Deep Rock Galactic How To Equip Perks

Alright, picture this: I'm knee-deep in glyphid guts, solo mission gone south (as usual, let's be honest), and I'm frantically kiting a horde of those pesky swarmers. My ammo's dry, shields are down, and I'm pretty sure I can hear a Praetorian getting ready to... well, you know. My last ditch effort was a desperate leap off a cliff. I survived, somehow. And that's when I remembered: I'd completely spaced on equipping a decent perk loadout. Rookie mistake, I know! It was like bringing a pickaxe to a gun fight. So, yeah, that little "oopsie" inspired me to write this – a friendly guide on how to actually equip perks in Deep Rock Galactic, and why it’s, like, super important.
Let's face it, Deep Rock Galactic isn't just about mining shiny rocks and shooting bugs (though that’s definitely a huge part of the fun). It's also about smart resource management, team coordination, and, yes, optimizing your dwarf with the right perks. Think of them as your character upgrades – they can drastically change how you play each class, making you a more effective bug-slayer and a more valuable teammate.
Perk Basics: Unlocking and Understanding
First things first: you gotta unlock those sweet, sweet perks! You do this by leveling up. As you play missions, complete assignments, and generally just cause mayhem in Hoxxes IV, you'll earn experience. Level up, and you get perk points. These points are your ticket to buying new perks from the terminal in the Rig. Simple enough, right?
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There are two main types of perks: Active perks and Passive perks. Active perks require manual activation (using a designated key) and usually provide a temporary buff or effect. Passive perks, on the other hand, are always active and grant persistent benefits. Think extra health, faster reload speeds, or increased mining efficiency. Oh, and there are also slots, each with tier unlockables. Tier unlocks are very important. You may need to think how to effectively use your perk slots!
Equipping Your Perks: Where the Magic Happens
Okay, you've got a shiny new perk (or ten) burning a hole in your pocket. Now, how do you actually equip them? Head over to the Perk Terminal on the Space Rig. It's usually near the equipment modification terminals (the ones you use to upgrade your weapons).

Once you're at the terminal, select the class you want to customize. You'll then see a screen displaying your available perks, organized into Active and Passive categories. You have a limited number of slots for each type, so you need to choose wisely! This is where the fun (and the agonizing decision-making) begins.
Simply click on a perk to select it, and then click on an available slot to equip it. To remove a perk, just click on it again to unequip. Experiment! Try different combinations! See what works best for your playstyle. Don't be afraid to respec – it's free, so you can tweak your loadout whenever you want.

Choosing the Right Perks: It's All About Synergy
This is where things get interesting. Just equipping a bunch of random perks won't necessarily make you a better dwarf. The key is to choose perks that synergize with your class, your weapon build, and your playstyle. For example, if you're running a Scout with a focus on mobility, you might want to consider perks that boost your movement speed, grappling hook range, or fall damage reduction. If you’re playing Gunner, perks that improve shield regeneration or ammo capacity might be a better fit.
Consider your team composition too. Are you the only one with crowd control? Maybe prioritize perks that enhance your ability to stun or slow enemies. Need more damage? Focus on perks that increase your weapon damage or critical hit chance.

Don't underestimate the power of passive perks! Small bonuses to things like reload speed, mining speed, or health regeneration can make a huge difference in the long run.
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Read the perk descriptions carefully! Some perks have hidden effects or synergies that aren't immediately obvious.
- Experiment with different builds! Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you.
- Don't be afraid to respec! It's free, so you can tweak your loadout whenever you want.
- Consider your team composition! Choose perks that complement your teammates' builds and playstyles.
- Watch videos and read guides! There are tons of resources online that can help you learn more about the best perk combinations for each class.
Ultimately, the best perk loadout is the one that works best for you. So, get out there, experiment, and find your own perfect combination! And remember, even the best perks won't save you from a swarm of angry glyphids if you're not paying attention. Happy mining, miners! And rock and stone!
