In the post-apocalyptic world of Once Human, survival hinges on mastering environmental hazards and formidable bosses like the Treant. One pivotal seasonal challenge requires players to eliminate **Tangled Vines** using an **Incendiary Blast** during the Treant encounter. This mechanic tests precision, resource management, and combat savvy, rewarding those who adapt with valuable progression points.
Understanding the Treant Challenge Core Mechanics
The Treant Challenge unfolds within the Gaia Cliff Monolith, a high-stakes arena where players confront a massive tree-like entity shielded by regenerative vines. These **Tangled Vines**—three in total—encircle the boss, granting it immunity until destroyed. Standard attacks alone won’t suffice for the challenge; the final damage must come from an explosive fire source, defined as an Incendiary Blast.
Accessing this monolith demands story progression, typically after unlocking nearby territories. Once activated, players teleport into a confined battleground filled with adds, vine clusters, and the central Treant. Success demands multitasking: clearing minions, dodging area-of-effect attacks, and targeting vines strategically.
- Key Arena Features: Central boss platform, three vine positions (left, center, right), scattered cover like boulders and wreckage.
- Challenge Trigger: Seasonal phase one objective explicitly calls for vine elimination via fire explosion.
- Solo or Group: Viable alone or with allies; coordination amplifies efficiency.
What Defines an Incendiary Blast?
An **Incendiary Blast** refers to the initial explosive impact of fire-based throwables, not lingering burn damage. In practice, this means the Molotov Cocktail’s detonation must deliver the killing blow to a vine. Grenades or other explosives don’t qualify—only fire-starting cocktails count toward the objective.
Players often mistake the DoT (damage over time) for the blast, leading to failed attempts. Confirmation appears as an on-screen notification post-kill, ensuring credit only when mechanics align perfectly.
| Item | Qualifies? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Molotov Cocktail | Yes | Explosion causes fire blast + DoT |
| Improved Molotov | Yes | Enhanced explosion qualifies |
| Grenade | No | No fire component |
| Weapon Shots | No | Not explosive fire |
Acquiring Molotov Cocktails Efficiently
Stockpiling Molotovs is straightforward, blending loot and crafting for reliability. Common sources include settlement crates, enemy drops, and storage depots—prioritize high-traffic areas like abandoned towns.
For self-sufficiency, head to a **Synthesis Bench** (unlocked early via base building). The recipe demands basic materials:
- Basic Molotov: 1x Fuel, 2x Glass Bottle, 1x Cloth.
- Improved Variant: Adds Deviant Polymer for amplified radius and damage.
Crafting scales with bench level; upgrade using scrap from explorations. Always maintain 3-5 in inventory per run, as misses happen in heated combat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Vine Elimination
Preparation sets the stage: Equip a reliable primary weapon (pistol or SMG for mobility), heal up, and enter the monolith solo or teamed.
- Initiate Encounter: Interact with the monolith pedestal to teleport. Clear initial waves of fungal adds to secure footing.
- Locate Vines: Spot the three Tangled Vines at arena edges. Prioritize the rightmost for proximity and cover access.
- Weaken Target: Unload on one vine with gunfire until health dips below 10-20%. Avoid overkill to preserve Molotov efficacy.
- Execute Blast: Aim and throw Molotov directly at the base. The explosion ignites and finishes it—watch for the completion popup.
- Adapt if Miss: Switch vines or reset via monolith exit. Allies can cover boss aggro meanwhile.
Post-elimination, vines respawn after phases, but one success suffices for the seasonal goal. Proceed to full Treant defeat for bonus loot like Memetics and gear crates.
Advanced Tactics for Treant Domination
Beyond the challenge, optimizing the fight boosts rewards. The Treant cycles phases: immunity (vines up), vulnerability (vines down), and laser sweeps. Use terrain—a nearby bus or debris pile blocks red beams effectively.
Weapon Loadouts:
- Primary: High-rate fire for vines (e.g., K9 SMG).
- Secondary: Sniper for boss weak points post-vines.
- Utility: 3x Molotovs, healing chems.
Group play shines: Assign roles—one weakens vines, another draws aggro, third loots adds. Solo players exploit kiting, circling cover while chipping health.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
Frustration arises from misconceptions. Chief errors include:
- Throwing too early: Vine must be critically low for blast credit.
- Using wrong items: Confirm Molotov, not grenades.
- Ignoring adds: They overwhelm during vine focus.
- Missing throws: Practice aim in safe zones; wind doesn’t factor, but movement does.
If notification fails, verify via season tracker. Server lag rarely interferes, but relog clears glitches.
Seasonal Rewards and Progression Impact
Completing this nets phase-one points, unlocking blueprints, cosmetics, and territory expansions. Ties into broader goals like monolith conquests, accelerating endgame access.
Integrate with dailies: Vine clears aid boss kills, farming Deviations for crafting. Track via in-game HUD for synergy.
Building a Vine-Slaying Loadout
Optimize gear for repeated runs:
| Slot | Recommendation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet | Fire Resist Mod | Counters splashback |
| Chest | Mobility Harness | Dodge lasers |
| Weapon | Incendiary Ammo Backup | Fallback damage |
Memetic upgrades like Flame Affinity amplify throws, though not required.
FAQs
Can I complete this solo?
Yes, fully viable alone with practice.
What if my Molotov doesn’t count?
Ensure it’s the explosion, not burn, that kills. Weaken further.
Where exactly is Gaia Cliff Monolith?
Progress main quest to Red Sands; northeast cliffs.
Do vine positions matter?
Right vine easiest for beginners due to cover.
Is there a level requirement?
Level 10+ recommended for gear scaling.
Community Tips from Top Players
Veterans emphasize pre-fight looting: Nearby settlements yield free Molotovs. Pair with fortress mode for safe practice. Videos showcase bus-perch sniping, evading 90% of attacks.
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References
- Once Human: How To Complete Incendiary Blast Seasonal Challenges — GameRant. 2024-07-15. https://gamerant.com/once-human-how-complete-incendiary-blast-seasonal-challenges/
- What Is An Incendiary Blast In Once Human — TheGamer. 2024-07-12. https://www.thegamer.com/once-human-incendiary-blast-challenge-treant-gaia-cliff-monolith-molotov/
- How to Complete the Once Human Treant Challenge Using Incendiary Blast — GameSkinny. 2024-07-14. https://www.gameskinny.com/tips/how-to-complete-the-once-human-treant-challenge-using-incendiary-blast/
- Treant Boss Seasonal Goal Guide – Once Human — YouTube (Gamer). 2024-07-10.
- Once Human – Destroy Tangled Vine With an Incendiary Blast — YouTube (Streamer). 2024-07-11.

