If you are new to this game, go head-shotgun, pistol, or rifle if you are a FPS gamer.

you may not familiar with event unique's name, my other guide cover their name & stats.
https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3373145895
Same as most other RPG, numbers / stats are close to everything!
Skill + Equipment = Your Character.
Perfect build doesn't exist, stats are never enough.

Some new player may wonder:
"Your recommended items are too expensive! (or no longer available)"

Well, fella. the biggest mistakes you can make in this game, is missed the holiday event;
But don't be upset, event unique always impact the market, it will make other equipment's price drop (and make some upgrade price go sky high).

If you missed the chance grab S-tier event unique for free, then at least you can buy old A-tier item cheaply. As time go on (1-2 year), any OP event unique will be outclassed by new one.

Feel free to ask at Discord #df2-build-help.

Being GM (Gold Member) or not will greatly affect your build.
GM have [+100% Exp, +50% Inventory Space, +100% Find Unique/Elite Chance].

Thus GM player can pass [Fast Learner, Mule, Looter].
If "Looter" were skipped, extra search speed recommended, "Luna's Collar" is a good pick.

Some high level player have extra level behind their level, that's called Prestige level.
After reach max level (lv60), you unlock prestige exp bar.
From then on, every 1 million exp reward you dye, RE (Rare Enhancer)
Every 10 millions exp give you a prestige level (max +15), and EE (Elite Enhancer)


For the insane amount of exp it takes to reach end game;
I highly recommend non-GM player pick "Fast Learner" skill for your main character.
You can skill reset after you reach max level, the time you saved worth more than 100c.

A norm in DF1, but not in DF2. In DF1 you use different weapon for [Boss Hunt, Loot, Grinding].
In DF2, you tend to do everything with your main weapon (Pistol/Rifle/SG).
SMG/AR build may use pistol/rifle to save ammo cost, but then it is not needed spending 5 skill points on pistol or rifle, as killing infected is easy.

Even in end game, player with several BP weapons like Gore Trimmer or COTA, may not go hybrid for its op stat stick. But it is your character, do whatever you want.
"+Find rare chance" DOES NOT DECREASED CHANCE YOU FIND ELITE & UNIQUE!
Outdated information, it used to be but not anymore.
Game roll grade from high to low, if item fail to roll unique, then Elite > Rare > Superior etc...
High loot speed makes your game life easier, it takes:

3 / (1 + loot speed %) Seconds

With "Looter V" (+50%), it is 2 seconds.
It used to be a controversial skill investment, but after lv60 update drop, 100% worth the pick.
Took 5 skill points, but you levelling up faster.
After grinding to max level (60+15) you can skill reset drop it.
If you are gold member, or only power levelling during event time, not needed.
IMO only needed if your hp is above 300, usually gunner class only have ~200 HP.
If player get hit often, then it is good to have;
If player don't get hit often, then it is not needed.
Can add 2 points on medic (+40% health restore), so that Morphine heal 100.
If player often fight inside building & dodge a lot, it is a life saver skill;
If player don't dodge often, once per 10 seconds is enough, then don't.
Its stun recovery can help you escape from stun locked, still very good to have.
Skill for looter, but you are likely do BP mission with your main character.
Most BP mission require heavy looting in end zone, if so, worth the pick.
Extra +50% sneak speed makes raid building (Comer/Ravenwall/Lab) loot run faster.

It help you move more distance in a long run, but sprinter build is the mainstream, jogger skill helps little unless you rise both of sprint/jog to be a speed devil. In most case, jog from shoes/pants is enough. Pure jogger build simply can't survive latest game content (Spiders, P0).

However, for stats hungry chainsaw build, jogger save stats line space for pants/shoes, at least, it is a lot cheaper building a jogger CS than Sprinter CS.
Never get negative status, but doesn't work inside raid building.
Highly questionable skill investment, but still have players pick them.
Armour absorb more damage and become more durable, but:
1) Your repair armour cost also increased (by a lot)
2) Once your armour broken, this skill is basically non-existence
Are you still in DF1 style, carry many "Scrap hulk's Abs" as shield...?
A needed skill for all gun class, but few player DON'T.
They don't do end game content like patient zero, as range is an issue there.
It either a looter build with pistol (pistol instant aim, no need acc to kill infected in room);
Or body-shotgun build only doing raid building, blast everything off without aiming.
Usually, only close combat (Melee, CS) build need extra DvI, to kill infected ASAP before their aura damage hurt the player. If gun build really need extra DvI to take down infected, then it could only for pale zombie inside "Secronom Labs" raid building, or special infected during event, worth?
They are all skill for looter, unless you are rising a pure ammo / med looter, don't go "Lead Magnet" or "Apothecary". Only in some case, "Apothecary" help close combat class (Melee, CS build) find meds easier, thus better sustainability.

