Among the best builds in the game is the Once Human Frost Vortex build. In Starry Studios’ post-apocalyptic survival game, the Frost Vortex is a powerful ability that can be found on weapons, except for say, the Fabled Masumune katana. When activated, it creates a wide radius around the target, slowing down enemies and dealing frost damage every second. This build is perfect for delivering consistent burst damage, especially against enemies hiding in cover, bosses that summon additional enemies, or stationary targets.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up a Frost Vortex build in Once Human.
Key Items for the Once Human Frost Vortex Build
Unlike other builds like the Shrapnel build, you’ll need specific weapons, armor sets, and mods to create a strong Once Human Frost Vortex build. Many of the best items can be acquired through the Wish Machine using Starchrom, a currency in the game. Don’t worry if you can’t get all the pieces in one season, as Starchrom carries over between seasons.
Weapons and Mods
- KV-SBR Icy Rain: This weapon can be obtained by completing the main story mission “Murmurs in the Forest” in the Iron River area. It has a 40% chance to trigger Frost Vortex on critical hits and reloads 15% of ammo when the effect is triggered.
- KAM Abyss Glance: Available for 8000 Starchrom from the blueprint vendor in the Wish Machine, this assault rifle triggers Frost Vortex after 20 hits, with weakspot hits counting as two. The damage increases the closer an enemy is to the center of the Frost Vortex, up to 200%, with an additional 30% frost damage.
- KVD Icebreaker: Found in random wilderness weapon crates, this weapon triggers Frost Vortex with the first shot after reloading and increases frost damage by 30%.
- Cryo Blast Mod: This weapon mod can be looted from crates in Red Sands and Blackheart regions or by defeating certain enemies. It adds a frostbite status to the Frost Vortex, making enemies 4% more vulnerable and slowing their movement by 10%.
- Polar Jelly Deviant: This item from Securement Silo EX1 causes frost damage on hit, reducing enemy movement speed by 50% and dealing additional damage in the area.
Armor Sets and Mods
- Stealth Walker Wrap: Purchased for 8000 Starchrom from the Wish Machine blueprint store, this chest piece pulls enemies toward the center of the Frost Vortex.
- Heavy Duty Set: Found in mystical chests in Evergreen Vineyard, Greenlake Hill, and Silvershore Resort, this set provides an 8% status damage increase and a decaying elemental damage buff when defeating enemies.
- Shelterer Set: Costing 3000 Starchrom per piece, this set increases status effect damage by 8% and introduces the Deviant mechanic, boosting stats damage by 1% per stack, up to 20 times. The fourth piece increases the maximum stacks and grants extra stacks when hitting weak spots.
- Frost Tactical Vest: Located in the 73 Source Extract Mystical Chest in Red Sands, this vest generates icy spikes during Frost Vortex, dealing damage equal to 100% of your PSI power.
- Lingering Frost Mod: Available from armor crates and certain high-level enemies, this mod increases Frost Vortex’s damage over time, up to 60%.
Building the Frost Vortex Set
Early Game Setup
Start with the KV-SBR SMG and the Heavy Duty Set. As you progress, replace parts of the Heavy Duty Set with the Shelterer Set for better synergy with the Deviant mechanic.
Best-in-Slot Gear
Aim for the KAM Abyss Glance as your primary weapon due to its high synergy with the Frost Vortex effect. Equip the Stealth Walker Wrap and a full set of Shelterer armor, supplemented with the Polar Jelly Deviant for additional frost damage and crowd control.
Additional Tips
- Use the Cryo Blast mod on your weapons to maximize the frostbite effect.
- Consider using the Whimsical Drink recipe for a 30% increase in PSI intensity or Honey Glazed Meat for a 3% critical damage boost when enemies are affected by Frost Vortex.
This Once Human Frost Vortex build offers a versatile and powerful way to control the battlefield. Whether you’re dealing with groups of enemies or challenging bosses, this build provides sustained damage and effective crowd control.
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