If wielding devastating science weapons across all categories appeals to you, the Universal Scientist build is your go-to choice in The Outer Worlds. This guide dives deep into the attributes, skills, perks, and weapon optimizations needed to master this build and annihilate your enemies effectively.

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Core Attributes for the Universal Scientist

Since attributes are permanent, it’s crucial to get them right from the start. For this build, focusing on Intelligence and Strength is essential:

• Intelligence: Enhances critical damage across all weapon types, making it indispensable for maximizing your science weapons’ output.
• Strength: Boosts melee damage, which is vital as the most powerful science weapon in the game is a melee weapon.

Perception can be ignored as no significant science weapon benefits from it.

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Skill Focus: Science Above All

Science is the cornerstone of this build. It increases both the damage and the effectiveness of science weapons, and it significantly reduces the cost of tinkering. Max this skill out first to ensure your weapons scale effectively throughout your journey.

Ranged and Melee: Aim to raise these to around 60 points each, allowing flexibility with different weapon types. Focus on one if you discover a preferred playstyle.

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Perks for Peak Performance

• Weird Science: +50% science weapon damage—an absolute must.
• Wild Science: Stacks an additional +50% science weapon damage.
• Lone Wolf: Essential if you play without companions.
• Toughness: +50% health, boosting survivability.
• Armor Master: Enhances both armor and its passive effects.

These perks ensure maximum damage output while also addressing survival and utility.

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Best Science Weapons Ranked

1. Prismatic Hammer: Unleashes a devastating attack with potential damage exceeding 20,000 per hit. Best-in-class for raw power.
2. Gloop Gun: Excellent for crowd control with its AoE and high damage.
3. Mind Control Ray: Forces enemies to turn on each other while dealing damage.
4. Shrink Ray: High damage but limited range and utility.
5. Mandibular Rearranger: Freezes targets every third hit—useful on higher difficulties.

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Weapon and Armor Optimization

• Tinkering: Prioritize raising Science to 80 to cap tinkering costs, ensuring all weapons remain viable late-game.
• Armor: Use the Sugar Ops Helmet for increased plasma and N-ray damage.

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Pro Tips for Mastering the Build

• Respec Wisely: Once you find your favorite science weapon, respec to focus on skills that enhance it.
• Skill Point Management: Avoid surpassing 100 points in non-passive skills to prevent waste.
• Science Mods: Aim for shock or plasma damage to leverage Science’s passive boosts.

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Conclusion

The Universal Scientist build is an adaptable and powerful choice for players who love experimenting with different weapon types. By mastering science weapons and optimizing your build with the right skills and perks, you’ll turn Halcyon into your personal lab of destruction.

Stay tuned for more builds and tips to dominate The Outer Worlds!