Lock-Picking unlock door without key, for looter build, But you can reach max 75% lock-pick with "Finder's Mittens" or other item easily... worthy?

Hacking is for lab (end game raid building) locked door, this skill also give extra find upgrade chance (+30%), help looter who aiming brand new upgrades in Ravenwall Hospital raid building.

Avoid picking these skills unless you know what you are doing.

Damage vs Human... DF2's PVP feature is lame. Not until DF1's Bandit implant to DF2.
Easy max car inventory space (80)! Create alt character with it, to hoard tons of stuff.
You are not a survivor, but a cargo full of supply.

In 2024 September, lv60 update drop. Which mean player can take 12 skills (15 if max prestige).
If you are new, go Pistol / Rifle / Shotgun expert, AR/SMG is for rich player!

Priority?
"Sprinter", then "Fast Leaner", "Looter"; later go all [Damage / Efficiency] skill:
[Weapon Expert, Reloading, Head Hunter, Quickshot, Hunter, AftH, Marksman]
Weapon expert can go last If you are not decide yet.
It is not a bad idea wait until next event out! Most event unique are very powerful!

"Fast Learner" helps you level up faster, you can skill reset, drop "Fast Leaner" via trainer after you max prestige level (150 mil exp to go!). The time you saved worth more than 100c.

"Aim For The Heart" for extra body damage is too good to pass, if you encounter all boned zombie you can shoot its leg. For shotgun it is also a must have skill, as not all pellets land on head.

I only mark 10 skill with @, the last 2 skill is up to you, depend on what you lack.
Doing PZ a lot? > "Kickboxing" for less travel time, or "Mule" for carrying more supply.
Raid building? > "Toughness", "Survivor", "Quick Reflex" (All good for raid building)
Semi looter? > "Mule", "Stealth" (Though most looter stats come from equipment)

Skill reset, drop "Fast Leaner", thus 6 skills to add. If you are all for PZ / Raid building:

Or whatever you want. New broken unique may give tons of said stats, so you can pass skill.

Rifle received buffed at May, 2025.
Their Base Max ACC become "1.75", so Max Acc is less a problem for Rifle now!

Pistol don't need acc stats, but other gun (Rifle, Shotgun, AR, SMG) need it.
Before we go forward, lets explain accuracy a bit.
With enough "Max Acc", more bullet land on target, increased your total damage output.

Max Acc formula:
3 / (1 + Max Acc%)

The smaller the better
Check your weapon accuracy in character's stat page:

1.2 max acc error is recommended
(+150% Max Acc)

"Marksman" + "Weapon Expert" already give you 75%.
With Compact Scope (+30%) on your gun, you only need 45% from other equipment.
Some weapon already come with Max Acc, easier to reach max potential damage.
No one care "Min Acc", it only benefit pistol. "Min Acc" from skill is enough.

PRO
• Most eco-friednly gun, 200 ammo per box (cheap to use)
  
• Instant aim, can shoot non-stop, Don't need acc stats, easier to pick off optic enemy
  
• Can be effective weapon even without pistol expert

CON
• Overall very good, but lower damage make it less effective inside raid building
  
• You may use "Proud One" for a long time, 'cause most good pistol are event pistol
  
• Revolver can hit hard, at cost of low ammo clip, slow AS & reloading

"Lost Spartan" (lv3) > "The Challenger" (lv40) "Bloodied Handgun" (lv45)
Or used event unique "Suntroke Lock" (lv15).
Whatever you find with HSDMG, ATS, DvM

Event Unique Has * Mark
Ronin's Blade is blue print pistol, best (semi-auto) pistol in game.
There is a special pistol "The Old Way", it behave like a body-SG
Good roll "Kolt 1911" or "Anaconda" (revolver) with DvM / HDMG / ATS can be good.


Semi-auto Pistol need little "Damage Efficiency" stats, damage (HDMG, AS, DvM) alone is good.
Ofc it is good to have "Ammo Cap", "Reloading", but this also apply on all gun.
However revolver Need "Ammo Cap" and "Reloading" badly;
Gunslinger Hat / Gloves can make "Ravenous Gunslinger" hit harder than Ronin's Blade.

