Discover survival tips and strategies for thriving in the post-apocalyptic “Once Human.”
Table of Contents
Once Human: Comprehensive Beginner Guide
“Once Human” is an exhilarating open-world survival RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by an alien menace known as the Stardust. You awaken as a Meta-Human, alone and disoriented, with only your survival instincts to guide you. While the game’s tutorial introduces basic survival mechanics and provides some starting items, the vast world can quickly become overwhelming. This comprehensive guide offers essential survival tips, advanced strategies, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you thrive in the corrupted landscape of “Once Human.”
Getting Started in Once Human
When you first start “Once Human,” you find yourself waking up as a Meta-Human in a world ravaged by the Stardust. The initial tutorial covers the basics, such as movement, gathering resources, and crafting essential items. However, as you venture further into the world, you’ll need more detailed knowledge and strategies to survive and prosper.
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Character Creation and the Fitness Scale
When creating your character, you must pay attention to the Fitness scale in the Body tab. This scale is not just about aesthetics; it directly affects your character’s stats and abilities. The game divides weight into three tiers:
- Underweight (<65 kg): Characters in this tier have increased stamina and move faster. However, they can carry less and inflict less melee damage than other characters.
- Moderate Weight (65-85 kg): These characters enjoy a balanced set of attributes, including decent load capacity, increased torso damage reduction, and high stamina recovery speed. This weight range is recommended for most players as it offers a balance between agility and strength.
- Overweight (>85 kg): Characters in this tier can carry more loot and resources and deal more melee damage. However, they suffer from a reduction in melee attack speed and rolling speed.
You can adjust your character’s weight later in the game by consuming specific foods. For example, eating “Fried to Crispy” foods like french fries will increase your weight, while consuming rotten food will cause weight loss. However, eating rotten food will make you sick, requiring you to take antibiotics to stop vomiting.
Base Building and Relocation
Base building is a crucial aspect of “Once Human,” providing you with a safe haven to store items, craft gear, rest, and heal. While choosing a decent location for your first base is important, it doesn’t have to be the perfect spot. Since you’ll be exploring a lot early on and will often find better spots as you progress, it’s important to frequently relocate your base closer to late-game locations.
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A unique quality-of-life mechanic in “Once Human” allows you to move your entire base effortlessly and place it in another area without having to manually disassemble it. This flexibility is particularly useful as you discover better locations and need to adapt to new challenges.
Joining or Creating a Hive
In “Once Human,” Hives are a core social feature that allows you to team up with other players to tackle challenging events, explore dangerous zones, and share resources more effectively. Hive members can collaborate to build a powerful and secure base of operations. Simply place your Territory Core in another Hive member’s Territory to start building structures together.
If you’re looking to join a Hive, consider finding one that aligns with your playstyle and goals. Some Hives are more focused on hardcore combat, while others prioritize resource gathering and crafting. Being part of a Hive can significantly enhance your survival chances and enrich your gaming experience.
Managing Your Body and Sanity
Despite being a Meta-Human, you’ll still experience hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and can even lose your sanity in “Once Human.” Properly managing these aspects is crucial for survival.
Hunger and Thirst
Hunger and dehydration will deplete your health and stamina, ultimately slowing you down and leaving you vulnerable. Always have food and purified water on hand whenever you go out exploring. Certain foods in the game expire and become ‘Spoiled food’ after 24 hours. Consuming these items will make you sick and can lead to weight loss. It’s recommended to get a refrigerator for storing extra food.
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Sanity
“Once Human” features a Sanity meter that depletes when you’re exposed to corrupted areas, face tough enemies, or enter contaminated water. Losing your sanity affects your health and stamina, making you weaker and more susceptible to environmental hazards. To boost your Sanity, you need to take Sanity Gummies. If you don’t have these pills on hand, you can simply sleep in your bed to restore your sanity.
Capturing and Utilizing Deviants
Deviants are unique creatures you can capture and befriend in “Once Human.” They act as loyal companions with various abilities that can help you survive. There are several types of Deviants, each with specific functions:
- Combat Deviants: These fight alongside you in battle, offering offensive or defensive support depending on their abilities.
