Obtaining and Mastering the M416 Scorched Earth in Once Human

The Way of Winter update introduced several new armaments to Once Human, including the versatile M416 line of assault rifles. Among these, the Scorched Earth variant emerges as a premier early-game weapon for players experimenting with elemental damage builds. This blue-rarity firearm serves as an accessible entry point for Burn-focused combat strategies, offering a distinctive playstyle through its incendiary mechanics. While not the most efficient tool for dispatching common enemies, its stacking damage-over-time effect proves exceptionally valuable against formidable adversaries with substantial health reserves.

🔥 Locating the Blueprint

Players can acquire the M416 Scorched Earth schematic at Obsidian Camp, a Vulture Stronghold situated in Onyx Tundra's southeastern region. The blueprint rests within a Mystical Crate atop the mountain base, guarded by level 15 enemies predominantly wielding ranged weapons. Access becomes available immediately after completing the introductory sequence and obtaining the motorcycle.

Navigation Route:

1. Traverse roadside apartment buildings toward the mountain

2. Enter the large cavern system beneath the stronghold

3. Stealthily navigate or combat through Vulture patrols

4. Emerge at the mountain base's interior

Two primary paths lead to the crate:

• Scaffolding Route: Locate makeshift platforms ascending the structure

• Window Access: From the main lobby's second floor, vault railings to reach an open window

⚙️ Core Mechanics and Statistics

At Tier 1 without attachments, the rifle demonstrates these baseline capabilities:

🔥 Burn Application Mechanics

Each projectile carries a 12% chance to inflict Burn, dealing escalating damage over time scaled by the player's Psi Intensity. This stacking effect operates through:

• Multiplicative Damage: Subsequent Burn applications intensify existing damage ticks

• Duration Refresh: New procs reset the damage-over-time duration

• Health Scaling: Effectiveness grows against high-HP targets where stacks accumulate

🎯 Optimal Combat Scenarios

The M416 Scorched Earth excels in specific engagements:

✅ Boss Encounters

Extended fights allow maximum Burn stack accumulation, exponentially increasing DPS

✅ Elite Mobs

Tougher enemies survive long enough for Burn mechanics to reach full potency

⚠️ General Mobbing Limitations

Common foes often perish before significant Burn stacks apply, reducing efficiency compared to direct-damage alternatives

🔄 Comparative Build Considerations

While the KAM Crank and ACS12 Pyroclasm Starter may outperform it later, the M416 Scorched Earth remains a viable foundation for Burn builds due to:

1. Early Accessibility: Blueprint acquisition requires minimal progression

2. Modular Flexibility: Accepts attachments that enhance Burn probability and damage

3. Resource Efficiency: Low crafting cost relative to higher-tier alternatives

💡 Advanced Tactics

Maximize effectiveness through these approaches:

• Accuracy Modifications: Increase hit probability to trigger more Burn procs

• Magazine Extensions: Sustain fire to stack effects on single targets

• Elemental Synergy: Combine with other fire-based abilities for multiplicative damage

• Critical Builds: Exploit critical hits to double proc chances

Though surpassed by specialized weapons in pure clearing speed, the M416 Scorched Earth maintains relevance as a transitional armament that teaches elemental mechanics while remaining combat-viable until acquiring end-game alternatives. Its distinctive damage-over-time profile offers tactical diversity in Once Human's evolving combat meta.