Rifle get buffed after May, 2025.
Now it is fine play rifle without extra max acc equipment.
(But extra max acc always welcome!)

PRO
• Eco-friendly gun, 120 ammo per box (cheap to use)
  
• High headshot damage
  
• Strong point rifle is the only weapon type benefit from Aim-Speed (Pro..?)

CON
• Need aiming, waiting cross-hair shrink to actually land bullet on target
  
• Need "Max Acc" to work well
  
• Low body damage, worse than pistol! Full bone head enemy counter rifle.

Not easy to play until late game, avoid rifle unless you are a good FPS gamer

"Twitch Shot" (lv30), "Battleworn Fusil" (lv40)
Or event unique "Suntroke Piercer" (lv15).
Whatever you find with HSDMG, ATS, DvM

Event Unique Has * Mark
STH (Stairway to Hell), blue print rifle, best rifle in game.
"Invader" is good and cheap, come with "Max Acc".
You can search good roll "Chesterfield 1894" (strong point), "VSS Vintorez" on market.

For rifle, max accuracy is very important.
Interestingly, you have two option for strong point ("Chesterfield 1894" or "Sunburn") rifle:
a) Same as semi-auto, go full max acc.
b) Ignore attack speed / max acc, go full aim-speed. In that case, "Lerov's Beret / Gloves", maybe "Lerov's Vest" for even more aim speed. Old school aim shot, fun play.

With high Max Acc gear (on Invader / Guerilla's Arm / STH), you can do insane head damage without worry optic enemy, like pistol but hit much harder.

PRO
• 80 ammo per box, but still eco.
  
• VERY HIGH damage, easy kill or deleg without extra max acc stat

CON
• SLOW RELOADING (3.75s), short range (15M), often less ammo clip
  
• Cystic / Optic enemy counter shotgun hard.
  \_May explode many fungus at once, causing huge AOE damage (shoot leg!)
  \_Without enough max acc, need getting close to optic enemy to shoot

Another good weapon type for beginner

PRO
• Amazing damage (one of the highest)
  
• Can pass "Head Hunter" skill / HDMG stats, go full body damage build.
  
• Just shoot body/legs, no need aiming!

CON
• Most Con head shotgun have, Optic still counter this build
  
• Expensive to use, full-auto gun (3 bullet per sec) burn ammo fast!

Often, body shotgun build use Melee/Chainsaw as secondary weapon for Optic/Cystic

"Trinkets Shop Shotgun" (lv25) from "Drowned Mine" mission is good.
"Ice Breaker" or some lv15 event unique for power leveling newbis also great.
Many "Swan-Off Shotgun" with good damage stats can carry you all the way to lv50.
Same goes body shotgun build, SG hit hard even without HDMG.

Event Unique Has * Mark
CCT-10 (Containment Control Tool-10) is BP shotgun, 3 ammo cap but do insane damage.
Also "Cain's Wrath", a non-tradable event SG similar to "Fatman's Enforcer", RIP if you missed.

"Improvised Blunderbuss" is a toy unique, may be the most popular meme build in DF2.
It has the highest single hit damage but nothing else, if you want to use, go full reload stat.

BP SG is Double-barrel SG, so the best body shotgun is golden/corpse shotgun from unique chest. "Wound Cannon" is second best, but many player seeking even more powerful body shotgun, thus player used most of their RE/EE on AA-12 to gamble. AA-12 with [BDMG, ATS, DvM], plus [Ammo Cap, Reloading], can easily sell over 20 millions if high rolled.

Some player prefer Sega, as it deal ~70% damage, but half the ammo cost.
However, it doesn't mean it always saves you money, as it also making you kill slower, riskier.
If fight were prolonged, one mistake may get yourself killed.

As long as you can one clip mutants (inside raid building), focus on ammo cap & reloading stats;
Head shotgun also like "body damage" stat, 'cause not all pellet land on head.

For body shotgun, it is not cheap to maintain, often need a good secondary weapon like Melee or Chainsaw (CS) to handle infected for saving money.

This build focus on pure body-damage

I list them together because they are very similar.

PRO
• Highest DPS weapon type! Designed for killing!
  SMG has higher DPS
  AR has higher DPH (per hit) and DPC (full clip)
  
• With right gear, can melt anything you shoot, head for fast kill, or deleg!

