Jobs and traits tier list for solo and co-op play

Overview

Jobs in Abiotic Factor determine starting skill bonuses, experience bonuses, and available points for Trait selection during character creation. Some Jobs also force specific Traits or provide starting items. The chosen Job can be changed upon reaching Cascade Laboratories by using IS-0017, but doing so resets skills to level 3 and does not provide any starting gear from the new Job.

This guide covers each Job's starting bonuses, how they perform in solo versus co-op play, and which Traits pair well with them. Use the decision table at the end to match your playstyle.

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Job Breakdown

Lab Assistant

Starting Points: 10 Skill Bonus: +3 Sprinting, +3 Sneaking, +2 Strength XP Bonus: +50% Sneaking XP Starting Items: Lab Gloves Forced Traits: None Suggested Role: Stealth

Lab Assistant provides a balanced spread of mobility and stealth bonuses. The +3 Sprinting and +3 Sneaking allow early avoidance of enemies without combat. The +50% Sneaking XP accelerates leveling in a skill that reduces detection range.

Solo play: The combination of Sprinting and Sneaking helps bypass threats when resources are limited. Strength bonus aids in carrying capacity and melee damage when engagement is unavoidable.

Co-op play: Functions as a scout or loot runner. Can retrieve items from dangerous areas while teammates provide distraction or cover.

Trait pairings: Inconspicuous (cost -2, faster Sneaking leveling) or Decathlon Competitor (cost -5, +30% Sprinting, Strength, Throwing XP and +3 Sprinting) reinforce the mobility focus.

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Epimedical Bionomicist

Starting Points: 9 Skill Bonus: +3 First Aid, +1 Cooking XP Bonus: +50% First Aid XP, extra XP when crafting medical items Starting Items: None specified Forced Traits: None Suggested Role: Medic

Epimedical Bionomicist specializes in healing and medical crafting. The +3 First Aid bonus improves healing item effectiveness and unlocks higher-tier medical recipes sooner.

Solo play: Self-sustain is valuable, but First Aid XP gains are slower without teammates to heal. The Cooking bonus provides minor food utility.

Co-op play: A dedicated medic keeps the team alive during extended expeditions. Faster medical item crafting means more Healing Syringes and Briefcases for the group.

Trait pairings: Wrinkly Brainmeat (cost -4, +20% XP) offsets slower solo leveling. Night Owl (cost -4, fatigue 50% slower) extends expedition time for longer healing rotations.

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Phytogenetic Botanist

Starting Points: Not specified in source Skill Bonus: +3 Agriculture, +2 Cooking, +2 Strength XP Bonus: +50% Agriculture XP, extra XP when crafting farming items Starting Items: None specified Forced Traits: None Suggested Role: Farmer / Cook

Phytogenetic Botanist focuses on food production and resource independence. Agriculture skill governs plant growth speed and yield quality.

Solo play: Self-sufficient food supply reduces reliance on looted rations. Cooking bonus allows preparation of buff meals without a second player.

Co-op play: Provides consistent food for the team. Other players can focus on combat or base construction while the Botanist maintains the farm.

Trait pairings: Hobbyist Chef (cost -2, Cooking skill twice as fast) stacks with the Cooking bonus for rapid culinary progression.

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Trait Selection Strategy

Traits are selected after choosing a Job. Positive Traits deduct points from your starting pool; negative Traits add points. You are not required to spend all points.

Key Positive Traits:

Selection approach: Spend points on Traits that complement your Job's strengths. For example, Lab Assistant benefits from Inconspicuous to double down on Sneaking, while Epimedical Bionomicist gains more from Wrinkly Brainmeat to accelerate all skill gains.

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Decision Table: Job Selection by Playstyle

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Changing Jobs Later

If you reach Cascade Laboratories, you can use IS-0017 to change your Job. This resets all skills to level 3 and does not grant the new Job's starting items. Consider this option if your current Job no longer fits your playstyle, but be prepared to rebuild skill levels from a low baseline.

Recovery advice: Before changing Jobs, stockpile skill books or XP-boosting items to accelerate re-leveling. Focus on one or two skills immediately after the change rather than spreading efforts across all categories.

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Prerequisites and Route Judgment

Before selecting a Job:

1. Decide whether you play primarily solo or co-op. Co-op benefits from specialized roles (medic, farmer). Solo benefits from versatile bonuses (mobility, self-sustain).
2. Review the starting Trait points. Jobs with more points allow greater customization but may lack skill bonuses.
3. Consider the forced Traits or starting items. Some Jobs provide gear that cannot be obtained early otherwise.

Route judgment:

• If you expect to play with a group, choose a specialized Job and let teammates cover other roles.
• If you play solo, choose a Job with broad utility (Lab Assistant, Phytogenetic Botanist) to handle multiple situations.
• If you want maximum flexibility, select a Job with high starting points and build your own Trait combination.

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Summary

Each Job provides a distinct starting advantage. Lab Assistant offers evasion and mobility. Epimedical Bionomicist excels at healing. Phytogenetic Botanist provides food independence. Your choice should match your intended playstyle and group composition. Traits can further refine your build, but the initial Job sets the foundation for early progression.