Best Once Human Builds 2026

Once Human introduces a wide range of exciting builds to experiment with, whether you're facing PvE or PvP scenarios. These Once Human builds can be enhanced with various perks, mods, and accessories to fit any playstyle. In this article, we’re breaking down the best choices for early game, late game, solo players, and more.

Before diving into the meta-defining Once Human builds, don’t miss out on a special offer from Gamer Choice. With our Character Powerleveling, you can fast-track your progress and hit level 50 quickly, skipping the early grind and jumping straight into the endgame.

Best PvE Builds in Once Human

Let’s begin with the most dominant Once Human builds designed for PvE. These builds utilize different weapons and mechanics but share one thing in common – sheer power. These setups are great for eliminating Great Ones, tough bosses like Arachsiam, and anything else in your way.

Shrapnel Build

The Shrapnel build is considered one of the best Once Human builds for eliminating the Great Ones and tackling PvE challenges. It centers around maximizing Crit Chance, ideally aiming for a 50% proc rate or higher. With three Shrapnels, each dealing 55% of your weapon damage, this build melts through enemies with ease. You’ll need The Bull’s Eye debuff from the Recurve Crossbow to activate its full potential.

Slot	Item	Mod
Primary Weapon	SOCR – The Last Valor	Obliterate-Violent
Secondary Weapon	Recurve Crossbow	Vulnerability Amplifier
Helmet	Beret	Precise Strike
Mask	Falcon Mask	Targeted Strike
Gloves	Falcon Gloves	Crit Amplifier
Chest	Falcon Jacket	Lifeforce Boost
Pants	Falcon Pants	Deadshot
Boots	Boots on the Ground	Slow and Steady

Key substats to look for include Crit DMG, Weapon DMG, Max HP, Magazine Capacity, Weakspot DMG, and bonus DMG to Great Ones. To push your DPS even further, consider using food buffs:

• Canned Lunch Meat
• Assorted Canned Fruit
• Canned Meat
• Bone-In Deviated Sausage
• Stargazy Pie

Equip a 4-piece Falcon set to optimize The Bull’s Eye debuff, enhancing both Crit Chance and Crit DMG. Swap it out only if you absolutely must.

Div-Evo Build

Div-Evo is among the top Once Human builds for SMG lovers and players who enjoy speed. The main challenge here is obtaining the Renegade Pants from the Wish Machine, but replacements are possible without compromising the core concept.

Slot	Item	Mod
Primary Weapon	Div-Evo	SMG DMG
Secondary Weapon	SOCR – The Last Valor	Any
Helmet	Beret	Spearheading
Mask	Agent Mask	Deadly Focus
Gloves	Heavy Duty Gloves	Steady Shot
Chest	Falcon Jacket	Torso Fortification
Pants	Renegade Pants	Extra Load
Boots	Agent Shoes	Vengeful Boost

This build focuses solely on Div-Evo as the primary damage dealer. Aim for mods that enhance SMG DMG, Crit Chance, and Crit DMG. Secondary weapons are less important in this setup. Essential Cradle perks include:

• SMG DMG Boost
• Rifle Amplify
• Steady Hand
• Deadly Combo
• Tactical Combo
• Enhanced Perception
• Bullet Hunt
• Frontline Reinforcement

Farm dungeons and bosses like Treant and Spider to collect mods for your gear and weapons.

Sniper Build

The Sniper build is a top-tier pick in patch 1.2, centered around maximizing weakspot damage via the Bull’s Eye mark. It’s a precise, high-damage setup with a significant payoff when executed correctly.

Slot	Item	Mod
Primary Weapon	AWS.338 - Bullseye	Vulnerability Amplifier
Secondary Weapon	DE.50 - Wildfire	Vulnerability Amplifier
Helmet	Renegade Hood	Momentum Up
Mask	Renegade Mask	Most Wanted
Gloves	Renegade Gloves	Munitions Amplifier
Chest	Bastille Jacket	Munitions Amplifier (Blue)
Pants	Bastille Pants	Three Strikes
Boots	Seasoned Hunter Leather Boots	Covered Advance

The core mechanic comes from the Archer Focus perk, activated by wearing three Renegade Set pieces. Each consecutive shot adds 4% bonus weakspot damage, up to 10 stacks. Prioritize these Cradle perks:

• Long Range Enhancement
• Handgun Enhancement
• Bounty Hunter x2
• Tactical Combo
• Advantage Barrier
• Swift Recover

Use Mixed Fried Hot Dog and Assorted Canned Fruit to stack additional weakspot bonuses with the Bull’s Eye buff.

Best PvP Builds in Once Human

For PvP encounters, the best pick among current Once Human builds is centered around Unstable Bomber. This explosive-centric setup can eliminate opponents in just a few well-placed hits. Just be mindful of the combo rotation to maximize efficiency.

