Mastering the Loop: The Ultimate Slab Combo in Deathloop

The best slab combo in Deathloop is highly dependent on your playstyle, but for aggressive, versatile gameplay, the combination of Nexus and Shift reigns supreme. Nexus links enemies together, so damaging one damages them all, and Shift allows for rapid traversal and escape. This deadly duo allows you to clear rooms quickly and efficiently while maintaining high mobility.

Why Nexus and Shift? A Deep Dive

This combination offers a near-perfect balance of offense and defense. Let’s break down why it works so well:

Nexus: This slab essentially turns groups of enemies into walking bombs. By linking a small group – or a whole room, if you have the range upgrade – any damage you inflict is multiplied across all connected targets. This is incredibly effective against tightly packed patrols, making even the toughest Eternalists fall like dominoes. The ability to eliminate multiple threats simultaneously dramatically reduces your exposure to enemy fire and streamlines combat encounters.
Shift: The teleportation ability provided by Shift offers unparalleled maneuverability. Need to flank a group of enemies? Shift. Need to escape a dangerous situation? Shift. Need to reach a vantage point for sniping? Shift. Its versatility is unmatched, allowing you to reposition yourself quickly and surprise your enemies. It also pairs beautifully with Nexus, as you can link a group, then Shift to a better angle or escape before the connected enemies can react.
Synergy: The true power of this combo lies in its synergy. Picture this: you enter a room full of Eternalists. You quickly use Nexus to link them together, then Shift behind cover or to a higher vantage point. A single headshot with a silenced weapon now eliminates multiple targets. Or, perhaps you’re swarmed by enemies. Link them with Nexus, throw a grenade, and Shift away to safety. The possibilities are endless.
Adaptability: This combo is also incredibly adaptable to different playstyles. Aggressive players can use it to quickly clear rooms and maintain momentum, while more stealth-oriented players can use it to silently eliminate groups of enemies without ever being detected. The key is to experiment and find what works best for you.

While other slabs like Aether (invisibility) and Havoc (damage resistance) have their uses, they don’t offer the same level of offensive power and mobility as Nexus and Shift combined. This is particularly important in Deathloop’s dynamic environments, where enemies are constantly moving and reacting to your presence.

Fine-Tuning Your Build: Trinkets and Upgrades

To maximize the effectiveness of the Nexus and Shift combo, consider using these trinkets and slab upgrades:

Nexus Upgrades:
- Influence: Extends the range of the Nexus ability, allowing you to link more enemies from a greater distance. This is arguably the most important upgrade.
- Parasite: Damaging linked enemies heals you. This provides valuable survivability in prolonged firefights.
Shift Upgrades:
- Reach: Extends the distance you can Shift. This allows you to cover more ground and reach previously inaccessible areas.
- Airborne: Pauses your momentum mid-Shift, allowing you to hover in the air briefly. This is useful for aiming and avoiding enemy fire.
Character Trinkets:
- Swift: Increases your movement speed.
- Bloodthirsty Brawler: Grants health for melee kills (useful for finishing off linked enemies).
Weapon Trinkets:
- Perforator: Allows your bullets to penetrate enemies, increasing the effectiveness of Nexus.
- Shock Absorber: Reduces recoil, improving accuracy.

By carefully selecting your trinkets and upgrades, you can further enhance the synergy between Nexus and Shift and create a truly devastating build.

Alternate Slab Combinations: When to Deviate

While Nexus and Shift is an excellent general-purpose combo, there are situations where other slab combinations may be more effective:

Stealth Focus: If you prefer a purely stealth-based approach, consider combining Aether (invisibility) with Shift. This allows you to move through areas undetected and silently eliminate enemies.
Defensive Build: For players who prioritize survivability, the combination of Havoc (damage resistance) and Reprise (second chance) can be very effective. This allows you to withstand heavy damage and recover from mistakes.
Area Denial: The Karnesis slab allows you to fling enemies around, disrupting their formations, while Havoc provides damage reduction. This combination is good for crowd control and setting up environmental kills.

