Should you keep the Test Subject set in Once Human?

The Once Human Test Subject armor is a three-piece set that you are equipped with by default at the beginning of your journey in this post-apocalyptic world. Unlike other armor sets, it only occupies the face, top, and bottom slots. But, during the tutorial, the top piece is automatically replaced by a different armor piece, removing the third-piece bonus effect from the Test Subject set.

However, many players might not realize that it is more efficient to keep the full Test Subject set in Once Human rather than replacing its pieces, at least in the starting region of the game.

Note: This article reflects the writer's opinions.

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Why is Test Subject the best starting set in Once Human?

The default starting set in Once Human (Image via Starry Studio)

The Test Subject set in Once Human provides three set effects. Wearing one piece grants a certain amount of Pollution Resist, two pieces give an HP boost, and equipping all three pieces provides a bonus to Melee DMG in addition to the previous bonuses.

While Melee weapons are not viable in the endgame, they are incredibly powerful early on, especially on Novice servers. So, this buff can make your early game experience much smoother compared to other sets.

That said, your character can equip up to six armor pieces. With the face, top, and bottom reserved for the Once Human Test Subject set (as it's only available for those slots), the remaining three slots — helmet, gloves, and boots — can be equipped with a different set to gain additional bonuses.

The Rustic set is one of the first sets you can craft in the game (Image via Starry Studio)

The Rustic set is an excellent choice for these slots, as it not only fits into the helmet, gloves, and boots slots but also boosts Melee DMG, making it the perfect complement to Test Subject in Once Human.

Although the Rustic set replaces the top piece of the Test Subject set during the tutorial, it's better to re-equip the Test Subject Top to maintain the full set bonus effects.

The Rustic set does offer a four-piece bonus, unlike the Test Subject set in Once Human, but the bonus increases Gathering Speed, which isn't helpful in combat. That's why it's more efficient to wear three pieces of the Test Subject set, along with three pieces of the Rustic set in the early game, rather than equipping all four pieces of the latter.

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Check out our other guides on this game:

• All Gold Mods in Once Human, and where to get them
• 5 beginner tips for Once Human
• Once Human Mobile release date
• Once Human Dayton hospital crate locations and puzzle