How To Hide Wires In Once Human: A Survivor's Guide to Clean Base Building

Once Human offers a vast, desolate world to explore, build, and, most importantly, survive. But let's face it, a sprawling base full of exposed wires isn't exactly the pinnacle of post-apocalyptic chic. Those unsightly cables snaking across your walls and floors can ruin the aesthetic of even the most meticulously crafted fortress. Plus, they can be a tactical liability, making your power grid vulnerable to enemy fire.

Fortunately, Once Human provides several methods for concealing those pesky wires and creating a base that's both functional and visually appealing. This guide will walk you through the best techniques, from clever building placements to utilizing dedicated wire concealment structures. Get ready to transform your base from a tangled mess into a streamlined sanctuary.

1. Planning is Key: Think Ahead About Your Power Grid

Before you even lay the first foundation, take a moment to plan your base's power grid. Consider where your power generators will be located and where you'll need to distribute power. This foresight will save you a lot of headache (and exposed wiring) later on.

  • Centralized Power Source: Group your generators together in a designated power room. This minimizes the number of wires needed to connect them and makes them easier to defend.
  • Strategic Placement: Place power-hungry devices (like crafting stations and defensive turrets) closer to the power source. The shorter the wire run, the less visible it will be.
  • Future Expansion: Leave room for future expansion. Anticipate where you might want to add new structures or devices and pre-plan the wiring routes.

2. Utilize Walls and Floors for Concealment

The most basic, yet often overlooked, method of hiding wires is to simply run them through walls and floors.

  • Wall Placement: When placing structures that require power, position them against walls. This allows you to run the wires directly behind the wall, completely concealing them from view.
  • Floor Integration: Similarly, if you need to run wires across a floor, try to place them under furniture or other structures. Anything that can partially or fully obscure the wire will help to minimize its visibility.
  • Strategic Clipping: While not complete concealment, clipping wires through walls and floors, even if a small portion is still visible, is better than letting them run freely across open space. Experiment with different angles to minimize the exposed section.

3. Embrace the Power Conduit: Your Wire Hiding Savior

Once Human offers a dedicated structure specifically designed for wire concealment: the Power Conduit. This is arguably the most effective way to hide wires and maintain a clean base aesthetic.

  • Crafting Requirements: You'll need to unlock the Power Conduit blueprint through research. Gather the necessary resources and craft them at your workbench.
  • Placement: Power Conduits can be placed on walls, floors, and ceilings. They act as a hidden pathway for wires, allowing you to run power across your base without exposing a single cable.
  • Strategic Routing: Plan your Power Conduit routes carefully. Consider the shortest and most direct paths to your power consumers.
  • Connecting to Devices: Connect your generators and devices to the Power Conduits. The wires will automatically be hidden within the conduit.
  • Aesthetic Considerations: While functional, Power Conduits can also be incorporated into your base's design. Use them to create clean lines and symmetrical patterns.

4. Leverage Building Variations and Decorations

Beyond Power Conduits, certain building variations and decorations can also be used to cleverly hide wires.

  • Wall Variations: Experiment with different wall types. Some walls may have built-in recesses or grooves that can be used to conceal wires.
  • Furniture Placement: Strategically place furniture items like shelves, cabinets, and beds to cover up exposed wires.
  • Decorative Items: Use decorative items like posters, flags, and banners to mask wires running along walls. Get creative!
  • Vertical Space: Don't forget about vertical space. Running wires along the ceiling and then down a wall, disguised by a decorative item, can be surprisingly effective.

5. Color Coordination: Camouflage Your Wires

While not a complete solution, color coordinating your wires with the surrounding environment can help to make them less noticeable.

  • Wire Colors: Pay attention to the color of the wires you're using. If you're running wires along a dark wall, use black wires. If you're running wires along a light-colored wall, use white or gray wires.
  • Paint and Texture: Experiment with different paint colors and textures on your walls and floors. This can help to blend the wires into the background.
  • Environmental Camouflage: Consider the surrounding environment. If your base is located in a forest, use green or brown wires. If your base is located in a desert, use tan or beige wires.

6. Advanced Techniques: Utilizing Building Glitches (Use with Caution)

While not officially supported, some players have discovered building glitches that can be used to further hide wires. However, be warned that these glitches may be patched out in future updates.

  • Wall Clipping: By carefully manipulating the placement of walls, it may be possible to clip wires through the walls in a way that completely conceals them.
  • Floor Stacking: Stacking floors on top of each other can create hidden cavities where wires can be run.
  • Object Overlapping: Overlapping objects can sometimes create gaps where wires can be hidden.

Important Note: Using building glitches can be risky. They may cause unexpected behavior or stability issues. Use them at your own risk.

7. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Wiring

Even with the best planning and execution, wires can sometimes become exposed over time, especially during base raids.

  • Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your base for exposed wires.
  • Repair Damaged Wires: Repair any damaged wires immediately.
  • Re-Route Exposed Wires: If wires become exposed due to structural damage, re-route them using the techniques described above.

Conclusion: A Clean Base is a Safe Base

Hiding wires in Once Human isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating a more secure and efficient base. By implementing the techniques outlined in this guide, you can transform your base from a tangled mess into a streamlined sanctuary. Remember, a well-planned and meticulously wired base is a testament to your survival skills and a symbol of your dominance in the post-apocalyptic world. So, get out there, start building, and keep those wires hidden! Your fellow survivors will thank you for it.