CON
• Full-auto weapon burn ammo / money way too fast!
  \_Killing infected with SMG/AR is a waste of money
  \_SMG use pistol ammo can last a bit longer & cheaper, but little difference
  
• Without enough Max Acc, kinda waste money on shooting air
  
• Poor stun / knock back, some event pz mutant need them to kite well

Don't chose SMG/AR as your first build, ammo cost will broke you
Player can go DF1 era hybrid style, [Pistol/SMG] or [Rifle/AR] hybrid build.
Cleaning infected with eco gun, then kill mutants with SMG/AR.

Use pistol or shotgun doing PZ;
Or even better, use human remain transfer trick power levelling alt character.

Either head damage for fast kill, or body damage for deleg, some can do both.
By far no good .38 unique SMG, some player use Bulldog to avoid competitor, thus .38 stay cheap.

Also there is a "toy" unique "Little Miser", a fix stats scorpion (.32 ammo smg);
Damage is bad, but still strong enough to kill lv50 mutants (not in raid building).

Fused Agony is the king of damage (full clip), has head & body damage but no Max Acc.
Tombstone on the other hand, the only 8mm ammo AR, less damage but have Max Acc.

Very similar to Rifle build. If your Max Acc is enough, go item give Ammo Clip.

Last two weapon, Melee and CS (Chainsaw), we look at their skill first.



Melee wants more damage, stun duration, thus "Brute Strength".
CS needs walk speed, thus "Reloading".

Being a close combat class will take tons of Aura/Tentacle damage, so Def. stats are needed.
You won't take Aura/Tentacle damage under 1 second, thus "Exterminator" for killing infected ASAP.
"Thick Skin" & "Immune System" is good to have but useless in raid building, so many player don't.

The rest is up to you, more healing? "Apothecary". Search speed? "Looter".
But you probably should take most the skill on list after max prestige.

"Forsaken's Torn Face Bandage" (Head) and "Forsaken's Torn Arm Wraps" (Gloves);
It give player crazy extra attack speed, at cost of:
[increased taken damage, lose statue resistance, lose gun acc, lose knockback / stun duration]

If player don't have "Silver Nian's Mask" or "Gloves Of Misfortune" (unique give HP), consider them.

For gunner, they only need enough HP / IDR to live well.
But for melee and CS, they need extra def stats, lots of them.


"Quick Reflex" should give you enough "Stun Recovery", the more the better.
"Stun Threshold" is for tentacle enemy, without enough threshold, tentacle stun-cancel your attack. It is more noticeable on CS. Melee knock enemy back, but CS have no choice but suck it up.

PRO
• Great weapon for looting
  \_Zero cost, not even melee expert point needed (if just for looting)
  \_Zero noise, won't aggro zombie
  \_Zzss...Stealth + Surprise Attack can OHKO most infected
  
• Bypass Bone (spiked) armour, Optic bullet protection, won't trigger Cystic's fungus
  
• Knock back keep you safe, away from all the Aura / Tentacle damage
  
• If you invest lots of "Attack Speed" and "DvI",
  Melee build is one of the best build for OA or 700 PZ! You can solo 700 PZ!

CON
• But fighting mutants with melee? Dancing with death! (and ineffective)
  \_Damage aura, tentacle, "long arm" mutant (creep tendril, spitter) makes melee life hard
  
• Can knock back 3 enemy at once, but only deal one enemy damage
  
• Melee build have no ammo issue, instead, you take meds like a druggy

"Surprise Attack" damage DO NOT stack with "Body Damage", only "DvM" / "DvI".
Its burst damage only happened on the first hit.
In other word, other than great infected killer, Melee build don't do much.

"Grave Digger", "Last Resort"? They are more like stat stick than actual weapon.
It is better power levelling with human remain transfer, or doing find item mission.
Melee build only shine at (greywood) OA or 700 PZ, you can easily farm 15-30k exp per minutes,
but that required lv50 equipment first.

"COTA" (Call of the Accursed) is BP melee, best melee in game.
If you are not filthy rich, you either go "Black Star" or "Mutant Pummeler".

Tentacle fat zombie's hp is around ~96, make sure you can do that much DMG per hit!
(Find a mace with high rolled [DvI, BDMG, AS])

For melee, attack speed = safety, so forsaken gear's negative trait is fine.
But even if you did everything right, you will get hit eventually. And often one mistake kills you.

