How To Refuel In Once Human: Keep Your Stomach Full and Your Adventure Going

Once Human plunges you into a shattered, post-apocalyptic world where survival hinges on resourcefulness. Among the many challenges you'll face, managing your hunger is paramount. A hungry Wanderer is a weak Wanderer, and a weak Wanderer is monster food. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about refueling in Once Human, from finding food sources to cooking delicious (and nutritious!) meals.

Let's dive in and make sure you're always ready for whatever the wasteland throws your way.

Understanding Hunger and its Effects

Before we get into the "how," let's understand the "why." In Once Human, your hunger meter is a critical indicator of your character's well-being. As you explore, fight, and craft, your hunger bar will gradually deplete. Letting it reach zero has serious consequences:

  • Reduced Stamina: You'll find yourself tiring much faster, limiting your ability to sprint, dodge, and perform other essential actions.
  • Health Regeneration Penalty: Your natural health regeneration will be significantly hampered, making you more vulnerable to enemy attacks.
  • Debuffs: Expect to see negative status effects that further hinder your combat effectiveness and overall survival.

Simply put, keeping your hunger at bay is non-negotiable. Now, let's explore how to do it.

Finding Food: Scavenging and Hunting

The most basic way to refuel is by finding food in the environment. Once Human offers several avenues for acquiring sustenance:

  • Scavenging: Explore abandoned buildings, settlements, and other locations. Look for interactable containers, shelves, and even the ground. You'll often find canned goods, fruits, vegetables, and other edible items. Keep an eye out for the telltale sparkle indicating a lootable object.
  • Hunting: Animals roam the wasteland, providing a valuable source of meat. Equip a ranged weapon (bow, rifle, etc.) or a melee weapon and hunt creatures like deer, rabbits, and even mutated beasts. Remember to harvest the meat from their corpses after the kill.
  • Gathering: Certain plants and fungi are edible. Keep an eye out for berries, mushrooms, and other harvestable resources. Be cautious, though! Some plants can be poisonous, so always check the item description before consuming anything unfamiliar.

Tip: Pay attention to the nutritional value of different food items. Some foods provide more hunger satisfaction than others. Canned goods are a reliable early-game option, while cooked meals generally offer the best benefits.

Mastering the Art of Cooking: Turning Raw Ingredients into Delicious Meals

While eating raw ingredients will keep you alive, cooking transforms them into something far more beneficial. Cooking offers several advantages:

  • Increased Nutritional Value: Cooked meals typically provide significantly more hunger satisfaction than raw ingredients.
  • Health Benefits: Certain recipes offer additional health regeneration, stamina buffs, or other beneficial effects.
  • Disease Prevention: Cooking eliminates the risk of contracting diseases from contaminated food.

Here's how to get started with cooking:

  1. Find a Cooking Station: You'll need a cooking station to prepare meals. You can find these in some settlements or craft your own at your base using the crafting menu.
  2. Gather Ingredients: Collect the necessary ingredients for your desired recipe. This might involve scavenging, hunting, or gathering.
  3. Interact with the Cooking Station: Open the cooking station interface.
  4. Select a Recipe: Choose a recipe from the available options. The interface will display the required ingredients.
  5. Cook! If you have all the necessary ingredients, press the "Cook" button. After a short cooking time, your meal will be ready.

Tip: Experiment with different recipes to discover your favorites and learn which ingredients are most valuable. Don't be afraid to try new combinations, but always be aware of the ingredients required.

Essential Early-Game Recipes

Here are a few simple and effective recipes to get you started:

  • Grilled Meat: Requires raw meat. Provides a good amount of hunger satisfaction and some health regeneration.
  • Vegetable Soup: Requires various vegetables (carrots, potatoes, etc.). A healthy and filling option.
  • Simple Stew: Requires meat and vegetables. Offers a balanced combination of hunger satisfaction and health benefits.

As you progress, you'll unlock more complex and rewarding recipes. Keep exploring and experimenting!

Farming: A Sustainable Food Source

Once you've established a base, consider setting up a farm. Farming allows you to cultivate your own crops, providing a sustainable and reliable food source.

  1. Craft a Planter: Craft a planter using the crafting menu. You'll need basic resources like wood and metal.
  2. Place the Planter: Place the planter in a suitable location at your base.
  3. Acquire Seeds: Find seeds by exploring the world or purchasing them from vendors.
  4. Plant Seeds: Interact with the planter and select the seeds you want to plant.
  5. Water and Fertilize: Regularly water and fertilize your crops to ensure healthy growth. You can craft fertilizer using bone meal and other resources.
  6. Harvest: Once the crops are fully grown, harvest them for food.

Tip: Different crops have different growth times and nutritional values. Experiment to find the crops that best suit your needs.

Water: Don't Forget Hydration!

While this guide focuses on food, remember that hydration is just as important. Dehydration can lead to similar negative effects as hunger. Find clean water sources (wells, rivers) or craft water purifiers to stay hydrated.

Pro Tips for Hunger Management

  • Carry Food with You: Always keep a supply of food on hand, especially when venturing into dangerous areas.
  • Cook in Bulk: When you have the opportunity, cook a large batch of meals to save time and resources.
  • Prioritize High-Value Foods: Focus on acquiring and cooking foods that provide the most hunger satisfaction and health benefits.
  • Explore Frequently: The more you explore, the more food resources you'll find.
  • Join a Territory: Territory members can share resources, including food, making survival easier.

Staying Fed in the Apocalypse: Your Key to Survival

Refueling in Once Human is a constant task, but mastering the art of finding, cooking, and farming food is essential for survival. By understanding the importance of hunger management and utilizing the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to thrive in the harsh and unforgiving world. Now go forth, Wanderer, and conquer the wasteland – with a full stomach! Remember to experiment, adapt, and never underestimate the power of a good meal. Your survival depends on it.