Deep Rock Galactic builds for modded gameplay
Table of Contents
- Builds for teamplay
- Offmeta and legacy builds
- OC-less builds
- True Solo builds
- Equipment
- Perks
- Throwables
- Bosco
- Team Compositions
- Buildonomicon Frequently Asked Questions
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Builds for teamplay
A collection of meta builds for a 4 player team in Hazard 6x2 or above. This is considered the main sheet of the document, but if you don't find what you're looking for here, try Offmeta and legacy builds for the rest of the builds.
Key
- Meta option and a strong pick in most situations.
- More uncommon or situational builds.
- Primary OC Build
- Comments (Primary OC)
- Secondary OC Build
- Throwables
- Comments
Driller
CRISPR Sticky Fuel 2323X
The king of wave clear, Sticky Fuel is one of the most reliable tools in the game for trash killing. With great attention economy, it takes care of swarmers and grunts and provides slow on everything else, making kiting easier and freeing your team to focus on the bigger targets. To play it, lay flames on the floor/walls trying to predict bugs' paths or while kiting. Although it sounds simple, don't be deceived: sticky fuel driller is one of the classes with the highest skill ceiling in the game.
A note on T5: T5B is generally preferred to T5A with Sticky Fuel since it's hard to use heat radiance with the low magazine size of this build, plus it helps with jellies and shredders in tight spaces. However, T5B has been bugged for more than a year and it doesn't work on certain enemies like jellies, which makes heat radiance a possible alternative. Still, T5B offers some utility in difficulties that spawn groups of low-hp enemies such as slashers, spitters or similar. Sticky Fuel discussion: Link
EPC Persistent Plasma (PP) 21222 Axes
Arguably the most common Driller build, provides great wave clear with Sticky Fuel and shredder/jelly denial with PP. The EPC build uses TCF (T5B), which provides endless utility as it can be used as a source of burst damage, to get red sugar from the ceiling, to mine, to help with bunker building, among others, and it combines greatly with PP by leaving a wide plasma field after exploding a charged shot. It's hard to beat its damage too, dealing 240 damage with no falloff and even more to enemies weak to fire such as mactera and spitballers. No other Driller secondary comes close to the PP + TCF combo for general use, which is why this build is so pervasive in all kinds of team compositions for modded gameplay.
Fuel Stream Diffuser (FSD) 23221
Hybrid build that plays similar to Sticky Fuel but makes use of heat radiance. It's easier to play than Sticky for beginners due to the more direct playstyle and increased range. One of its more niche uses is to heat patrol bots and sentries in Sabotage or Rival Incursion missions.
Cryo frost options: See above for Cryo section; the Cryo cannon variants include several options such as ITE, CN, MPS, etc.
Gunner
Lead Storm Lead Storm (LSLS) 32113
Great single target damage that can also ignite enemies past 50% heat thanks to Hot Bullets (T5C). The downside of LSLS is the lack of mobility but it is possible and commonplace to shoot while jumping. This build provides no CC and relies on the secondary for that. If you want a safer substitute see PBM below.
Coilgun Hellfire 22X12 Leadburster
Generalist build with great single-target damage from LSLS and wave clear/CC from Hellfire. Use the coilgun fear or stun (usable even with a single charge, although it won't have the fire effect) to give you breathing room and help you kite. A note on T3: because of the way slow and fear interact (read UMC below), fear is definitely the strongest option but it is considered in general overpowered; stun is noticeably less safe but a perfectly fine option in most difficulties and more balanced. A niche use of Hellfire is found in Sabotage, where it proves useful to heat sentries and patrol bots.
Triple-Tech Chamber (TTC) 32X12 Leadburster
TTC is a great CC spam option with less wave clear than Hellfire but safer to play. This overclock prefers stun on T3 in order to not scatter bugs away from the trail, which is stackable and is a big portion of TTC's overall damage.
Ultra-Magnetic Coils (UMC) 32X13 Leadburster
Uses electric trail (T5C) for utility, but with a reduced trail radius compared to Hellfire/TTC. If taken with fear in T3, it is one of the best options in the game for safety and crowd control due to the way it works: when an enemy is feared, it will start moving towards a random direction until a fixed distance has been travelled. Any slowdowns such as the trail's electricity will reduce the speed at which the enemy moves, therefore multiplying the duration of the fear effect. This interaction is considered one of the most overpowered things in the game.
Bulldog Volatile Bullets (VB) 23321
Incendiary/Clusters/Leadburster. VB is a high DPS source, often paired with Lightning to ignite; with the right support, it can clean large waves. It has strong synergy with ignition from teammates.
Rotary Overdrive (RO) 31223
Good mobile single target damage. The number of provided coolant charges and the increased heat generation allows a longer uptime on Hot Bullets T5C for VB or Aggressive Venting T5A on demand.
Bullet Hell (BH) 32211
Bullet Hell is generally overshadowed by LSLS and Burning Hell but is a good pick in cryo comp as a non-igniting weapon to kill clumps of frozen enemies. It has good stun capabilities but mediocre single target damage.
