Shrapnel Obliterate is a weapon skill in Once Human that has quickly become one of the most discussed abilities among players who enjoy fast-paced, high-damage combat. Whether you’re facing mobs of enemies or taking on high-threat encounters, this skill offers a blend of explosive area damage and precise control that can drastically change the outcome of a battle. As more players dive deeper into the complex weapon and ability system in Once Human, Shrapnel Obliterate stands out not only for its raw power but also for its tactical value. Understanding how to use it effectively, when to unleash it, and how to build around it is essential for any serious survivor looking to dominate the field.
What Is Shrapnel Obliterate in Once Human?
Core Description and Functionality
Shrapnel Obliterate is a combat ability tied to specific weapons or character builds in Once Human. When activated, the skill releases a burst of high-velocity shrapnel that deals area-of-effect (AoE) damage to all enemies within a certain radius. The key feature is its destructive potential capable of obliterating enemy groups and causing severe bleed effects or status debuffs, depending on enhancements or mods equipped.
Unlike some skills that require sustained use or channeling, Shrapnel Obliterate is designed to deliver an immediate and brutal impact, making it ideal for initiating fights or escaping tight situations.
Skill Mechanics Overview
The effectiveness of Shrapnel Obliterate is influenced by a combination of factors, such as:
- Weapon tier and rarity
- Player’s skill level and upgrades
- Modifiers like elemental damage or critical hit chance
- Enemy type and their armor or resistance values
Proper synergy between these elements can turn Shrapnel Obliterate into a truly devastating ability, especially when used in tandem with other crowd control or weakening effects.
How to Unlock and Equip Shrapnel Obliterate
Weapon-Specific Unlocks
This skill is not automatically available at the start of the game. Players typically unlock Shrapnel Obliterate through crafting or finding high-tier firearms most commonly shotguns, grenade launchers, or modified rifles. Some weapons come with this skill as a built-in feature, while others may require modifications or blueprints to enable it.
To equip the skill:
- Access your character’s inventory and weapon interface
- Select the compatible weapon
- Attach the Shrapnel Obliterate skill via the mod or skill slot
- Ensure you meet the minimum stat requirements, such as Strength or Precision
Some late-game gear will offer enhanced versions of this skill with wider radius or bonus damage over time, making it worthwhile to seek out upgraded variants.
Crafting and Mods
Blueprints for Shrapnel Obliterate enhancements can be found in elite enemy drops, hidden caches, or purchased through faction vendors. Once obtained, these blueprints can be crafted using resources like Aluminum Ore, Titanium, Gunpowder, and rare alloys. Players can improve the skill’s cooldown reduction, range, or raw damage output through mod slots in their base crafting station.
Combat Utility and Strategy
Best Use Cases in PvE
In PvE situations, Shrapnel Obliterate excels at controlling large enemy waves. Whether you’re clearing infested ruins, defending your base, or raiding a heavily populated zone, this skill gives you the power to thin out enemies quickly. Best practices include:
- Activating the skill when enemies are grouped together
- Combining it with snares or freezing abilities for maximum effect
- Using it to interrupt enemy abilities or stagger mini-bosses
Since it has a cooldown, timing is essential. Wasting the skill on a small threat can leave you vulnerable when real danger arrives.
Effectiveness in PvP
In competitive or cooperative PvP zones, Shrapnel Obliterate can be a game-changer. Its high burst damage makes it excellent for ambushes or defensive retreats. However, its AoE nature means that precision is important you might damage allies or miss your target entirely if you’re not careful.
Key PvP tips include:
- Use terrain and cover to lure enemies into tight spots before triggering
- Pair with stun grenades or flash effects to disorient before obliterating
- Cycle it with other cooldown-based abilities for sustained pressure
Skill Synergies and Loadout Recommendations
Complementary Abilities
To maximize the effectiveness of Shrapnel Obliterate, players should consider combining it with the following skills:
- Reactive Armor Reduces damage taken while you charge in for close-range engagement.
- Trap Deployment Lures enemies into a zone before exploding them with shrapnel.
- Adrenaline Rush Boosts movement and reload speed immediately after activation.
These combinations enhance both survivability and offensive potential, giving you more room to control chaotic battles.
Ideal Weapon Pairings
Shrapnel Obliterate works best when used with weapons that support close to mid-range combat. Some of the best pairings include:
- Automatic shotguns with wide spreads
- Compact grenade launchers for splash synergy
- Heavy rifles with area-burst mods
Each weapon class brings its own benefits. Automatic shotguns, for instance, let you follow up quickly with raw damage after skill use, while launchers provide broader range control.
Upgrading and Improving Shrapnel Obliterate
Skill Leveling
Players can improve this skill by investing experience points or skill tokens into their weapon mastery tree. Higher levels reduce cooldown, increase damage, and sometimes unlock secondary effects like shrapnel bleeding or fire damage. You may also find skill books or rare implants that passively boost its performance.
Gear Bonuses
Certain armor sets or accessories may boost the output of explosive or AoE-based skills. Items with stats like +10% explosive damage or +Shrapnel Effect Radius can significantly increase the utility of this skill. Prioritize crafting or looting gear that synergizes with your Shrapnel Obliterate-based build.
Risks and Limitations
Cooldown Management
One of the primary drawbacks of Shrapnel Obliterate is its cooldown. In prolonged battles, over-reliance on the skill can leave you exposed once the effect wears off. Always have a backup strategy or alternative weapon ready while the ability recharges.
Resource Dependence
The crafting and maintenance of weapons or mods related to this skill can be resource-intensive. Aluminum Ore, explosive powder, and high-grade metals are often needed, so plan your farming routes accordingly. If resources run dry, you may be forced to downgrade your weapon or switch loadouts temporarily.
Friendly Fire (In Co-Op)
In some game modes, using AoE attacks like Shrapnel Obliterate recklessly may damage allies. Coordination and communication are crucial to avoid accidental team damage, especially in dungeons or PvP scenarios involving multiple players.
Shrapnel Obliterate is a standout skill in Once Human that delivers high-impact, visually impressive, and tactically significant gameplay advantages. Whether you’re clearing mobs in PvE or overwhelming opponents in PvP, this skill earns its reputation as one of the most potent offensive tools in the game. With the right build, timing, and support skills, Shrapnel Obliterate can be the centerpiece of a devastating combat strategy. Investing in this ability and learning to use it effectively will reward players with explosive results across all areas of the game.