Once Human: A Complete Overview



Once Human is an immersive, multiplayer survival game developed by NetEase Games that plunges players into a gritty post-apocalyptic world where nature has taken a dark, twisted turn. Launched in 2023, the game introduces an exciting blend of exploration, crafting, combat, and survival elements that make it a highly anticipated addition to the survival genre.

Here’s everything you need to know about Once Human — from its gripping backstory to the intriguing features and gameplay that have made it a fan favorite.


Launch and Initial Reception


Once Human
was officially released in mid-2023 after a period of closed beta testing that began in late 2022. The game quickly gained a significant following due to its unique premise, rich visuals, and dynamic survival mechanics. Players and critics praised its deep crafting systems, creative use of technology, and a large open-world environment filled with mysterious creatures and deadly threats.

NetEase Games, the developers behind popular games like Rules of Survival and Identity V, capitalized on their experience to deliver a polished experience in the survival genre, ensuring that Once Human was well-received by both survival game veterans and newcomers.


The Story and Setting

Set in the year 2030, Once Human unfolds in a world where an extraterrestrial substance called "Stardust" has infected Earth, mutating flora, fauna, and even humans. This new, hostile world is overrun by aberrations — monstrous creatures shaped by the infection. Survivors must navigate this dangerous landscape, scavenging resources, crafting tools, and battling not only other players but also the ferocious entities unleashed by the infection.

As a player, you take on the role of a "Beyonder," a human endowed with superhuman abilities after surviving exposure to the Stardust. However, this gift is a double-edged sword. While it grants you the strength to survive, it also puts you in constant conflict with the mutated world around you.

The game’s lore is steeped in mystery. As players progress, they uncover the truth behind the Stardust and the cosmic horror that threatens to consume humanity. This intriguing narrative sets Once Human apart from many survival games, which often rely on simple survival mechanics rather than deeper storylines.


Gameplay Mechanics and Features


Once Human
combines elements from various gaming genres to create a robust and varied experience. Its core mechanics revolve around exploration, crafting, and survival, but it also incorporates features from MMORPGs, first-person shooters, and even horror games. Here are some of the key aspects that make it stand out:

1. Open-World Exploration

The world of Once Human is vast, featuring a diverse range of biomes, including forests, deserts, urban ruins, and mutated wastelands. Each area offers different resources, challenges, and enemy types. As players explore, they can collect materials for crafting, discover hidden lore, and encounter random events that can lead to unique rewards or dangerous fights.

2. Crafting and Base Building

A key aspect of Once Human is its crafting system, which allows players to build weapons, armor, and equipment from the resources they collect. The game offers an extensive crafting tree, with a variety of items ranging from simple tools to advanced firearms and defensive structures. Players can also construct and customize their own bases to protect themselves from the dangers of the outside world, be it from mutants or other players.

3. Weapons and Combat

The combat in Once Human is fast-paced and brutal. The game offers a wide variety of weapons, ranging from melee options like knives and axes to high-powered rifles and futuristic energy weapons. Guns can be modified with scopes, silencers, and other attachments to improve their performance in combat.

Combat can happen at any time — whether you’re up against an invading mutant horde, hostile NPCs, or competing players. One of the most thrilling aspects of Once Human is the dynamic PvPvE (Player vs. Player vs. Environment) nature of the game. Players not only have to fight against the environment but also defend their territory and resources from other players.

4. Aberrations and Monsters

The infected world is teeming with monstrous creatures, known as aberrations. These mutants are born from the infection caused by Stardust and can vary from small, swift creatures to towering, deadly behemoths. Each monster requires different strategies to defeat, and larger creatures often require players to team up if they hope to take them down.

5. Supernatural Powers

As a Beyonder, the player gains access to superhuman abilities that can be used in combat and survival. These powers, granted by the Stardust, provide a variety of buffs, including increased strength, speed, and even elemental attacks. Mastering these abilities can turn the tide of battle in tough situations.


The Weapons of Once Human

The variety of weapons in Once Human is one of its most exciting features. With both melee and ranged options, the game gives players the freedom to adopt a combat style that suits them. Some weapons available include:

1. Melee Weapons:

  • Survival Knife: A basic weapon ideal for close-quarters combat.
  • Fire Axe: Powerful but slow, perfect for dealing devastating damage up close.
  • Spiked Bat: A deadly modification of a standard bat, perfect for taking out zombies and mutants alike.

2. Firearms:

  • AK-47: A staple automatic weapon with solid damage and reliability.
  • Sniper Rifles: Ideal for long-range combat, allowing players to pick off enemies from a distance.
  • Energy Weapons: Futuristic firearms that use Stardust energy, offering incredible firepower but requiring rare resources to maintain.

3. Explosives:

  • Grenades: Standard explosives that can clear out large groups of enemies.
  • Molotov Cocktails: Great for creating fire hazards and controlling space in combat.

Weapon Modifications:

The game also features a deep weapon customization system. Players can modify weapons with scopes, extended magazines, silencers, and more, tailoring their arsenal to fit their playstyle.


What Makes Once Human Fun to Play?

1. Survival Elements:

Survival is at the heart of Once Human, and the constant need to manage resources, craft weapons, and defend your base from monsters and other players creates a persistent tension that keeps you on edge.

2. Dynamic PvPvE Combat:

Few games offer the blend of player vs. player and environmental challenges like Once Human. You might be raiding another player’s base, only to be interrupted by a horde of monsters. This unpredictability adds layers of excitement to the gameplay.

3. Base Building:

Building and customizing your base offers a creative outlet in an otherwise dangerous world. Players can construct defenses, design their outposts, and build fortresses to hold out against mutant attacks or raids from rival factions.

4. Immersive Atmosphere:

The game’s art direction and environmental design are top-notch. The world is filled with eerie beauty — from the hauntingly mutated landscapes to the unsettling design of the aberrations. Combined with its soundtrack and ambient sounds, the atmosphere in Once Human pulls you into its nightmarish setting.

5. Team Play and Social Interaction:

While you can survive alone, Once Human thrives on cooperation. Players can form alliances, create factions, and work together to achieve common goals — whether that's raiding enemy bases, taking down powerful bosses, or exploring the deepest, most dangerous parts of the world.


Conclusion


If you're looking for a new game to dive into, Once Human is a fantastic choice — not just for casual play but also for streaming. Here’s why you should consider playing and streaming it:

Once Human
delivers an intense, immersive survival experience that blends exploration, crafting, combat, and social interaction. Its richly detailed post-apocalyptic world, compelling storyline, and dynamic gameplay mechanics make it a standout in the crowded survival game genre. Whether you're fighting off mutants, scavenging for supplies, or battling other players, Once Human offers endless excitement and challenges that will keep you coming back for more.

With its robust systems, engaging lore, and beautiful yet horrifying world, Once Human promises to be a mainstay for survival game enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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