TIMING and POSITION.
Hit (until enemy recover from stun) > Dodge > Run 3 sec for stun reset > Repeat
This process is harder when fighting "long arm" enemy (Scythed, Tendril, Creep, Spitter).
Or maybe extra "dodge CD reduction" stat from pants/feet wear, more room for mistake.

One of Melee's trait is attacking make you moving, sometime it is fatal, you will move way too forward, and when enemy recover from stun, you can't dodge it out.

But sometimes, you use this trait attacking while retreat, keep attacking on one direction and wait infected/mutants reach you from behind, they will take your swing but never able to reach you!

PRO
• Pathfinding abuse, dirty trick to free hit enemy, may patched
  
• Fuel is cheap, take small space and efficient. (Can do 700 pz with 2 can of fuel)
  
• Bypass Bone (spiked) armour, Optic bullet protection, won't trigger Cystic's fungus
  
• Another great weapon to kill infected in OA / 700 PZ!
  
• CS can do boss hunt (Good Deleg), far better than melee!
  
• Some most hated mutants (Spider, Reaper, Optic Cultist), CS build counter them!
  \_Walk into Spider's body and start sawing
  \_Backpedal in front of Reaper with 100% walk speed (don't work on scythed reaper!)
  \_The only check for Optic Cultist

CON
• It need way too many stats to work well!
  \_All Def Stats, "DvM", "Walk Speed", "Dodge CD", "Kick Stun", "Health Restore"!
  \_Unlike other build, there is no unique stat stick can fit CS build's need!
  
• Probably the most player skill required build in game
  \_Kick-chainsaw, attack, dodge, repeat. Easier said than done
  
• Same as melee, meds is CS build's real ammo. Out of meds, out of life.
  
• Often, CS build sacrifice moving speed stats for Def. stats, they are SLOW
  
• When you attacking, its "aim" reduce vision around you!
  \_And CS's noise is very annoying

Damage alone is not enough! You need high walk speed (~100%), good Def. Stats!
Pay attention the distance between you and mutant, game can punish you hard!

"Supercharged Hedge Saw" (lv25) is good enough to carry you to lv50. This unique actually is strong enough to kill lv50 mutant, problem is needing other lv50 equipment.
Gore Trimmer is BP CS, the best CS in game, have huge amount of stats.
If you just want to give a try, Injury Mill is okay, but I would suggest Texas CS or Reaver's Arm. 'cause Def stats are as important as Damage stats for CS build.

Goal:
• HP: 300+, IDR -75% (if possible, -125% for PCA, Ravenwall)
  
• Stun Recovery / Threshold: The higher the better
  \_It is manageable fight without extra "Stun Threshold", but hp have to stay high all the time.
  
• Walk Speed: 100%+ (130% for Ravenwall), else you can't backpedal Reaper
  
• (Optional) Kick Stun: 100% (Kickboxing V + Item, for max kick stun enemy)
  
• (Optional) Max Dodge CD Reduction (-90%), it help fight spit cultist and few other.

Mutant have ~50% stun recovery, so to max stun 3 seconds, you need 100% kick stun.
You probably need a stat stick gun with [IDR, DvM, Walk Speed, Health Restore]

You will notice it is almost impossible to find a good pants for CS build, then try jogger.
Triple sprint stats take 2-3 stat line, jogger only need 1, higher chance to roll stats like [IDR, HP, Walk Speed] (S.Recovery, S.Threshold is optional, but help a lot if have).

Try deleg mutant before it kill you.
Other than dirty path finding abuse (I won't explain):

• With high walk speed "backpedal" in front of them, they can almost reach you
  \_Doesn't work on long arm mutants (Scythed, Tendril, Creep, Spitter)
  
• When entering room, you will have ~2 seconds invulnerable time, try deleg in 2 sec!
  
• Kick-chainsaw!
  Switch to Stats Stick Gun > Kick > Switch Back to CS > ATTACK! > Dodge > Run 3 Sec > Repeat. Bug or feature? Kicking with gun & Switch to CS can cancel kick back-swing animation
  Doesn't work with melee, but by doing so you can kick stun > Attack instantly

It need practice to do kick-saw, IMO, use key switching while kicking, is easier than mouse wheel.

A stupid alternative solution, if you can't find / afford a good stat stick gun.
Try "Stun Baton", even with both forsaken set (reduce stun time), it can still max stun mutant.

This build DON'T BOTHER LOOT MUTANT CORPSE, NOR BACK HOME.
Any gun works, but with SMG / AR can finish pz faster.
After finishing pz with the main character, switching to alt for farming PZ reward.
This build is for player who bought slot upgrade, have several character slot.
Fast Learner for rising this build quicker, not for prestige level.
Survivor is for staying outside for a very long time without needing to feed.
Only care speed & damage.

