Is Once Human Crossplay? Here's What You Need to Know

Once Human, the upcoming open-world survival game, is generating a lot of buzz. With its unique blend of post-apocalyptic exploration, base building, and intense PvP, players are eager to dive into its mutated world. One of the biggest questions on everyone's mind is: Does Once Human support crossplay? The answer isn't as straightforward as a simple yes or no, so let's break down what we know about crossplay and cross-progression in Once Human.

This article will cover everything you need to know about playing with your friends, regardless of their preferred platform. We'll delve into the current crossplay status, potential future updates, and what you can expect from the game's multiplayer experience. Get ready to team up and survive together, no matter where you play!

Crossplay Explained: What Does It Actually Mean?

Before we dive into Once Human's specific situation, let's quickly define what "crossplay" actually entails. Crossplay, short for cross-platform play, allows players on different gaming platforms (like PC, PlayStation, and Xbox) to play together in the same game. This means you could be on your gaming PC, while your friend is playing on their PlayStation 5, and you can still team up and experience the game together.

There are different levels of crossplay implementation. Some games offer full crossplay, allowing seamless interaction and matchmaking between all supported platforms. Others might have limited crossplay, perhaps only allowing players on specific platforms to play together, or restricting crossplay to certain game modes. Understanding these nuances is crucial when considering a game's multiplayer potential.

Once Human: Current Crossplay Status

As of the current launch state, Once Human does NOT offer full crossplay between PC and mobile platforms. This is a crucial point for anyone planning to play with friends on different devices. While the game is available on both PC and mobile, players on these platforms will be separated.

This means that if you're playing Once Human on your PC, you can only play with other PC players. Similarly, if you're playing on your mobile device (iOS or Android), you'll only be able to team up with other mobile players. There is no direct communication or gameplay interaction between the PC and mobile versions of the game.

Why No Crossplay at Launch? Possible Explanations

The decision to launch without crossplay is often a complex one, driven by a variety of factors. Here are some potential reasons why Once Human may have opted to exclude crossplay at launch:

  • Balancing Issues: PC and mobile platforms have inherent differences in control schemes (mouse and keyboard vs. touch screen) and processing power. Balancing gameplay to ensure a fair experience across both platforms can be a significant challenge.
  • Technical Hurdles: Implementing crossplay requires complex technical infrastructure and robust server architecture. Integrating different platforms can introduce compatibility issues and increase development time.
  • Development Resources: Game development resources are finite. The developers may have prioritized other features or aspects of the game over crossplay for the initial release.
  • Platform Policies: Sometimes, platform holders (like Sony, Microsoft, or Apple) have specific policies or requirements that can make crossplay implementation more difficult.

While we don't have definitive confirmation from the developers regarding their specific reasoning, these are common factors that often influence the decision to exclude crossplay at launch.

Cross-Progression: A Silver Lining?

While full crossplay isn't available, there's some good news: Once Human features cross-progression. This means you can link your account and seamlessly switch between playing on your PC and your mobile device, picking up right where you left off.

Cross-progression allows you to maintain your character's progress, inventory, and base development across different platforms. So, you could play on your PC at home and then continue your adventure on your mobile device while you're on the go. This is a valuable feature for players who want to enjoy Once Human on multiple devices without losing their hard-earned progress.

How to Enable Cross-Progression:

  1. Create an Account: Ensure you create an account within the game. This is usually done during the initial setup.
  2. Link Your Account: Look for an option in the game's settings menu to link your account to a third-party service (e.g., Google, Facebook, or a dedicated Once Human account system).
  3. Log In on Other Devices: On your other device (PC or mobile), download and install Once Human. Log in using the same account credentials you used previously.

Once you've linked your account, your progress should automatically sync between your devices.

The Future of Crossplay in Once Human: What to Expect

While crossplay isn't currently available, the developers of Once Human have acknowledged the community's interest in this feature. It's possible that crossplay could be implemented in a future update. Many games have added crossplay functionality post-launch, based on player feedback and ongoing development efforts.

Here's what you can do to stay informed about potential crossplay updates:

  • Follow Official Channels: Keep an eye on the official Once Human website, social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Discord), and forums for announcements and updates from the developers.
  • Engage with the Community: Participate in discussions on forums and social media to voice your interest in crossplay. The more vocal the community is, the more likely the developers are to consider implementing it.
  • Watch for Patch Notes: Regularly check the patch notes for new updates to see if crossplay is mentioned.

It's important to manage your expectations. Implementing crossplay is a complex process, and there's no guarantee that it will be added to Once Human. However, the developers are aware of the demand, and it remains a possibility for the future.

Tips for Playing Once Human with Friends (Regardless of Crossplay)

Even without full crossplay, there are still ways to enjoy Once Human with your friends:

  • Coordinate Platforms: If you want to play together, make sure everyone is playing on the same platform (either PC or mobile).
  • Join the Same Server: Once you're all on the same platform, coordinate to join the same server within the game. This will allow you to find each other and team up.
  • Use External Communication: Use voice chat apps like Discord or Teamspeak to communicate with your friends while playing. This is especially important for coordinating strategies and navigating the game world.
  • Form a Clan: Many survival games allow players to form clans or guilds. Joining the same clan will make it easier to find your friends and work together.
  • Share Information: Share tips, strategies, and resources with your friends to help each other progress in the game.

Conclusion: Stay Tuned for Updates

While the lack of full crossplay between PC and mobile platforms in Once Human might be disappointing for some, the presence of cross-progression is a significant advantage. You can still enjoy the game on multiple devices without losing your progress.

Keep an eye on official channels for potential updates regarding crossplay in the future. In the meantime, coordinate with your friends to play on the same platform, join the same server, and use external communication to team up and survive in the mutated world of Once Human. The game offers a compelling survival experience, and with a little coordination, you can enjoy it with your friends, regardless of the current crossplay limitations. Good luck, and happy hunting!