BRT Lead Spray 23222
Non-igniting alternative for cryo comp: use BRT to kill frozen LSTs such as praetorians and oppressors. Outside this niche BRT is rarely played.
Hurricane Cluster Charges 31222
Cluster Charges is a strong AoE damage option; combined with Coilgun, it deals significant damage but is clunky to play.
Engineer
LOK-1 Executioner 11111 / 11112
Great source of single target damage to quickly kill HVTs such as menaces, spidermates, wardens, etc. The innate armor break of LOK also makes stingtails, brundles and weak dreadnoughts good targets.
PGL Fat Boy 21X32
Fat Boy is a high burst damage option for long-range targets. Pros: strong DPS; Cons: high risk of friendly fire in tight spaces and ammo economy issues. Often not used in high density fights.
Breach Cutter (BC) Inferno 11122 / Roll Control 23122 / Shard Diffractor / VIR 32X13
A mix of CC and damage; these OC options focus on magic like stun/slow or fear to control crowds. The kits can mix with other OC choices for synergy.
Stubby SMG EM Discharge (EMD) 21221 / 21X23
Waveclear and choke control: best when you need setup and cover for platforms. EMD lacks friendly fire, but struggles in open terrain.
Warthog Stunner 12321 / Diffractor / VIR 32X13
Close combat weapon with high RoF and a powerful stunner. It relies on teammates to cover long-range threats.
Scout
M1000 Active Stability System (ASS) 231XX
Best for mobility and breakpoints. Nishanka X-80 Cryo Bolts 13111 to handle stationaries. Optional Focus Shots EFS 23211 or Hipster 23211.
Nishanka X-80 Cryo Bolts (CB) 12111
Cryo bolts to freeze stationaries; Cryo bolts with other overclocks provide utility for stationaries in Elimination and similar missions.
Boomstick Special Powder (SP) X1313
Overclock to boost mobility and ignition. Phero or Cryo bolts as secondary options.
Common Scout Crystals and Grenades
Discusses Cryo Bolts, Boomstick variants, and Electrocuting Focus Shots (EFS) as ways to boost Scout mitigation and control on the battlefield.
OC-less builds
This section provides OC-less builds for players who do not have overclocks unlocked. See OC-less section for more details.
Offmeta and legacy builds
The builds listed in this sheet are considered worse than the ones here, either because they are specialized in a very niche role, they have superior counterparts, or don't have any strong synergies with other builds in the game. In addition some of the builds used to be considered strong but were relegated to the legacy category after the game buffed other options or a stronger alternative was discovered. These builds are not useless however: they can be powerful when playing their unique strengths and in difficulties where the meta options feel overkill, they provide variety over the usual picks.
Weapon OC Build | Comments
- Driller: Primaries CRISPR Scorching Tide 12321 / 23232 ...
- Goo Bomber Special (GBS) 221X1 ...
- Sludge Blast 1122X / 1222X ...
- Combustive Goo Mix CGM 1221X / 1222X ...
Secondaries
- Subata: Explosive Reload ER 2113(1/3); Auto Fire / Oversized Magazine / Chain Hit 12113
Gunner
- P. Autocannon Mortar Rounds 23222
- Hurricane Fragments FM 31222; OFM 31XX2; JFH 12122
- Secondary choices include Bulldog and Coilgun
Engineer
- P. Warhog Stunner 12321; MP Alignment 12321; Sentries 1221; Platform Gun 212
Scout OC combos
- MFD 23211; Nishanka CB 13111; EFS 23211; ASS/Minimal Clips/Hoverclock 23121
OC-less builds
The OC-less builds are for new players or those without overclocks. These builds keep a balanced approach to team play, prioritizing safety and consistent performance across difficulties. See the OC section for more on overclocked play.
True Solo builds
The True Solo builds are designed for solo play in modded difficulties such as Hazard 6x2 and above. These builds tend to be more generalist and function well as carry builds when playing solo in pubs. Each build includes a VOD link for reference.
Driller (solo)
- CRISPR Fuel Stream Diffuser (FSD) 23221
- EPC Persistent Plasma (PP)/Energy Rerouting 21222
- Axes
VOD: 200_Morkite
Cryo Cannon (solo)
- Ice Spear 12132 / Ice Storm 11112 11232 12232 / CN combo 32212
- Axes / Neuro
- VOD: 225_Morkite
Gunner (solo)
- Lead Storm Burning Hell 31221 / VB 23321 / Salvage
- Hurricane Minelayer 31222 Coilgun Hellfire 22212 / PBM 11212 etc.
Scout (solo)
- M1000 Marked for Death MFD 23211; Nishanka CB 13111; EFS / Cryo 23211; ASS / Minimal Clips / Hoverclock 23121
- Boomstick SP 11313 / Cryo 11313; DRAK 11132; etc.
Equipment
The following are the most common equipment builds for modded teamplay.
Driller
- C4 2112; 3112; 3122; 3113
The most common C4 stun builds; two ammo mods 2112 gives 4 satchels.
Gunner
- Shields 223; Zipline 212
Engineer
- Sentries 1221; Platform Gun 212; Lure 2x; Proxies 0
Scout
- Grappling Hook etc.
