapon is ideal because it specializes in damage over time with its explosive capabilities. While Burn isn’t as strong as Power Surge right now, it could become more potent in future updates.
Weapon Setup
- Primary Weapon: Boom Boom LMG – Essential for its Burn and explosive effects.
- Secondary Weapon: Crumble Sniper Rifle – While optional, this sniper rifle also inflicts Burn status and provides long-range support.
Both weapons should be:
- Fully Calibrated at Tier V (5)
- Fully Enhanced with all blueprint fragments (or close to it)
- Equipped with Accessories to maximize their potential
Acquiring and upgrading the Boom Boom LMG can be a grind, but it’s crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of the Once Human Burn build.
Best Armor for the Once Human Burn Build
For armor, focus on items that enhance Status damage. A key piece for this build is the BBQ/Grill Gloves, which significantly boosts your Burn damage.
Armor Setup
- BBQ/Grill Gloves: Essential for increasing Burn damage.
- 3-piece Shelterer Set: Provides a balanced boost to your stats and survivability.
- 2-piece Heavy Duty Set: Offers additional durability and complements the Shelterer set.
Ensure that your gear has high Psi Intensity, as it increases the damage of your Burn and explosive effects. Crit isn’t the main focus here, so prioritize other stats.
Deviation and Memetics Cradle Choices for the Burn Build
Choosing the right Deviation and Cradle Overrides can further enhance your Burn build. Here are a few recommended choices:
| Cradle Choices | Effect |
| Automatic Weapon Enhancement | DMG +20% when holding SMGs, rifles, or LMGs. Reload 10% of magazine capacity from reserve upon defeating an enemy. |
| Deviation Master / Agility (for PvP) | Having it fight alongside grants DMG + 50% against Deviants. |
| Sprint | Movement Speed +5%, Running Stamina Cost -15%. |
| Sustained Suppression | Killing an enemy with Continuous DMG (such as Burn or Frost Vortex) increases Continuous DMG by +20% for 10s, stackable up to 3 times. |
| Prairie Fire Inferno | Based on the number of nearby units affected by Burn, increases Blaze DMG by +15% per unit, up to a maximum of +60%. |
| Rapid Aid | Reduces the cooldown of healing items by -30% and increases the healing effect by +15%. |
| Status Enhancement | After hitting a weakspot, Status DMG + 25% for 3s. |
| Master Tactician / Brawl Boost (for PvP) | After using a tactical item, DMG against the Great Ones (bosses) +25% for 15s. |
- Deviation: Pyro Dino (from Securement Silo Phi) is the top choice for maximizing Burn damage. Alternatively, Lonewolf’s Whisper (from Monolith of Thirst) can be used to draw enemy attention and deal extra damage.
- Cradle Overrides: Select those that boost your Burn damage and survivability. Adjust your Cradle if switching between PvE and PvP scenarios.
Playstyle for the Once Human Burn Build
The Burn build is straightforward to use, making it accessible for players of all skill levels. Here’s a basic combat strategy:
- If facing a boss, throw a Molotov to trigger the Master Tactician effect. For regular enemies, this step is optional.
- Use Lonewolf’s Whisper or Pyro Dino to draw enemy agro and increase Burn damage.
- Focus on eliminating weaker enemies first to trigger the Blaze explosion. Then, concentrate on the main target or the toughest enemies.
- Keep your health above 90% to sustain buffs from your armor and mods.
- Aim to hit multiple enemies to trigger the Prairie Fire Inferno and create a chain reaction of Burn and explosions.
By following these steps, you can effectively “cook” bosses and enemies with the Once Human Burn build. This setup not only simplifies combat but also ensures a steady stream of damage over time, making it a fun and efficient way to play.
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