Once Human is a sprawling multiplayer survival horror game that throws players into a post-apocalyptic world filled with cosmic anomalies, mutated creatures, and mysterious Deviants. Whether you're exploring the vast map solo or teaming up with friends, success in Once Human requires more than just brute force—it demands strategy, resourcefulness, and a deep understanding of its systems. This comprehensive guide offers time-based and thematic tips to help you thrive, from your first steps in the New World to advanced territory management and endgame raids.

Starting Strong: Choosing the Right Server and Setup

Your journey begins with a crucial decision—selecting the right server and customizing your character. Once Human offers both PvE and PvP servers, each with distinct gameplay dynamics.

Server Selection

• PvE servers are ideal for players who prefer exploration, crafting, and story progression without the threat of raids.
• PvP servers introduce competitive elements, allowing players to raid each other’s territories and compete for resources.

Character Setup

While cosmetic customization is purely aesthetic, your starting region and initial perks can significantly affect your early survival. Choose a region with balanced resources and avoid high-level zones until you're better equipped.

First 24 Hours: Basic Survival and Sanity Management

The first in-game day is all about securing food, water, shelter, and maintaining your sanity. Neglecting these basics can lead to early death or long-term debuffs.

Survival Essentials

• Gather berries, canned food, and water bottles from nearby ruins.
• Hunt small animals using basic weapons like the crossbow, which allows bolt recovery.
• Build a temporary shelter using wood and scrap to protect against environmental hazards.

Sanity System

Sanity affects your maximum HP. Polluted zones, raw food, and combat stress can reduce it. Sleep in a bed to recover sanity gradually and avoid dark zones until you’re prepared.

Territory Claiming: How to Build and Protect Your Base

Territory is your lifeline in Once Human. Claiming and building a base allows you to store items, craft gear, and defend against threats.

Claiming Territory

• Use the Territory Beacon to mark your zone.
• Choose locations near water, resource nodes, and teleportation towers.

Base Building Tips

Start with a foundation, walls, and roof. Add crafting stations, storage units, and defenses. Use preset blueprints to save time and expand your base as you progress.

Crafting and Upgrading: Tools, Weapons, and Facilities

Crafting is central to progression. As you explore, you’ll unlock blueprints for advanced gear and facilities.

Key Crafting Stations

• Workbench: Basic tools and weapons
• Furnace: Smelting ores
• Chemistry Table: Healing items and advanced materials

Upgrade Strategy

Prioritize upgrading your backpack, weapon durability, and armor. These upgrades improve survivability and efficiency in combat and exploration.

Exploration and Looting: Navigating the World Efficiently

The New World is massive and filled with loot, enemies, and secrets. Efficient exploration is key to gathering rare materials and completing quests.

Navigation Tips

• Activate teleportation towers for fast travel.
• Use the map to mark points of interest and avoid high-level zones.
• Travel light and bring healing items and sanity boosters.

Loot Priorities

Focus on rare ores, Deviant DNA, and crafting components. Check abandoned buildings, enemy camps, and puzzle crates for high-value items.

Combat and Deviants: Fighting and Taming Strategies

Combat in Once Human is fast-paced and often chaotic. You’ll face mutated enemies and supernatural threats. Deviants—tameable creatures—can assist in battle.

Combat Basics

• Use ranged weapons to maintain distance.
• Learn enemy patterns and use dodge mechanics.
• Equip grenades and healing items for emergencies.

Taming Deviants

Use special items to tame Deviants found in the wild. Each has unique abilities—some excel in combat, others in gathering or defense. Choose companions that complement your playstyle.

Seasonal Progression: Preparing for Server Wipes

Once Human operates on a seasonal format, meaning servers reset periodically. Preparing for these wipes ensures you retain key progress.

Preserving Progress

• Save blueprints and territory layouts.
• Store rare items in Eternaland.
• Complete seasonal quests for permanent rewards.

Strategic Planning

Treat each season as a sprint toward long-term goals. Focus on achievements and unlocks that carry over to future seasons.

Advanced Territory Management: Upgrades and Permissions

As your base grows, managing it becomes more complex. You’ll need to upgrade structures and assign permissions to allies.

Upgrade Paths

• Reinforce walls and add automated defenses.
• Expand crafting stations for efficiency.
• Install energy systems for advanced tech.

Multiplayer Coordination

Grant building permissions to trusted players. Assign roles—builders, defenders, gatherers—for optimal territory performance. Use voice chat or Discord for better teamwork.

Endgame Zones: Eternaland and RaidZone Strategies

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to tackle endgame zones like Eternaland and RaidZone. These areas offer high-level loot and challenges.

Eternaland Tips

• Store permanent items and build showcase bases.
• Participate in Eternaland events for rare cosmetics.
• Use Eternaland as a social hub to connect with other players.

RaidZone Tactics

Enter RaidZones with a coordinated team. Use healing rotations, area control, and strategic positioning. These zones are brutal but rewarding—prepare thoroughly before entering.

Community and Events: Staying Engaged Long-Term

Once Human thrives on community interaction. Seasonal events, alliances, and social hubs keep the game fresh and engaging.

Staying Connected

• Join Discord servers and Reddit communities.
• Participate in in-game events and challenges.
• Share your builds and Deviants with others.

Long-Term Motivation

Set personal goals—like collecting all Deviants or mastering PvP. Engage with the lore and seasonal updates to stay invested. The game evolves, and so should your strategies.

Conclusion

Once Human offers a rich and challenging survival experience. By mastering its systems—from basic survival and crafting to territory management and endgame raids—you can thrive in its chaotic beauty. Whether you're building a fortress, taming a Deviant, or leading a raid, success comes from preparation, teamwork, and adaptability. Use this guide as your compass, and you'll not only survive—you'll dominate