How To Use The Camera In Once Human: Capture the Wasteland
Once Human throws you into a sprawling, post-apocalyptic world teeming with mutated creatures and scarce resources. Survival depends on your ability to adapt, build, and, surprisingly, document your journey. The camera in Once Human isn't just a fancy gadget; it's a vital tool for exploration, resource gathering, and even combat. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using the camera effectively to thrive in the wasteland.
Forget selfies and scenic landscapes (though you can take those!). In Once Human, the camera is your third eye, revealing hidden clues, identifying weaknesses, and ultimately helping you survive. Let's dive into how to unlock its potential.
1. Acquiring the Camera: The First Step to Seeing the Unseen
The camera isn't available from the start. You'll need to progress through the early game quests to unlock it. Typically, this involves completing tasks for NPCs that introduce you to the core mechanics of Once Human. Pay close attention to the quest descriptions as they'll guide you to the specific NPC and the tasks required.
Generally, you'll be tasked with gathering resources, crafting basic items, and establishing your first foothold. Once you've proven your ability to survive the initial challenges, the NPC will reward you with the camera blueprint.
After obtaining the blueprint, you'll need to gather the necessary materials to craft the camera at your workbench. The required materials are usually common and easily obtainable in the starting areas. Once crafted, the camera will appear in your inventory, ready to be equipped.
2. Equipping and Activating the Camera: Getting Ready to Shoot
Equipping the camera is straightforward. Open your inventory and locate the camera. Select it and choose the "Equip" option. The camera will then be assigned to one of your quick slots, allowing you to access it quickly during your explorations.
To activate the camera, simply press the corresponding key or button assigned to the quick slot where you equipped it. This will switch your perspective to the camera's viewfinder.
3. Understanding the Camera Interface: Your Window to the World
The camera interface provides crucial information that aids in your exploration and combat. Familiarize yourself with the following elements:
- Crosshair: The center of the screen, indicating where the camera is focused.
- Information Display: This area displays information about the object or creature you're focusing on. This can include its name, type, weaknesses, and any relevant details.
- Zoom Function: Allows you to zoom in on distant objects or creatures for a closer look. This is particularly useful for scouting ahead and identifying potential threats.
- Battery Indicator: Shows the remaining battery life of the camera. The camera requires batteries to operate, so make sure to keep a supply on hand.
4. Using the Camera to Identify Weaknesses: Exploiting Enemy Vulnerabilities
One of the most important uses of the camera is to identify the weaknesses of the mutated creatures you'll encounter. When you focus the camera on an enemy, the information display will often reveal its vulnerabilities. This could include specific weapon types, elemental weaknesses, or critical hit locations.
For example, you might discover that a particular creature is highly resistant to physical damage but vulnerable to fire. Armed with this knowledge, you can switch to a weapon that deals fire damage, significantly increasing your effectiveness in combat.
Pay close attention to the information displayed by the camera. It can be the difference between a successful hunt and a swift defeat.
5. Scanning for Resources: Uncovering Hidden Treasures
The camera isn't just for combat; it's also a valuable tool for resource gathering. Certain resources and points of interest are hidden from plain sight but can be revealed by using the camera.
When exploring new areas, activate the camera and scan your surroundings. The camera may highlight hidden resource nodes, containers, or even secret passages. These hidden resources can provide valuable materials for crafting, building, and upgrading your equipment.
Keep an eye out for visual cues that indicate the presence of hidden resources. These cues might include subtle glimmers, distortions in the environment, or unusual textures. The camera will help you pinpoint the exact location of these hidden treasures.
6. Photographing Points of Interest: Documenting Your Discoveries
While not strictly necessary for survival, the camera allows you to photograph points of interest. This can be useful for marking locations on your map, documenting discoveries, or simply capturing memorable moments in the wasteland.
To take a photograph, simply focus the camera on the desired subject and press the designated "take photo" button. The photograph will be saved to your in-game album, allowing you to revisit your discoveries later.
You can also share your photographs with other players, showcasing your explorations and discoveries in the world of Once Human.
7. Managing Camera Battery: Keeping Your Eye Open
The camera requires batteries to operate. The battery life is limited, so you'll need to manage your battery usage carefully.
The battery indicator on the camera interface will show you how much battery life remains. When the battery is low, the camera's functionality will be limited, and you won't be able to scan for resources or identify weaknesses.
To recharge the camera, you'll need to craft batteries at your workbench. The materials required for crafting batteries are typically common and easily obtainable. Make sure to keep a supply of batteries on hand, especially when exploring new areas or engaging in combat.
You can also find batteries as loot in containers or from defeated enemies. Be sure to scavenge for batteries whenever possible to keep your camera powered up.
8. Advanced Camera Techniques: Mastering the Art of Observation
As you become more familiar with the camera, you can start experimenting with advanced techniques to enhance your exploration and combat effectiveness.
- Using the Camera to Scout Ahead: Before entering a new area, use the camera to scout ahead and identify potential threats. This will allow you to prepare for combat and avoid ambushes.
- Combining the Camera with Other Tools: The camera can be combined with other tools, such as binoculars or drones, to further enhance your scouting capabilities.
- Experimenting with Different Camera Settings: Some cameras may have adjustable settings, such as zoom level, focus, and contrast. Experiment with these settings to find what works best for you in different situations.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don't Get Caught Unprepared
- Forgetting to Equip the Camera: Make sure the camera is equipped and readily accessible in your quick slots.
- Running Out of Battery: Always keep a supply of batteries on hand to avoid running out of power at a critical moment.
- Ignoring the Information Display: Pay close attention to the information displayed by the camera. It can provide valuable insights into enemy weaknesses and hidden resources.
- Failing to Scan Your Surroundings: Use the camera to scan your surroundings regularly, especially when exploring new areas.
10. Upgrading Your Camera: Enhancing Your Vision
As you progress through Once Human, you'll likely find opportunities to upgrade your camera. These upgrades can improve its zoom capabilities, battery life, scanning range, and other features.
Keep an eye out for blueprints or components that can be used to upgrade your camera. These upgrades can significantly enhance your exploration and combat effectiveness.
By mastering the camera in Once Human, you'll gain a significant advantage in the wasteland. You'll be able to identify enemy weaknesses, uncover hidden resources, and document your journey through this dangerous and unforgiving world. Remember to keep your battery charged, scan your surroundings, and pay attention to the information displayed by the camera. Happy hunting!