Once Human

In the crowded landscape of survival games, Once Human, developed by Starry Studio and published by NetEase, stands out as a bold, free-to-play open-world experience. Released on July 9, 2024, for Windows, with mobile versions launched on April 23, 2025, and console releases planned for 2026, this multiplayer game immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by an alien substance called Stardust. Blending survival mechanics, crafting, and cosmic horror, Once Human has captivated players with its unique setting and engaging gameplay. This article explores its origins, mechanics, appeal, and impact, highlighting why it’s a must-play for survival enthusiasts.

Origins and Concept

Once Human emerged from NetEase’s ambition to create an SCP-inspired survival game that breaks from traditional post-apocalyptic tropes like zombies or nuclear fallout. Set in the fictional Nalcott, the game introduces players to a world transformed by Stardust, an extraterrestrial force that mutates creatures and objects into bizarre Deviants. Launched after a successful closed beta with over 200,000 players, the game garnered millions of hours of Twitch views, reflecting its pre-release hype. Its cross-platform support for PC, iOS, and Android, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions slated for 2026, ensures broad accessibility.

The game’s narrative centers on players as Meta-Humans, survivors who harness Stardust’s power to fight, build, and explore. The Endless Dream scenario, introduced in Version 2.0 on July 2, 2025, adds a nightmare-themed PvE experience, complete with a new class system featuring roles like Beastmaster, Chef, and Gardener. This innovative approach, paired with a focus on exploration and base-building, sets Once Human apart in the survival genre.

Gameplay Mechanics

Once Human is a third-person open-world survival game that blends looter-shooter and crafting elements. Players begin with a tutorial guiding them through survival basics, such as gathering resources, managing hunger and thirst meters, and maintaining a sanity meter to avoid health penalties. The 256 km² seamless map, filled with abandoned towns and eerie landscapes, encourages exploration. Players can ride motorcycles, use gliders, or unlock Transportation Towers for fast travel, making the vast world manageable.

Combat involves battling Deviants, from lantern-headed zombies to a bus with legs, with weapons ranging from rifles to melee options. While some criticize the combat as simplistic due to slow enemy AI, group-based instanced dungeons add challenge, supporting up to four players via an easy-to-use team finder. Crafting is deep, with the Memetics system unlocking recipes for weapons, furniture, and food. Base-building allows players to construct elaborate territories, from simple shelters to sprawling estates, with interactive objects like pianos and whiteboards adding charm.

The game’s Deviant system is a highlight. Players collect friendly Deviants—like a mining Digby Boy or a damage-dealing butterfly—that assist in combat or resource gathering. These creatures require care to prevent rebellion, adding a creature-collection layer reminiscent of Pokémon or Palworld. The class system in Version 2.0 enhances gameplay, allowing players to specialize as a Beastmaster commanding animal partners or a Chef crafting unique dishes.

Appeal and Community

Once Human’s appeal lies in its immersive world and flexible gameplay. The open-world feels alive, with detailed environments like deserted factories and eerie high schools, complemented by a haunting art style that blends contemporary and cosmic horror. Players can engage in PvE missions, PvP events, or casual activities like racing and shooting challenges, catering to diverse playstyles. The free-to-play model, supported by cosmetic microtransactions, makes it accessible, though some criticize paywalled building materials.

The game fosters a strong community, with over 400,000 Discord members and active engagement on platforms like Reddit and X. Players share base designs, strategies, and stories, with one X user praising its addictive quality after 120 hours, calling it a “22/10” experience. However, the seasonal server wipes every six weeks, which reset progress except for blueprints and quest advancements, have sparked debate. Some see wipes as a fresh start, while others find them discouraging.

Educational and Cultural Impact

While primarily entertainment, Once Human encourages strategic thinking and resource management, skills valuable in problem-solving. Its narrative prompts players to explore themes of survival and humanity, piecing together lore through memos and environmental clues. In educational settings, it could spark discussions about ecology and technology, given its Stardust-driven apocalypse premise.

Culturally, Once Human has resonated globally, with translations in multiple languages and a fanbase sharing content on YouTube and TikTok. Its SCP-inspired aesthetic, drawing from games like Control and Secret World, appeals to fans of weird fiction. The game’s blend of survival, horror, and social elements has made it a standout, with over 230,000 concurrent Steam players at launch.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its strengths, Once Human faces criticism. The combat can feel lackluster, with easy early-game enemies and clunky AI. The cluttered UI and numerous menus overwhelm some players, and the lack of controller support at launch disappointed others. Mobile players report performance issues on devices like Samsung Ultras, citing frame rate drops and overheating. The seasonal wipes and live-service elements, like battle passes and premium currencies, frustrate players seeking permanence.

Conclusion

Once Human is a compelling post-apocalyptic survival game that combines exploration, crafting, and creature-collection in a hauntingly beautiful world. Its free-to-play model, cross-platform play, and deep systems make it accessible and engaging, despite flaws like simplistic combat and controversial server wipes. With ongoing updates like the Endless Dream scenario and a passionate community, Once Human offers a fresh take on the survival genre, inviting players to conquer a Stardust-ravaged world one Deviant at a time.