Most looter build's stats come from equipment.
Regular build with "Looter", "Mule", can loot solid enough.
However if you want to go pure looter build...
Focus on "Inventory space", "Search Speed", "(Sneak) Visibility", (target item) finding chance.
There is no best looter build, all depend what you are aiming for.

In the "Loot" row, "Lockpicking", "Hacking" don't do negative impact;
but with "Lead Magnet" or "Apothecary" will drastically changed your loot.
When holiday event arrived, soda or candy may worth far more than ammo / meds 'cause event NPC required it, in that case if you have said 2 skills, you lose profit.

DvI or other damage stats are optional, most of the time, only optic infected need to be removed. Wasting time on killing is wasting time on looting.

a) Speedy looter, avoid fight, rise visibility/footstep noise, if zombie approach, kick/dodge, leaves
b) Stealth looter, only option for raid building looting, max sneak visibility/sneak speed
c) House breaker, max lockpicking, loot every lv50 zone household's locked room
d) Aggressive looter, kill everything loot later, if use gun, no need marksman
Chainsaw looter build exist, but after tentacle enemy implant, this build only work at lv40

Similar to speedy looter, but for boss hunt.
a) Body/pants with Visibility (75% max) stat, you become invisible.
b) Pants/feet with footstep noise, you won't aggro zombie when walking.
c) Head/hand item with -Noise stats, gun use "Silencer" upgrade, capped at 95%.

Silent build is not popular. You can kill everything at late game, sneaky for what?
The few place this build shine, is for raid building boss room (99% is for comer).
Clean room first, then kill mutant one by one, for they are not aggroed by gun noise or sight.

Rise "Walk Speed" as high as possible (200% max).
CS build isn't the only build benefit from high walk speed, Usually this build require stat stick give walk speed (namely, Gore Trimmer). High walk speed kinda means you no longer have to run for space, stun / knock-back plus the walk makes you safe, even while reloading you can easily evade most of the zombie. Niche build for some people.

a)Toy Unique
"Improvised Blunderbuss", OP damage on paper, almost unusable in action, need high reloading.
"Anti-Tank Rifle", Improvised Blunderbuss' twin brother, but rifle. Have movement penalty.
"Little Miser", SMG shoot .32 ammo. Literally toy, fun though, at least ammo cost nothing.
"Stun Baton", "End Game Marathon" at home.

b)Tank Build
Go full "Scrap Hulk" set, with "Armour V" and armour implant, unsinkable titanic!
...
Buddy, listen.
Indeed you can tank 4-6 times more damage than others, but you can't fight nor escape. You just turn yourself into a punching bag, the only viable (?) reason go this way is for leeching boss hunting party in raid building.

c)Kicking Karate KidRacism? In zombie apocalypse world? Really?
Equip all the unique (Iron knee, Karate) give kick damage/CD, your kick damage now is 8.
Sounds very awful, but kick CD was capped at 95%, 2 kick per seconds.
Plus maybe ~200% DvI/DvM, it is 48 DPS. Still bad, but with kick stun, you probably can solo OA. Now kick CD capped at 90%, this once usable (!?) meme build is dead.

Stats has its type pool, certain equipment can only have certain type of stats!
Some unique items are exception.
ex: Biohazard shoes has HP & IDR, normal shoes can't roll defensive type of stats.


When item created, game will roll its stats from its corresponded stats pool.
Items with more stat pool are harder to roll ideal stats combination.
Hence players tends to used Unique, as their stats are fixed.
But if item roll perfect 6 line with high %, it is possible worth more than end game item.


Offensive Stats Pool (32 Total?)

Defensive Stats Pool (15 Total?)

Movement Stats Pool (12 Total?)

Some stats were dropped, or reserved for unique, skill, upgrade (ex: Armour Durability).

Gambling time!

• Item has "grade", Superior (1-2 stats), Rare (3-4 stats), Elite (5-6 stats).
  
• When enhanced, rise item grade, add new line, reroll old stats. (Numbers never go down)
  
• Suggest player enhanced after lv60! But even at lv60, result often under lv60! >:(
  
• During event, will allow player craft 1 EE with 10 RE in workbench.
  
