Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival RPG released in 2024, blending shooter and strategy elements. You play as a "Meta," gifted with powers after a cosmic event called Starfall shattered civilization. The core loop involves fighting monstrous enemies, uncovering secrets about the substance "Stardust," competing for resources, and building fortified territories with friends. It appeals to players who enjoy deep crafting, faction choices, and surviving in a bizarre, post-apocalyptic setting across PC and consoles.
This title blends several genres into its core offering, primarily functioning as a Shooter, Role-Playing Game (RPG), Strategy, and Adventure game. The primary gameplay loop centers on survival, exploration, and combat within a persistent, shared world. Players will need to manage resources, craft necessary gear, and establish fortified bases to withstand the constant threat posed by mutated creatures and environmental anomalies.
As a Meta, your character possesses inherent powers derived from Stardust exposure. Progression involves developing these abilities alongside traditional RPG elements, allowing for diverse playstyles depending on which faction's ideology—Evolutionist, Ascendant, or Mayfly—you align with or pursue in your own development path.
The atmosphere is defined by cosmic horror meeting technological ruin. The world is saturated with "deviations" caused by the Stardust, leading to unpredictable and dangerous phenomena. Players are tasked not just with surviving the immediate threats but also with understanding the overarching conspiracy involving the Great Ones and the remnants of human scientific endeavors. The narrative suggests a struggle for the future of civilization, where different factions of Metas clash over how to interact with the new, altered reality.
A significant component of the experience involves territorial control and construction. Players are encouraged to build their own territory, suggesting deep base-building mechanics essential for defense against both environmental hazards and potentially hostile player factions or powerful in-game entities. Resource competition is highlighted as a central conflict driver in this multiplayer environment.
The distinctive feature of this survival experience is the player's status as a "Meta." Unlike standard survivors, Metas have abilities granted by Stardust infection. These powers shape combat and exploration, offering a layer of specialization and synergy when teaming up with other players. Players must choose how to evolve these powers, aligning with different ideological paths that dictate their approach to the new world order.
This main game title launched in 2024 and is accessible across a wide range of modern platforms, ensuring broad player accessibility. It is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, and Android devices.
As of the current date, there are no officially released Downloadable Content (DLCs) packs, major expansions, or remakes associated with this core game release.