Once Human Gameplay Breakdown: Surviving the Aberrant Apocalypse

Once Human, the open-world survival game from Starry Studio, throws players into a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious cosmic dust known as Stardust. This Stardust has twisted humanity and the environment into grotesque Aberrants, making survival a constant struggle. This breakdown will cover the core gameplay mechanics you'll need to master to thrive in this dangerous world. We'll delve into everything from base building and combat to crafting and exploration, providing a comprehensive overview for newcomers and seasoned survival game veterans alike.

The game blends familiar survival elements with unique twists, creating a compelling and challenging experience. Understanding these core mechanics is crucial for not just surviving, but also for carving out your own corner in this bizarre and terrifying new world. So, let's dive in and explore the key aspects of Once Human's gameplay.

Character Creation and Progression

Your journey in Once Human begins with character creation. While customization options might seem limited at first, the real depth lies in the progression system. Instead of traditional classes, you'll develop your character through a flexible skill tree called the "Aptitude" system.

  • Aptitude Points: Earned through leveling up by completing quests, defeating enemies, and exploring the world.
  • Skill Branches: The Aptitude system is divided into branches focusing on different playstyles – combat, crafting, exploration, and base building. You can specialize in one area or create a hybrid build.
  • Mutations: As you progress, you'll encounter Mutations, powerful abilities that significantly alter your gameplay. These can range from enhanced combat skills to unique crafting bonuses.

Choosing your Aptitudes wisely is crucial. Consider your preferred playstyle and the needs of your team (if you're playing with friends). Don't be afraid to experiment, as you can respec your Aptitudes later in the game.

Base Building and Territory Control

A secure base is essential for survival in Once Human. It provides a safe haven from Aberrants, a place to craft essential items, and a staging ground for exploration.

  • Territory Stakes: You'll need to claim territory using Territory Stakes. These stakes define the boundaries of your base and provide protection from other players.
  • Building Materials: Gather resources like wood, metal, and stone to construct walls, floors, and other structures.
  • Crafting Stations: Essential for crafting weapons, armor, tools, and other useful items. Different crafting stations unlock as you progress and learn new blueprints.
  • Defense: Aberrants will periodically attack your base, so build defenses like walls, turrets, and traps to protect your hard-earned resources.

Strategic base placement is key. Consider factors like resource availability, defensibility, and proximity to points of interest. Remember to reinforce your base regularly as you progress, as Aberrant attacks will become more challenging.

Combat and Aberrant Encounters

Combat in Once Human is fast-paced and unforgiving. Aberrants come in various shapes and sizes, each with unique abilities and weaknesses.

  • Weapon Variety: Choose from a wide range of weapons, including melee weapons, firearms, and energy weapons. Each weapon type has its own strengths and weaknesses.
  • Ammo Management: Ammunition is scarce, so conserve your shots and prioritize headshots.
  • Weak Points: Aberrants often have weak points that can be exploited for extra damage. Pay attention to their anatomy and target these areas.
  • Elemental Damage: Some weapons and abilities inflict elemental damage, such as fire, ice, or electricity. Experiment with different elements to find what works best against specific Aberrants.
  • Dodging and Blocking: Mastering dodging and blocking is crucial for survival. Learn to anticipate enemy attacks and time your defenses accordingly.

Understanding Aberrant behavior is essential for survival. Observe their attack patterns and learn their weaknesses. Consider using traps and environmental hazards to your advantage.

Crafting and Resource Gathering

Crafting is the backbone of Once Human. You'll need to craft everything from weapons and armor to tools and building materials.

  • Resource Nodes: Explore the world to find resource nodes containing wood, metal, stone, and other essential materials.
  • Blueprint System: Learn new blueprints by completing quests, exploring the world, and defeating enemies.
  • Crafting Stations: Use crafting stations to combine resources and create new items.
  • Resource Management: Manage your inventory carefully and prioritize crafting essential items.

Efficient resource gathering is crucial for progression. Invest in tools that improve your gathering speed and capacity. Consider establishing resource outposts near abundant resource nodes.

Exploration and World Events

The world of Once Human is vast and filled with secrets. Exploration is essential for finding resources, blueprints, and other valuable items.

  • Points of Interest: Discover abandoned towns, military bases, and other points of interest.
  • World Events: Participate in dynamic world events to earn rewards and challenge yourself.
  • Vehicles: Unlock vehicles to travel faster and more efficiently.
  • Navigation: Use the map and compass to navigate the world.

Be cautious when exploring, as Aberrants can be found anywhere. Travel with a group if possible and be prepared for combat.

Social Interaction and Multiplayer

Once Human offers both solo and multiplayer experiences. Playing with friends can significantly improve your chances of survival.

  • Teamwork: Coordinate with your teammates to build bases, gather resources, and defeat challenging Aberrants.
  • Trading: Trade resources and items with other players.
  • PvP: Engage in player-versus-player combat for territory and resources.

Consider joining a clan to connect with other players and participate in organized events. Remember to respect other players and follow the game's rules.

Mastering the Meta

Beyond the core mechanics, understanding the current meta is key to excelling in Once Human. This involves:

  • Weapon Tier Lists: Staying informed on the most effective weapons and armor.
  • Aptitude Builds: Researching and experimenting with different aptitude builds to find what suits your playstyle and the current meta.
  • Resource Hotspots: Identifying the best locations for farming specific resources.
  • Aberrant Weakness Charts: Keeping track of the most effective strategies for dealing with different Aberrant types.

The meta is constantly evolving, so stay informed by watching gameplay videos, reading guides, and participating in the community.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Aberrant

Once Human offers a unique and challenging survival experience. By understanding the core gameplay mechanics and adapting to the ever-changing world, you can thrive in the Aberrant apocalypse. Don't be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and embrace the challenges that lie ahead. The world of Once Human is waiting to be explored, conquered, and ultimately, survived. So, grab your weapon, gather your resources, and prepare to face the unknown. The Stardust awaits.