- Territory Deviants: They help manage your base by gathering resources for you or speeding up productions.
- Gadget Deviants: These grant you special abilities when you use them.
- Furniture Deviants: Purely decorative, they can be placed anywhere in your base to enhance its aesthetic.
Deviants are stored in a special Independent Secure Unit in your base. Just like any creature, Deviants have preferences that affect their mood and effectiveness. By providing them with things they like, such as music, flowers, or bright lights, you can keep them happy and efficient.
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Crafting the Crossbow Early
The Crossbow is one of the best early-game weapons in “Once Human.” While you receive a basic crossbow in the intro mission, you should craft a Tier II Crossbow (or higher) as soon as you have established your base and built the Gear Workbench. A unique mechanic in “Once Human” allows you to retrieve crossbow ammo from fallen enemies or the environment every single time, making it a reliable weapon for beginners. Crossbows deal decent damage and allow you to take down enemies from a safer distance, minimizing the risk of getting close to their attacks. As you progress, you can upgrade the Crossbow to make it even stronger.
Understanding the Seasonal Reset
“Once Human” features a seasonal server reset, which can be a controversial mechanic. After every season, the world resets, and a new story begins, presenting fresh challenges and objectives. Unfortunately, this also means that some of your character’s progress will be wiped, including your character level, unlocked skills, tactical items, and inventory. Essentially, your character will reset to its starting state.
When choosing a server (PvE or PvP) at the beginning of the game, it’s important to focus on the Day or Phase the server is currently in. This will give you a rough idea of how much time you have to progress with your character. Some progress and items will carry over to the new seasons, like your Gear Blueprints and Tiers, Blueprint Fragments, Weapon Accessories, Gear Mods, and any Cosmetic items you find. Everything else will be moved to Eternaland — a personal world for every player that persists between seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I increase my character’s weight?
A: You can increase your character’s weight by consuming specific foods, such as “Fried to Crispy” items like french fries. Be mindful that your weight affects your stats and abilities, so adjust it according to your preferred playstyle.
Q: What should I focus on when building my first base?
A: Initially, focus on finding a decent location for your base, even if it’s not perfect. Prioritize safety and accessibility to resources. Remember that you can relocate your base easily as you progress and discover better spots.
Q: How can I keep my Deviants happy and effective?
A: Deviants have preferences that affect their mood and effectiveness. Provide them with things they like, such as music, flowers, or bright lights, to keep them happy and efficient. Managing their mood will enhance their performance and benefit your survival.
Q: What is the best early-game weapon in Once Human?
A: The Crossbow is one of the best early-game weapons. Craft a Tier II Crossbow as soon as possible and take advantage of the game’s unique mechanic that allows you to retrieve crossbow ammo from fallen enemies or the environment.
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Q: How does the seasonal reset affect my progress?
A: After each season, the world resets, and a new story begins. Your character’s level, skills, tactical items, and inventory will be wiped. However, Gear Blueprints, Tiers, Blueprint Fragments, Weapon Accessories, Gear Mods, and Cosmetic items will carry over to the new season. Some items will be moved to Eternaland, your personal world that persists between seasons.
Q: How do I restore my sanity in the game?
A: To restore your sanity, take Sanity Gummies or sleep in your bed. Sanity depletes when you’re exposed to corrupted areas, face tough enemies, or enter contaminated water. Maintaining your sanity is crucial for your overall health and stamina.
Conclusion
“Once Human” offers a rich and immersive experience in a post-apocalyptic world where survival is paramount. By understanding the game’s mechanics, managing your character’s needs, building and relocating your base strategically, and leveraging the help of Deviants, you can thrive in this challenging environment. Whether you’re playing solo or as part of a Hive, these tips and strategies will enhance your gameplay and help you navigate the corrupted world of “Once Human.”
Game Details
- System: PC, Mobile, Google, Apple
- Platforms: PC, Android, iOS
- Released: July 9, 2024
- Developer: Starry Studio
- Publisher: Starry Studio, NetEase, Inc.