Ultimately, the best slab combination is the one that best suits your individual playstyle and the specific challenges you face in each loop. Experiment with different combinations and find what works best for you.

Mastering the Art of the Loop: Tips and Tricks

Here are a few additional tips to help you master the art of the loop:

Learn the Maps: Knowing the layout of each area is crucial for planning your attacks and escapes.
Observe Enemy Patrols: Pay attention to enemy patrol routes and behavior patterns. This will help you anticipate their movements and plan your attacks accordingly.
Use Environmental Hazards: Take advantage of environmental hazards such as explosive barrels and gas leaks to eliminate groups of enemies.
Experiment with Different Weapons: Find the weapons that best complement your playstyle and slab combination.
Don’t Be Afraid to Die: Death is a learning opportunity in Deathloop. Use each loop to experiment and refine your strategy.
Embrace the Chaos: Deathloop is a game that rewards experimentation and creativity. Don’t be afraid to try new things and embrace the chaos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Slab in Deathloop?

Slabs are unique abilities that Colt can acquire and use throughout Deathloop. Each slab grants Colt a special power, such as teleportation, invisibility, or the ability to link enemies together. They are core to the gameplay, allowing you to approach situations with creativity.

2. How many Slabs can Colt equip at once?

Colt can equip a total of three slabs simultaneously. Reprise is always equipped (allowing him to rewind time upon death), and he can choose two additional slabs.

3. Where do I find Slabs in Deathloop?

Slabs are primarily obtained by defeating Visionaries, the main targets in Deathloop. Each Visionary possesses a unique slab that Colt can acquire upon their elimination. Frank, for instance, possesses the Fugue Slab.

4. What is the best Slab to get early in Deathloop?

Shift is generally considered one of the best slabs to acquire early in Deathloop, due to its utility in traversal and combat. Aether is also another good choice for stealthy players.

5. How do I infuse Slabs?

To prevent losing slabs and weapons at the end of a loop, you must infuse them using Residuum, a resource gathered by killing Visionaries and glowing objects. You can only infuse items between loops.

6. What are Slab Upgrades?

Slabs can be upgraded with four unique upgrades, which are obtained by killing the Visionary multiple times during different loops.

7. Is Aether a good Slab?

Yes, Aether is a very good Slab, especially for stealth-oriented players. It provides near invisibility, allowing you to move through areas undetected. However, enemies can still hear you, so be mindful of your noise.

8. What does the Nexus Slab do?

The Nexus Slab links enemies together, so that damaging one enemy damages all linked enemies. This is incredibly effective for clearing groups of enemies quickly and efficiently.

9. What is Julianna’s Slab called?

Julianna’s unique slab is called Masquerade. It allows her to impersonate any NPC in the level, making it difficult for Colt to identify her during invasions.

10. What does the Havoc Slab do?

The Havoc Slab grants increased damage output and damage resistance. When active, damage taken drains your power meter instead of your health, making you much more durable in combat.

11. What is the best weapon in Deathloop?

The “best” weapon is subjective and depends on your playstyle. However, Frank’s Constancy Automatic is a legendary SMG that is highly regarded for its high rate of fire and large magazine. The Spiker is also a good choice for stealthy players.

12. How does difficulty work in Deathloop?

Deathloop doesn’t have traditional difficulty settings. Instead, it uses an internal “Loop Stress system.” The better you perform (killing Visionaries and not dying), the more difficult the game becomes.

13. Can Julianna use Colt’s Slabs?

Yes, Julianna can use Colt’s slabs when she invades his loop. This makes her a formidable opponent.

14. Is Deathloop beatable?

Yes, Deathloop is beatable. To achieve the perfect loop, you must complete eight main Leads and gain access to the Final Timeline.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and learning?

You can explore the intersection of game design and education at the Games Learning Society. Their research and community offer valuable insights into how games can be used as powerful learning tools. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.

By mastering the slab combinations, understanding the game’s mechanics, and embracing the chaotic nature of the loop, you can become a true master of Deathloop.

What is the best slab combo in Deathloop?