Hunters
Traits and builds
Burn and Scarce traits, upgrade points, and how I'd think about building around a Hunter.
Checked against the patch notes on .
The data has 65 active traits and 20 retired or merged ones. Retired traits are in the archive, so old links and builds still have somewhere to point. They aren't current choices.
Burn and Scarce are different things
- A Burn trait is used up when its effect happens. Relentless, for example, is consumed when it saves you from losing a chunk.
- A Scarce trait can only be found through restricted routes, like Trait Spurs on the map.
These are separate properties, so I don't assume every scarce trait is single-use. When nobody has confirmed whether a trait burns, its page says Unknown rather than "No".
Upgrade points and limits
A Hunter can equip at most 15 traits, paid for with upgrade points. Upgrade Points envelopes on the map add more. Each trait page shows its point cost and the bloodline rank it unlocks at. The planner adds up costs against your budget.
Corrections that matter
- Necromancer is now a single-use revive: remotely revive a teammate within 25 m, or revive yourself when solo. Its old description is out of date.
- Catalyst switches on extra effects on other equipped traits. Its static description misses newer combinations; the Lightfoot and Vulture changes are confirmed in 2.9.
- Pain Sense range is disputed (150 m extracted, 75 m on an official page).
- Chupacabra needs a live animal. One extracted label says "dead animal", and the official requirement wins.
- Siphon steals a scarce trait from an enemy body. Since 2.9 it favors Death Cheat, and Necromancer has exceptions. Stealing Death Cheat doesn't remove the original owner's protection for that round. (Blood Testament)
Building around a Hunter
These are my recommendations, not rules:
- Healing: Doctor and Physician make a carried First Aid Kit go much further.
- Weapon choice: Quartermaster doesn't add damage. It opens up a different weapon pair by raising capacity from five to six.
- Weapon-specific traits: Fanning, Levering, Bolt Thrower, Iron Eye, Scopesmith and Fast Fingers only work with compatible weapons. I check the exact variant first.
- Tools and loot: Frontiersman adds tool uses; Packmule improves what you get from bodies and supply containers.
- Quiet routes: Beastface and Lightfoot together cut a lot of noise, but impacts and environmental triggers can still set animals off.
Browse every trait with its cost on the traits list.