Once Human: A Surreal Blend of Sci-Fi, Horror, and Survival
In a gaming landscape increasingly saturated with repetitive mechanics and recycled narratives, Once Human emerges as a refreshing blend of science fiction, horror, and survival. Developed by Starry Studio and published by NetEase, this free-to-play multiplayer open-world survival game transports players into a world ravaged by a mysterious alien substance, transforming Earth into a surreal and nightmarish landscape.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Once Human invites players to navigate a shattered world where reality itself has been twisted. The core of this distortion is an alien entity known as “Stardust”—a “mysterious contaminant that warps both organic and inorganic matter, turning animals, plants, and even the environment into grotesque, otherworldly versions of their former selves. Humanity, on the brink of extinction, clings to survival through a new breed of fighters known as “Meta-”Humans—individuals altered by Stardust, granting them supernatural abilities while struggling to retain their humanity.
A World Unlike Any Other
What sets Once Human apart from other survival titles is its commitment to atmosphere and storytelling. The environment is more than just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing character filled with bizarre creatures, warped forests, floating ruins, and skies painted in unnatural hues. Players can explore everything from abandoned cities to twisted biomes that defy the laws of physics.
Every corner of the world seems to carry a story—a shattered home, a cryptic note, a haunting voice recording—all pieces of a puzzle that players must piece together to understand what happened and how to stop the alien invasion from consuming what’s left of Earth.
Survival, With a Twist
At its core, Once Human follows familiar survival gameplay mechanics: scavenging for resources, crafting tools, building shelters, and fending off threats. However, the game’s sci-fi horror setting introduces unique twists. Players must contend not only with hunger and hostile factions but also with “Aberrants”—monstrous beings mutated by Stardust that patrol the land and pose significant threats.
Combat in Once Human combines traditional firearms with strange, alien-infused weapons and abilities. Meta-Humans can tap into the power of Stardust to enhance their strength, manipulate the environment, or unleash devastating attacks, offering strategic depth in both PvE and PvP encounters.
Multiplayer and Co-op Emphasis
Though playable solo, Once Human thrives in its multiplayer elements. Players can form alliances, build bases together, and take on powerful world bosses. The social mechanics foster a sense of community and shared purpose—essential in a world so bleak and unforgiving. Clan warfare, resource management, and territory control add layers of strategy and competition.
Final Thoughts
Once Human isn’t just another survival game; it’s an experience steeped in atmosphere, mystery, and the ongoing question of what it means to remain human in the face of alien corruption. With its surreal art direction, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a narrative that blends existential dread with cosmic horror, it carves out a unique space in the genre.
For fans of The Forest, Rust, or S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Once Human offers something familiar yet refreshingly original—a haunting adventure where survival is only the beginning.
