- Once Human is a game multiplayer survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world contaminated by Stardust.
- It includes base building mechanics, weapon customization, and sanity and resource management.
- It allows you to explore a vast open world, battle mutated creatures, and uncover the truth behind the disaster.
- Cooperation with other players and allied Deviants will be key in the fight for survival.
The world of survival video games continues to grow, and one of the titles generating the most buzz lately is Once Human . This game, set in a post-apocalyptic world with supernatural elements, has captured the attention of thousands of players thanks to its original concept and challenging gameplay.
Once Human isn't just another open-world adventure; it incorporates unique elements such as a sanity mechanic, a fully customizable shelter building system, and the ability to team up with strange creatures known as Deviants. Throughout this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about this promising title.
What is Once Human?
Once Human is a third-person multiplayer survival video game developed by Starry Studio , a subsidiary of NetEase. It was officially released on July 9, 2024 , and has since generated considerable buzz among fans of the genre. It is available for free on platforms such as Steam , the Epic Games Store , and mobile versions for Android and iOS.
The story is set in a world devastated by Starfall , an event in which an alien substance called Stardust contaminated everything in its path, transforming plants, animals, and humans into dangerous mutated creatures. Amidst this chaos emerge the Meta-Humans : individuals who, instead of succumbing to Stardust, manage to control it, becoming humanity's last hope.
Main features of Once Human
Survival and exploration in a changing world
At the heart of Once Human is survival in a 256 km² open world . From frozen tundras to active volcanoes, players must adapt to extreme conditions to survive. Furthermore, the ecosystem is constantly altered by Stardust, affecting even essential resources like water and food.
Consuming contaminated food or drinking spoiled water will directly affect the player's sanity . A loss of sanity reduces maximum health , adding an extra layer of strategy to seemingly mundane decisions.
Fight against multidimensional monsters and bosses
The threat doesn't come only from nature; hordes of deformed beings, formerly human, lurk everywhere. As we progress, we'll encounter fortresses teeming with enemies and face bosses from other worlds . Defeating them will not only grant valuable rewards but also help cleanse the area of pollution.
Gameplay mechanics: survival, building, and sanity
Resource management and sanity
In addition to exploring and fighting, the player must constantly manage their food and hydration . Maintaining these optimal levels offers bonuses such as increased damage or health , while neglecting them can be fatal.
The areas most affected by Stardust progressively reduce sanity . To restore it, it is vital to rest in a bed or consume certain special resources that allow one to regain the mental stability necessary to continue fighting.
Base building and customization
One of the highlights is the ability to create your own shelter using the Territory Core . From small, functional rooms to veritable mansions with courtyards, kitchens, and garages, the options are nearly endless. Furthermore, you can move your base anywhere on the map, allowing you to adapt to changing survival situations.
Character customization and progression
Weapon Modification
In Once Human , weapons play a crucial role. With nearly 100 weapon blueprints spread across seven distinct categories, there will always be something new to craft or upgrade. Attachments and perks are essential for customizing weapons to your playstyle, allowing for everything from damage boosts to unique special abilities.
Deviant Allies
Another gem of the game is the Deviants , mutated creatures that, instead of being hostile, become allies. From an armed alpaca to small chef dragons or tireless miners , these friendly companions help with resource gathering, base defense, and even direct combat.
Of course, like everything in life, they need to be cared for : provided with a home, attention, and kept happy, otherwise they might rebel against us.
The journey to discover the truth

The narrative of Once Human is not limited to day-to-day survival. Our character, guided by a mysterious bird named V , must uncover the truth about the Rosetta Corporation , those responsible for the disaster. As we progress, we will delve into instanced dungeons called silos , fortresses filled with challenges, and ultimately, epic battles known as Monolith Battles.
Each battle against the Monoliths presents a formidable challenge, demanding strategy, combat skill, and teamwork. Currently, the game features three main Monolith bosses that must be defeated to progress through the story.
Reception and success figures
Once Human has had a phenomenal launch. Upon its release, it reached over 230.000 concurrent players on Steam , becoming the number one best-selling video game on the platform.
In terms of reviews, it has received an average score of 71/100 on Metacritic , and notable scores such as 8/10 from IGN and 8.5/10 from CGMagazine . However, it has also faced server overload issues, long queue times, disconnections, and bugs that have somewhat marred its initial release.
Once Human is, without a doubt, a refreshing take on the survival genre, combining exploration, resource management, combat, and an intriguing narrative in a devastated world brimming with possibilities. Despite its initial stumbles, its originality, its base-building system, and the introduction of the Deviants as allies offer more than enough reasons to give this fascinating and chaotic post-apocalyptic universe a try.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.