Slot	Item	Mod
Primary Weapon	Jaws (DE.50)	Super Charged
Secondary Weapon	Bingo (AWS.338)	Vulnerability Amplifier
Helmet	Falcon Hat	Fateful Strike
Mask	Falcon Mask	Reckless Bomber
Gloves	Falcon Gloves	Crit DMG Boost
Chest	Shaman Vulture Top	Crit DMG Boost
Pants	Falcon Pants	Crit DMG Boost
Boots	Camo Leather Boots	Crit DMG Boost

Blue Tier mods are acceptable here due to the lack of alternatives at higher levels. The key gear is the Shaman Vulture Top, which increases your Unstable Bomber damage based on your distance from the target and makes it easier to proc Jaws. The combo:

1. Hit with Bingo
2. Apply The Bull’s Eye debuff
3. Switch to Jaws and unload
4. Trigger Unstable Bomber
5. Repeat as needed

This combo guarantees explosive results when executed properly. Recommended Cradle perks:

• Pistol Strengthen
• Rifle Amplify
• Tactical Combo
• Flame Resonance
• Upper Hand
• Elemental Sense

Feel free to experiment here – the perks aren’t set in stone for this build.

Best Early Game Build

If you’re new to the game, the Fast Gunner is your go-to among early-game Once Human builds. It’s easy to put together and incredibly effective for leveling and farming. While optimal rolls from the Wish Machine help, they’re not essential.

Slot	Item	Mod
Primary Weapon	MG4 – Predator	Lasting Fortification
Secondary Weapon	Recurve Crossbow	Vulnerability Amplifier
Helmet	Falcon Hat	Precise Strike
Mask	Precise Shot Mask	Shooting Blitz
Gloves	Falcon Gloves	Crit DMG Boost
Chest	Falcon Jacket	Crit DMG Boost
Pants	Falcon Pants	Bullet Siphon
Boots	Boots on the Ground	Covered Advance

Eventually, transitioning into the Renegade set improves the build, but until then, stick with the more accessible Falcon set. The best Cradle perks for Fast Gunner include:

• Crossbow DMG Boost
• LMG Reload Boost
• Tactical Combo
• Flame Resonance
• Deadly Combo
• Elemental Sense
• Steady Hand

Just make sure to maintain the LMG Reload Boost, as it significantly amplifies your main weapon output. Use consumables like:

• Stargazy Pie
• Assorted Canned Fruit
• Canned Meat
• Bone-In Deviated Sausage

Best Endgame Build

For endgame players who prefer a straightforward yet powerful approach, the Power Surge setup stands out among the final phase Once Human builds. While it’s not the most potent, it’s very accessible and surprisingly strong thanks to elemental effects.

Slot	Item	Mod
Primary Weapon	SOCR – Outsider	Shock Rampage
Secondary Weapon	Recurve Crossbow	Crit DMG Boost
Helmet	Mayfly Goggles	Precise Strike
Mask	Falcon Mask	Thunderclap
Gloves	Falcon Gloves	Crit DMG Boost
Chest	Falcon Jacket	Weakspot DMG Boost
Pants	Falcon Pants	Weakspot DMG Boost
Boots	Boots on the Ground	Slow and Steady

This build focuses on maximizing lightning procs using the Recurve Crossbow. You’ll want to stack as many mods that enhance Shock DMG as possible. Key Cradle perks include:

• Crossbow DMG Boost
• Rifle Amplify
• Flame Resonance
• Deadly Combo
• Upper Hand
• Bullet Hunt
• Elemental Sense

Elemental Sense is critical for boosting Shock damage – the main source of this build’s power. Food buffs to include:

• Stargazy Pie
• Whimsical Drink

Execution is simple: tag a target with the crossbow, then unload your SOCR for maximum damage output.

F.A.Q.

What are the best Once Human builds?

Some of the most powerful Once Human builds right now include the Shrapnel Build, Div-Evo Build, Unstable Bomber Build, Fast Gunner Build, and Power Surge Build. Each offers a unique playstyle suited for different situations.

What is the best PvE build in Once Human?

If you're looking to dominate in PvE, the Shrapnel build is your best bet. It excels in boss fights and large mob encounters thanks to its high Crit Chance and burst potential.

What is the best PvP build in Once Human?

The top pick for PvP in Once Human is the Unstable Bomber build. With explosive damage and fast kill potential, it’s ideal for taking down players quickly in duels or group fights.

What is the meta in Once Human?

Right now, the Once Human meta revolves around builds that offer high mobility, strong burst damage, and straightforward combo mechanics for both PvE and PvP gameplay.

What is the best secondary weapon in Once Human?

The Recurve Crossbow stands out as the top secondary weapon in Once Human due to its Bull’s Eye debuff, which significantly boosts damage when paired with most builds.

What is the best armor in Once Human?

The Falcon set is currently the go-to armor choice. Wearing at least four pieces grants excellent bonuses that enhance most damage-focused builds from early to late game.

What is the best primary weapon in Once Human?

The SOCR Assault Rifle is widely considered the best primary weapon. It provides reliable firepower, while Div-Evo is a strong alternative for players who prefer a faster, SMG-style approach.

Conclusion

That concludes our breakdown of the best Once Human builds for 2026. Whether you're playing solo or tackling dungeons with a team, these builds provide top-tier performance across all content. Remember, the meta will evolve with new updates, so keep experimenting and refining your loadouts. For those looking to skip the grind and dominate instantly, Gamer Choice is your go-to destination for Once Human services. We’ll see you in Nalcott, survivors!