Perks
The meta perks are commonly Iron Will, Resupplier and Dash; other perks include Vampire, Unstoppable, Sweet Tooth, and Elemental Insulation depending on class and build choices. Active perks include Iron Will, Dash, Heightened Senses, Field Medic.
Throwables
The throwables cover many roles across classes. They include Axes for Driller, Neurotoxin Grenade, Rippers, HE Grenade, Gunners Leadbursters, Cluster Grenades, Incendiary Grenades, Sticky Grenades, SSGs, LUREs, Proximity Mines, Cryo Grenade, IFGs, VSS etc.
Driller throwables
- Axes; Neurotoxin Grenade; Rippers; HE Grenade
Gunner throwables
- Leadbursters; Cluster Grenades; Incendiary Grenades; Sticky Grenade
Engineer throwables
- SSGs; LUREs; Plasma Bursters; Proximity Mines
Scout throwables
- Pheromone Grenade; Cryo Grenade
IFGs
- Voltaic Stun Sweeper (VSS)
Bosco
For solo play, recommended Bosco builds include 31(1/3)3(2/3) and 1 Stop Escort type setups. On T3 light is a stronger choice for Scout due to rockets; on T5 electric bullets are preferred to improve Bosco's DPS and slow on tanks.
Team Compositions
Although the other sheets contain individual builds for all classes, team composition is also very important. A cohesive and synergistic team composition multiplies the effectiveness of the weapons and makes everything easier. A few guidelines:
- Compositions usually built around Driller primary; Cryo Cannon is more restrictive; Fire and Sludge offer more options.
- Ensure at least one weapon that can handle mactera, jellies, shredders: Coilgun Hellfire, EPC PP, or BC RC.
- Anti-bulk weapon: Gunner with Leadbursters or LSLS/Bulldog VB.
- If Gunner uses VB, others can ignite at distance using VIR or Boomstick T5C.
- Stationaries: Scout with Cryo Bolts or Gunner with VB plus LOK/Executioner.
- Mix of single target and wave clear; Engineer can flex between Executioner and ECR/EMD.
Coilgun/Cryo Bolt Composition
- Driller CRISPR Sticky Fuel 23232; EPC Diffusion Ray 32113; Axes/Neuro
- Gunner Hurricane Minelayer 31222; Coilgun Hellfire 22212; PBM 11212
- Engineer Lok-1 Executioner 11111; PGL Fat Boy 21X32; Lure/SSG
- Scout M1000; Nishanka X-80 Cryo Bolts 13111; ASS/Minimal Clips/Hoverclock 23121
MCAO Composition
- Driller Sludge Pump Disperser 12121; Axes
- Gunner Lead Storm; Burning Hell 32223; VB 23321; Hurricane
- Engineer Stubby SMG MCAO 23221; RC 23122; Lure/SSG
- Scout DRAK TEF 32112; Nishanka CB 13111; ASS/Minimal Clips/Hoverclock 23121
Cryo Composition
- Driller Cryo Cannon Crystal Nucleation CN 321X2; Axes/Neuro
- Gunner Hurricane PBM + Coilgun UMC 32X12
- Engineer Stubby SMG EMR 1X23; Breach Cutter RC 23122; Lure/SSG; IN
- Scout M1000 Hipster 23211; Nishanka CB 13111; ASS/Minimal Clips/Hoverclock 23121
Buildonomicon Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the Buildonomicon?
A: The Buildonomicon is a collection of builds for modded Deep Rock Galactic gameplay. For modded we understand playing difficulties beyond Hazard 5, which increase enemies, damage, and speed. Modded hazards constrain the meta and require tighter synergy; the sheets focus on meta options where suitable.
Q: Are the builds suitable for Hazard 5 or vanilla gameplay?
A: Most are suitable with caveats. They assume coordinated teams with comms and often prioritize meta synergy. They will still perform in vanilla but not necessarily optimal for pub play.
Q: Where can I find generalist builds for Hazard 5?
A: Khronos write-up on technicalDRG subreddit offers a compilation of generalist builds for Hazard 5.
Q: Why is my favourite OC not present?
A: If not here, likely because other options are stronger or the OC doesn't scale well in modded high densities. The list focuses on meta options.
Q: 5x2 and 6x2 builds: where are the rest?
A: The sheets aim to include meta options; novices can use main teamplay or True Solo sheets and expand later with situational picks.
Q: I have a suggestion for the Buildonomicon. Where to send?
A: A thread in the Practical DRG discord exists for maintenance and suggestions; please post there.
True Solo builds (VOD references)
The True Solo builds include VOD links and show 6x2+ solo carry potential across Driller, Cryo, Gunner, Engineer, Scout etc. The main focuses are wave clear, survivability, and terrain control.
Final notes
This document is a comprehensive collection of modded DRG builds for team play, solo play, and cross-class synergy, designed for Hazard 6x2 and above. The content emphasizes meta options with robust per-class guidance, while acknowledging the existence and potential of offmeta and OC-less builds for new players or varied difficulty curves.