Above Advanced Skills

[TechnoRambo]

Which ones are worth going above advanced?

Really curious as my character is maxxed out. Is above advanced stealth, rifle, boxing help? Please provide with me information which ones is not worth having maxxed out.

Thanks

[daw593server]

Originally posted by TechnoRambo:

Which ones are worth going above advanced?

Really curious as my character is maxxed out. Is above advanced stealth, rifle, boxing help? Please provide with me information which ones is not worth having maxxed out.

Thanks

Hi TechnoRambo,

I maximised all of my attributes and skills and have my own opinions, which are based on my own play style (primarily PVE). Your choices will depend on how you play SCUM and if you have a PVE, PVP, or "mixed" focus.

My opinion (in alphabetical order within categories):

MUST HAVE (for me)

Archery - most of my puppet and razor removals are done quietly with arrows. Higher draw weight bows can be used effectively (also influenced by STR), faster reload, faster draw, longer hold time, faster bow tuning for compound bows.

Awareness - self explanatory. You will be more aware of clues and items around you.

Brawling - I do not worry much after a respawn because I know I can get through the initial puppets without needing anything. Increases attack speed, more combos, better blocking efficiency.

Endurance - Provides significant benefits! +30% rate of stamina recovery, -20% use of energy, -20% use of water.

Engineering - I have become the base builder in the squad, most of the others are on "gather materials detail". Reduces the number of materials needed for base building, increased repair quality, faster charging and refuelling speed.

Medical - self explanatory. Reduces stabilisation time, lowers number of items for successful treatment, increases chances to upgrade BCU chip without doctor.

Melee Weapons - My preferred backup weapon (Katana). Increased weapon attack speed, more combos, higher weapon damage.

Running - I usually run the map and this will also get you out of trouble in most cases! Pairs perfectly with maximised endurance. -40% stamina use when running/jogging, +20% jogging speed, +20% running speed.

Stealth - very important these days with puppets and other nasties. Lowers sound produced while moving.

Survival - self explanatory. Reduces number of materials needed for crafting, increases compass complexity, unlocks crafting recipes.

Thievery - lock picking becomes far easier (along with practice). More time per lock picking attempt, higher level of pressure applied before the lock pick breaks.

With maximised endurance and running skill you will run faster than most players (and most puppets), run further before running low on stamina, and recover your stamina more quickly.  At the same time you will use less energy and water.  This represents the best case escape plan, and, of all of the "must haves" these will really help you survive every time you play SCUM.  These also help when you are maximising other skills!

NICE TO HAVE (for me)

Driving - I generally run or bike on the map so this falls into this category. Lessens frequency of stalls, increased maximum speed, faster acceleration, better steering.

Handgun - I carry one for wolves and wildlife, and as a last resort weapon (Block45). Faster reload time, quicker change between positions (ready to aiming), higher accuracy.

Motorcycling - I enjoy riding when I am short of time. Lessens frequency of stalls, increased maximum speed, faster acceleration, better steering.

Rifles - I usually carry a compound bow instead, but the squad standard is the UMP-45. Sometimes I will carry an RPK when I suspect things are going to get super challenging. Faster reload time, quicker change between positions (ready to aiming), higher accuracy.

Sniping - occasionally used when sneaking up on a cargo drop (we have 3x puppets). I am more likely these days to use a compound bow. Increases range check speed, ability to hold breath.

IF YOU HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO (for me)

Aviation - I love to fly but the benefits of maximising this skill do not seem all that great to me. Actually, I did not notice much difference between skill levels.

Cooking - I really do not like being trapped in the kitchen and I am not a good cook in-game or in real life. Only lessens cooking time.

Demolition - PVE Player here with some exceptions (PVP zones), but raiding is not my thing. Reduces materials needed for crafting related items, more time for defuse, increases number of defuse attempts, increases quality of armed explosives, increased explosive damage, increased trigger radius, unlocks crafting recipes.

Farming - I know where pretty much anything I need can be found on the map. Increases amount of harvest-able produce, increases speed of farming interactions (seeding watering, fertilising, etc.).

CURRENTLY NOT NEEDED

Camouflage - maximised it but found out later it is currently disabled in game. There is no current need to increase the camouflage skill.

Here are some other thoughts from when I maximised my attributes and skills:
https://steamcommunity.com/app/513710/discussions/0/603019495810845025/

Sarah

[CrankyOldMan]

daw593Server Nice post^^

Besides Camo!

The one skill I never worried about was Brawling.

Lock picking is difficult for me due to bad hands so Usually don't bother with raiding.

[daw593server]

I edited my original post to include specific benefits for each skill. These were taken from in-game mouse over (plus <Ctrl>) popups . If anyone spots an error, please post any corrections, particularly if any portion of the descriptions I included are no longer relevant or if they have changed.

Sarah

[daw593server]

Originally posted by CrankyOldMan:

daw593Server Nice post^^

Besides Camo!

The one skill I never worried about was Brawling.

Lock picking is difficult for me due to bad hands so Usually don't bother with raiding.

Thanks, CrankyOldMan. Brawling is a last ditch thing for most people; however, I like to have something in my pocket for times when you are caught unprepared. These days I craft a bow/arrows and a spear or club first thing so it is not really required. But it helps to know you have something!

Hopefully camouflage will come back into the game in a way that is not overpowered and prone to abuse. I think it is more likely that it will be removed for good though.

Sarah

[Chill Canuk]

Extremely high quality post, thank you. I feel like you should be in charge of the Wiki or something.