• After Enhanced an item, its trade remain will be reset to 3.
  So if someone is selling EE, you send a superior / rare item to seller, after EEed, seller send back to the buyer with price. Usually one EE worth 150-200k.
  
• Never EE Wakizashi / Machete! It has a glitch make it never roll over 4 stats!

So what's the odd if I want to roll my own "Endgame Marathon"?
It is math time![www.calculator.net]
Take a look at previous chapter, about the item's stats type pool:
Weapon draw stats from all 3 type (Offensive, Defensive, Movement) stats pool.

Guns have no [Surprise Damage], so 58 (31+15+12) in total.
On the other hand, Melee have no
[Head Damage, Noise, Ammo Cap, Reloading, Max ACC, Min ACC, Range, Aim Speed].
So that's 51 (24+15+12) in total.

• If it is a gun, 4 stats (DvM, IDR, S.Speed, S.Duration) from 58 is C(4,58), 1/424270!
  
• If it is a melee, 4 stats (DvM, IDR, S.Speed, S.Duration) from 51 is C(4,51), 1/249900!

But that is the odd when you RE / EE a common white item.
If you already have a superior melee with DvM, IDR, then it is C(2,49), 1 / 1176!
It actually should divide 2 further, as rare item only have 1/2 chance roll 4 stat line
It is kinda hard to calculate it right, but overall the odd is very small.

That's why some unique are expensive. As roll wanted stats in full odd are just that difficult.

To craft an UE need player complete "Mara Nix / Patient Zero" mission chain, 3 times!
You need 3 "Secrom Tokens" to craft one UE with 1 million cash!
Player can enhanced most unique item to player's level. (lv60 player, lv60 result, no gamble)

But...!

• Some unique item's stat DOESN'T SCALE along with level!!!
  https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3336277348
  
• Same goes many lv15 event unique, they have great stats, but only for power levelling noob!
  
• UE DOES NOT RESET TRADE REMAIN!
  So if you are buying a UE (~2-3 Mil), your unique should at least have 2 trade remain!

Some popular low level item for UE:

Okay, don't be fooled by name, enhancing event gun with 500c is not enhancing, is CRAFTING!
Enhancing item with RE/EE/UE won't changed your gun's attachment.
But when you "enhance" your event gun with 500c make them ~10% stronger, it actually DESTROY your old event gun for a new buffed one!

I don't know if it is just a "false friend" linguistic phenomenon, or an evil commercial conspiracy.
I believe it is the former, but still, it is a avoidable design flaw. (though I have no clue how to fix it)

Note that, sprint CD cap at -75%, easily overfilled by skill, boots, pants, stat stick.
Almost every build need some walk speed helps you fight mutant. (Mostly for Twin)
Poor? Buy cheap triple sprint stat boots, "Lerov's Combats", "Salvage Keepsake" (stat stick).


150% jog speed = 67% sprint speed.

Now jogger build is not viable, as event mutant / Spider / Patient 0 are too fast.
But with jog, it save you travel time in long run, still a good stat to have.
For some stats hungry build (chainsaw?), jog stats save item's line space for more Def stats.

Use whatever you want, unique or not.

Highe priority stats:
• Inventory space, IDR, HP

Optional:
• Stun Recovery / Threshold, (Stealth)Visibility, Status Resistance

If new player die often, they can pick "Scrap Hulk's Abs", it is fine just let it stay broken.
You can try creating countless alt character farming "Playstop LE Shirt" from "Mr.Moore" story mission, then RE/EE them. Player do some insane farming / grinding just for that extra 3% of movement speed.

Armour can absorb further damage until it is broken.
For example you already max -75% IDR, when you take 100 damage:

• Body> Lose 25 Hp (100 * 0.25)
  
• Normal Armour (absorb 20%)> Lose 20 Hp (100 * 0.25 * 0.8), armour lose 5 Durability
  
• Heavy Armour (absorb 30%)> Lose 18 Hp (100 * 0.25 * 0.7), armour lose 7 Durability

It can absorb even more damage with "Armourer" (skill) and armour upgrade.
But it also make player have to spend more cash on repairing! (cause more durability)

In most case, clothes is better as armour get broken way too fast.
But if you find a good stats armour, it is fine wearing without repair it.

Name with * Mark is event unique.


Good pants are just that hard to find, and yes, legs unique worth that much.
RE/EE pants is risky, as chance of useless stats line pop out is high. But that probably is the cheapest way to get great pants. [Triple sprint stats, IDR, inv. Space, Walk], six good stats line pants can easily sell over 20 millions.

