Introduction
The zombie survival genre has long captivated gamers with its blend of tension, strategy, and raw survival instinct. But when a game like Once Human enters the scene, it raises the bar by combining open-world exploration, survival mechanics, and a supernatural twist that sets it apart. Developed by Starry Studio, a subsidiary of NetEase, Once Human is a free-to-play multiplayer survival game that dropped on July 9, 2024, for PC and April 23, 2025, for iOS and Android. With its haunting post-apocalyptic setting, robust crafting systems, and dynamic multiplayer modes, it’s no surprise that the game hit over 230,000 concurrent players on Steam at launch.
For GamesBird readers, this deep dive into Once Human will explore what makes this title a standout in the crowded survival genre. From its eerie narrative to its expansive world and community-driven gameplay, we’ll cover the game’s core elements, strengths, weaknesses, and tips to help you thrive.
What is Once Human?
Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a post-apocalyptic future ravaged by an alien substance called Stardust. Available on PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), iOS, and Android, it supports cross-platform play, allowing players to team up across devices. You play as a Meta-Human, a biologically enhanced survivor who can harness Stardust’s power to fight mutated creatures and uncover the truth behind the world’s collapse. The game blends survival mechanics, third-person shooter combat, and base-building with RPG elements, offering a rich sandbox experience.
The Story
The game’s tagline, “Explore and earn your spot in a post-apocalyptic world,” encapsulates its core philosophy: survival is about more than just staying alive—it’s about rebuilding society and mastering the unknown. With a mix of PvE (player vs. environment) and PvP (player vs. player) modes, Once Human caters to solo adventurers, co-op enthusiasts, and competitive players alike. But does it deliver on its ambitious promises? Let’s break it down.
A Tale of Stardust and Survival
Once Human’s narrative begins with the catastrophic event known as Starfall, where an interdimensional silver door unleashes Stardust, a substance that mutates most living beings into violent Deviations. You wake up as a Meta-Human with amnesia, guided by a mystical bird named “V.” As one of the few who can control Stardust, you’re tasked with exploring abandoned towns, battling Deviations, and uncovering the sinister experiments of the Rosetta corporation, which triggered the apocalypse.
The main storyline follows your journey to defeat Rosetta’s creations and discover the origins of Stardust. The expansion The Way of Winter (released September 2024) introduces a new scenario in the icy north, where you meet Mitsuko, a fellow Meta-Human, and confront Igna, a malevolent figure aiming to resurrect ancient Deviations. The story is engaging, with side quests and lore-rich environments adding depth. While it leans on familiar post-apocalyptic tropes, the supernatural elements and faction dynamics keep it fresh and compelling.
Gameplay
Once Human offers a rich gameplay loop centered on survival, exploration, and combat. Here’s a closer look at its core mechanics:
- Open-World Exploration
The game’s seamless 256 km² map spans diverse regions like Dayton Wetlands, Chalk Peak, and the frozen Vena Fjord from The Way of Winter. Each area is visually striking, with abandoned towns, supernatural zones, and dynamic weather systems. The interactive map highlights loot, Rift Anchors, and Monolith bosses, making exploration strategic yet rewarding. Scavenging for resources like food, water, and crafting materials is essential, but polluted environments can reduce your Sanity, affecting your health. - Survival Mechanics
Survival in Once Human requires managing hunger, hydration, and Sanity meters. Eating contaminated food or drinking dirty water can lower Sanity, reducing your max HP. Resting in beds or consuming specific resources restores it. Crafting is central, with players gathering materials to build weapons, armor, and base facilities. The game’s survival elements are unforgiving, requiring careful planning to avoid starvation or madness. - Combat and Deviations
Combat is a blend of third-person shooting and looter-shooter mechanics. You’ll face mutated humans, interdimensional bosses, and Deviations—friendly creatures that aid in combat or resource gathering. With nearly 100 weapon blueprints across seven categories (pistols, rifles, shotguns, etc.), you can customize your arsenal with perks and attachments. Monolith bosses and Securement Silos offer challenging encounters, rewarding rare loot. - Base Building and Eternaland
Base building is a highlight, allowing you to construct a Territory Core and design anything from a simple shelter to a sprawling fortress. In Eternaland, a personal island, you can store high-end items and build freely using “dust” from disassembled items. Bases can be relocated, adding flexibility. Deviations like Digby Boy or Chefosaurus Rex can automate tasks, making your base a hub of productivity. - Multiplayer and Scenarios
Once Human supports cooperative and competitive modes, including Warbands for large-scale battles and PvP zones like RaidZone, a spin-off launched in 2025. Scenarios like Manibus and The Way of Winter offer story-driven experiences with timed server wipes, encouraging replayability. Cross-platform play ensures seamless teamwork across PC and mobile.
