When creating a new character in Dead Matter, you will have to choose a former occupation. Former occupation, in role-playing terms, means what your character was doing before the outbreak. In other words: Your character’s profession.
Different occupations come with different amounts of Perk Points you get to spend, and it will give you certain other advantages, some of them disadvantages as well.
The former occupations are split into four basic categories:
Passive
Description
You get 6 perk points to spend in place of a career perk.
Effects
Perk Points +6
Description
You aren’t given any Perk Points but your Skills will level up 15% faster and you run 10% faster.
Effects
Perk Points 0
Labor
Description
Vehicle mods created by you will have +10% more damage resistance. Instantly unlock unique vehicle mods.
Effects
- Perk Points -6
Description
Barricades and emplacements created or maintained by you will have +15% health. Instantly unlock the ability to construct small buildings.
Effects
- Perk Points -3
Description
- Plants grown by you will have +15% damage resistance and a 20% chance to survive a blight. Any food grown also increases recovery rate by +10%.
Effects
- Perk Points -3
Description
Prepare meals that will have a nourishing effect that increases recovery rate by +25%.
Effects
- Perk Points -9
Description
Any electrical objects crafted by you will receive 15% damage resistance to the elements. Instantly unlock unique weapon mods.
Effects
- Perk Points -6
Combat
Description
Animals will never attack you. You gain the ability to identify foraged foods.
Effects
Perk Points 0
Description
Weapon stamina sway reduced by 25%. Hold breath for 35% longer.
Effects
Perk Points -9
Max HP +10
Max Run Speed -15%
Description
Weapon stamina sway reduced by 25%. Hold breath for 35% longer.
Effects
Perk Points -4
Max HP -10
Max Run Speed +10%
Medical
Description
Regain health 15% faster, instantly unlock the ability to craft advanced healing items.
Effects
Perk Points 0
Description
After the DBNO timer has expired you can choose to get back up (you’ll only get 5% of your max health back).
Effects
Perk Points -6
Max HP -10
Max Run Speed +10%
Description
You will always enter a DBNO (Down But Not Out) state upon death and you DNBO timer is extended by +100%.
Effects
Perk Points -9
Max HP -15
Max Run Speed +15%