7.5/10
Once Human is a free-to-play post-apocalyptic multiplayer survival game developed and published by Starry Studio, a subsidiary of NetEase. Originally released for Windows on July 9, 2024, and later for iOS and Android on April 23, 2025, this immersive title is set to expand to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2026. Combining third-person shooter combat, open-world exploration, and survival mechanics, Once Human plunges players into a ravaged Earth overrun by alien contamination known as Stardust. Its unique mix of looter-shooter gameplay, resource management, and dynamic scenarios has made it one of the most talked-about online survival games in recent years.
Once Human – Official Game Trailer
What is “Once Human” About?
Set in the aftermath of a catastrophic event called The Starfall, the world of Once Human is plagued by dangerous mutations called Deviations. Players step into the role of a Meta-Human, a genetically enhanced survivor capable of manipulating Stardust. Guided by a mystical bird named “V,” you uncover the dark truth behind the megacorporation Rosetta, whose reckless experiments triggered the global collapse. The core experience revolves around exploring vast open-world environments, gathering resources, building bases, managing survival needs, and facing supernatural threats.
Is “Once Human” Worth Watching (Playing)?
Yes — if you enjoy survival games with a deep lore, Once Human is absolutely worth your time. The game strikes a balance between story-driven progression and sandbox freedom, letting you shape your own survival journey. It offers a variety of PvE and PvP encounters, unique base-building mechanics, and challenging world events like Monolith battles and Stronghold raids. However, the game’s survival mechanics—such as hunger, hydration, and sanity management—add complexity that may not appeal to casual players.
Why Should I Watch (Play) “Once Human”?
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Rich Storyline & Expansions – The game’s evolving narrative keeps the world fresh, with expansions like The Way of Winter adding new locations, bosses, and mysteries.
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Diverse Gameplay – From raiding enemy strongholds to farming resources in silos, the variety keeps gameplay engaging.
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Unique Sanity System – The sanity mechanic adds psychological tension, making the world feel more dangerous and immersive.
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Persistent Progression – Eternaland ensures that key progress carries over between scenarios.
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Community Play – The multiplayer setup encourages cooperation and competition across dynamic servers.
Production
Once Human was announced as a large-scale survival project by Starry Studio, blending MMO-style online interaction with traditional survival elements. After its initial PC launch in mid-2024, the developers quickly expanded platform availability, bringing the game to mobile devices in April 2025. Future console releases for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are planned for 2026. Post-launch updates and expansions have introduced new content and gameplay systems, keeping the player base engaged.
Reception / Sales
At launch, Once Human attracted over 230,000 concurrent players on Steam, even hitting No. 1 in Steam’s Top Sellers list in August 2024.
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Metacritic Score: 71/100 (Mixed or Average)
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IGN: 8/10 – Praised for its depth and creativity.
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Eurogamer: 3/5 – Enjoyable but with room for improvement.
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GamesRadar+: 2.5/5 – Criticized for some repetitive elements.
Despite mixed reviews, its strong community and ongoing updates have helped it maintain a large player base.
Watch Order
Since Once Human is a game, not a film or series, the “watch order” translates to gameplay content progression:
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Base Game – Main Scenario: Manibus
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Expansion – The Way of Winter (post-Monolith completion)
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Future Content Updates & Expansions (TBA)
Once Human FAQ
Q: Is Once Human free-to-play?
Yes, it’s completely free-to-play, with optional in-game purchases.
Q: Can I play Once Human solo?
Yes, you can, though the game is designed with multiplayer in mind.
Q: Does progress carry over between servers?
Some items, characters, and resources can be stored in Eternaland and carried over.
Conclusion
Once Human stands out in the survival game genre for its unique blend of post-apocalyptic storytelling, challenging survival systems, and large-scale multiplayer gameplay. While it’s not without flaws, its evolving world, regular expansions, and committed community make it a strong choice for players who crave an immersive survival experience with both depth and replayability.
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