System Requirements and Accessibility
Once Human is accessible with modest requirements:
Minimum: Windows 10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-4460, 8 GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 750ti 4G or AMD Radeon RX550, 73 GB storage.
Recommended: Intel Core i7-7700, 16 GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 1060 6G or AMD Radeon RX 580, 73 GB storage.
Mobile versions are optimized, but lower-end devices may experience lag. The free-to-play model, with optional purchases, makes it widely accessible, though some items require grinding or microtransactions.
Strengths of Once Human
- Stunning Open World: The 256 km² map is visually diverse and packed with secrets, making exploration a joy.
- Deep Survival Mechanics: Hunger, hydration, and Sanity systems add realism and challenge.
- Robust Multiplayer: Co-op and PvP modes, including RaidZone, cater to varied playstyles.
- Base Building: The flexible building system and Eternaland offer creative freedom.
- Regular Updates: Expansions like The Way of Winter and patches keep content fresh.
Weaknesses and Criticisms
Despite its strengths, Once Human has mixed reviews (Metacritic: 71/100)
- Technical Issues: Bugs and server queues were issues at launch, though patches have improved stability.
- Monetization: Some players feel in-app purchases for resources or cosmetics lean toward pay-to-win.
- Repetitive Quests: Main missions can feel grindy, especially in later stages.
- Learning Curve: New players may struggle with complex systems like Memetics and server wipes.
The developers have been responsive, with updates like Version 2.1.0 (July 29, 2025) addressing bugs and adding content, but polish is still needed.
Tips and Tricks for Surviving Once Human
- Monitor Sanity: Avoid polluted food/water and rest in beds to maintain Sanity and max HP.
- Focus on Memetics: Unlock skills like crafting or combat boosts early via the Memetics menu.
- Join a Warband: Team up for Monolith bosses or PvP zones to secure rare loot.
- Build Strategically: Place your base near resource-rich areas but away from high-threat zones.
- Farm Deviations: Capture friendly Deviations like Logging Beaver for automated resource collection.
- Participate in Events: Public Crisis Events like Cargo Scramble offer valuable rewards.
- Choose Servers Wisely: New servers offer more playtime before wipes; older ones unlock timed content.
FAQs about Once Human
Here are answers to common questions to help you navigate the apocalypse:
- Is Once Human free to play?
Yes, it’s free on PC, iOS, and Android, with optional in-app purchases for cosmetics and resources. You can enjoy the full game without spending. - What platforms is Once Human available on?
It’s available on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), Android, and iOS, with cross-platform play support. - What are server wipes, and how do they work?
Servers have a timed lifespan, after which they reset. Your character and high-end items are saved in Eternaland, but progress like bases resets. Choose newer servers for longer playtime. - Can I play Once Human solo?
Yes, the game offers a robust single-player experience with story missions and exploration. Multiplayer is optional for co-op or PvP. - How do I manage Sanity?
Avoid contaminated food/water, rest in beds, or consume items like mushrooms to restore Sanity. Low Sanity reduces max HP. - What are Deviations, and how do I use them?
Deviations are creatures that assist in combat or resource gathering. Capture them in Securement Silos and assign them tasks at your base. - Are there pay-to-win elements?
While purchases can speed up progress, free players can earn most items through gameplay. Balance updates aim to reduce pay-to-win concerns. - How do I beat Monolith bosses?
Team up with a Warband, equip high-damage weapons, and target weak points. Clear Strongholds first to unlock rewards. - What’s the best base location?
Build near resources like water or ore but avoid high-threat zones. Dayton Wetlands is a beginner-friendly spot. - Will Once Human get more updates?
Yes, Starry Studio plans regular updates, with The Way of Winter and RaidZone already released in 2024/2025. Console ports are slated for 2026.
Conclusion
Once Human is a bold and ambitious survival game that blends supernatural horror, intricate survival mechanics, and a vibrant multiplayer experience. Its expansive world, deep crafting systems, and engaging story make it a standout for fans of DayZ or Rust. While technical issues and a steep learning curve may deter some, the game’s free-to-play model and frequent updates ensure it’s a worthy investment of time. For GamesBird readers, Once Human offers a thrilling escape into a post-apocalyptic nightmare where every decision counts. Grab your gear, rally your Warband, and conquer the Nalcott wasteland—your survival story starts now!
Download Once Human now on Steam, Epic Games Store, Google Play, or the App Store, and begin your fight for survival!