Poor player can go "Lerov's Combats", or just high roll "Sprint Speed", "Jog Speed" pants.

Feet roll its stat from movement pool, which only has 12!
Feet is the easiest slot to fill for character building, usually you want:
[Triple Sprint Stats, Walk Speed], maybe [Dodge CD, Jog Speed], whatever you want, just high roll.

HOWEVER...!!!

After 2024 summer time released event feet unique "Sunset Driffter's Sandals", it give MASSIVE triple sprint stats (50% sprint speed / duration, 41% sprint CD), plus the later release of "Nix Mansion / Patient Zero" story mission chain (spiders and p0 run fast), that sandals almost become a must-have feet item... (you can't shoot unless you make enough distance)

If you missed the event, then try search max roll sprint speed on legs / feet, at lv60 it can go as high as 30%, "Sprinter V" + "Kickboxing V" give 35%, stat stick can give 25% sprint speed, you can reach 115% sprint speed. (Orangizer for extra 20%), at least you can out run most of them.

But other than end-game content, solid elite shoes can carry you anywhere.

Sometime you carry secondary weapon just for stats it give.
"Movement Speed" is global speed boost, 10% considered as "O".
Name mark with *, is event unique.

For PZ, "DvM" and movement speed get more priority;
for raid building, "IDR", "DvI" helps a lot.

Blue print weapon, such as "Gore Trimmer", COTA (Call of the Accursed), also be use as stat stick, as they give SO MANY stats. Poor player just use "Salvaged Keepsake", or search market for elite weapon with similar stats.

Ammo Cap Formula

Weapon Base Ammo Cap * (1 + Ammo Capacity%)
Then Round UP to 1 if reach 0.5

"15%" row is for "Quick Magazine Extender", reward from "Drowned Mine" mission.
"35%" row is for "Brand New Drum Magazine", Ravewall Hospital raid building exclusive loot.
If your Head/Gloves give extra ammo clip stats, do the math first.

• Pistol

Mostly focus on ammo cap, but for revolver it also need reloading stats.
(Brand New) "Drum Magazine", "Quick Magazine Extender" (Doomsayer mission reward)

• Rifle

"Max Acc" is needed, "Compact Scope" ("Red Dot" if poor).
In few case, strong point rifle like aim speed, "Elite Grip Tape".

• Shotgun

"Elite Grip Tape" in 99% case, for faster reloading.
"Compact Scope" do help you deal with optic enemy and deleging, but if you can't kill mutant in one clip, you are in danger.

For body-SG, player prefer "Drum Magazine" for more ammo clip (higher base ammo cap makes upgrade's buff scale more), but long reloading time still is an issue need to fix.

Shotgun's Reloading Time:
3.75 / (1 + Reloading %)

"Concentration Stim" drug can be looted from lv55+ zone, buff players for 5 minutes.

• SMG/AR

They need "Max Acc", go "Compact Scope" ("Red Dot" if poor).
But if they come with "Max Acc", can go with "Drum Magazine" if your Max ACC is high enough.

• Melee

Attack Speed = Safety for Melee build. Titanium Counterweight.
If you are really into melee build, "Exo gloves", a new hand upgrade give 15% melee damage.

• Chainsaw

"Advanced Chainsaw Muffler", "Emergency Syringe" for your stat stick gun.
"Hobnailed Sole" on feet if you really want to max kick stun...?

For now game only have a few head upgrade, only "Dream Catcher" from "Drowned Mine"s bad end route worth naming. 2% of DvM / DvI though.
Same as head, only a few, and it is totally fine without them.
Unless you are melee build, willing to spend millions buy "Exo Gloves" to hit 15% harder.
IMO, only pouches give damage or search speed worth the slot. (removed upgrade cost 200c!)
More damage (DvM mostly): Snow Devil Hunter Pouches, Snowstorm Tamer Pouches.
Searching Speed: Many event pouches give search speed, bonus finding chance affect little.

Armour should use said pouch as well, the point of armour upgrade is questionable, wearing a armour already gave you extra protection, if you are doing anything right you wouldn't die that easily to the point you want further buff armour's stregth (plus you need pay more to repair).
"Soft Soles" for 2 extra movement speed, but take 1 extra incoming damage.
"Leporine's Soles", event upgrade, 2 extra movement speed, no downside.
"Pouches of Endless Luck", by far the best upgrade on backpack.
For taming the rage of players who can't find "Kate's invitation" to start the mission?