As vital companions in exploring and battling across the continent of Nalcott, Combat Deviations have always held a special place for Metas. After months of extensive online testing and in-depth offline refinement, we are proud to introduce a brand-new Combat Deviation Skill System in the December 23th (PT) update. This is not just a functional update but an evolution of the core combat experience.
In the new version, after synchronizing with a Combat Deviation, Metas will gain two active skills: a Battle Skill and an Ultimate. We aim for this change to deliver richer combat rotations, keeping every battle fresh with significantly expanded tactical options, empowering Metas to better control the battlefield. Below is the full content:
Deviation Battle Skills vary based on each Deviation’s unique traits, offering diverse combat experiences. These skills enter cooldown after use.
Zapamander’s battle skill enables characters to enter a lightning-fast sprint state.
By-the-Wind’s battle skill creates a one-way wind wall that blocks bullets.
Deviation Ultimates are expanded combat skills built upon the current summoning mechanics. Unlike the existing summoner experience, the new ultimates offer rich diversity. Some attach to the character for coordinated attacks, others transform into cover for safe haven, some unleash devastating destruction, while others weaponize the Deviation itself. Each Deviation engages uniquely in battle. Ultimates can be activated when Deviation power reaches its max, consuming energy based on their effects.
Activating Mitsuko’s ultimate grants sustained auto-tracking attacks.
Mini Wonder morphs into a black hole, pulling all enemies inward.
After summoning Pyro Dino, you can mentally control it to attack as a powerful Pyro Cannon.
[Key Bindings]
Ultimates feature multiple control modes: the current in-game wheel mode (tap to deploy/tap to recall, and hold to open the wheel for different actions) and an alternate tap-to-deploy mode (tap again during deployment to enter mind control, and hold to recall).
Related keybinding changes: The emoji wheel no longer has a dedicated default key but can be accessed by switching via the universal wheel.
After the December 23 (PT) update, once Deviations are synced in the securement unit, Metas can now equip and switch deployed Deviations directly from the gear backpack interface in addition to the secure pod, allowing flexible combat strategy adjustments! Switching would clear Deviation Power and reset battle skill cooldowns.
These changes will apply to all scenarios except "Deviation: Survive, Capture, Preserve" (note: some Deviation skills may differ in RaidZone mode; actual in-game effects prevail).
Innovation goes beyond the surface. In addition to mod and Deviation upgrades, we’re overhauling combat systems: equipment crafting, Cradle control, Stellar Stairway, blueprints, and more. Please stay tuned for future dev blogs. Feel free to share feedback via the Once Human Co-Dev Feedback Platform (link: https://www.oncehuman.game/grfkpt/). Thank you for your support!
Once Human Development Team
