Once Human is a fantastic MMO based in an interesting post-apocalyptic landscape, but still has some growing to do to reach the peak of the genre.

Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Windows
  • Android
  • Mobile Platform
  • Tablet

Reviews

76%
Audience ScoreBased on 55,161 reviews
gameplay2,054 positive mentions
grinding1,990 negative mentions
  • gameplay5,614 mentions

    The gameplay of "Once Human" has received mixed reviews, highlighting both its engaging mechanics and significant flaws. Players appreciate the blend of survival, crafting, and exploration elements, often comparing it to popular titles like "Fallout 76" and "The Division." However, many criticize the repetitive nature of the gameplay loop, the cumbersome building mechanics, and the controversial seasonal reset system that wipes progress every six weeks, which detracts from long-term engagement. Overall, while the game offers a rich experience with potential for fun, it suffers from technical issues and design choices that may frustrate players.

    • “The gameplay is engaging and there's always something new to discover.”
    • “The core gameplay loop involves advancing the plot by visiting and unlocking specific landmarks, defeating bosses, and upgrading gear to survive increasingly difficult monsters.”
    • “The gameplay loop is enjoyable, especially for fans of survival games, but it can become repetitive after a while.”
    • “The game is full of bugs, the UI has a lot of over-complicated features, and you will be spending a lot of time on YouTube to figure out unintuitive and unexplained game mechanics.”
    • “The grind is excessive, and the game feels like more effort was put into cosmetics than into the gameplay or world-building.”
    • “The gameplay quickly becomes repetitive and lacks meaningful content to keep you engaged.”
  • story5,428 mentions

    The story in "Once Human" is described as a mix of engaging and convoluted elements, with players noting its potential but also its shortcomings. Many reviews highlight the game's rich lore and intriguing world-building, yet criticize the execution, including poor voice acting, repetitive quests, and a lack of character depth. The seasonal reset mechanic, which forces players to replay the same story content, has drawn significant criticism, as it detracts from the overall experience and can lead to player burnout. Overall, while the game offers a captivating setting and gameplay, the narrative aspects need refinement to enhance player investment.

    • “After investing over 200 hours into Once Human, I can confidently say that this game is a remarkable experience that blends survival mechanics, exploration, and immersive storytelling in a captivating post-apocalyptic world.”
    • “The storyline unfolds gradually, revealing a rich lore that keeps you invested in the world.”
    • “The story is engaging and the creatures you fight sometimes give you a jump scare but still fun.”
    • “The story is a convoluted mess, and the voice acting of the bird sounds like it's AI generated.”
    • “The story is bland and could have just been conveyed via text with more flair and life than these quest dispenser mannequins you call NPCs.”
    • “The story is almost non-existent, and the atmosphere is severely lacking.”
  • graphics2,874 mentions

    The graphics of "Once Human" have received widespread praise for their stunning visuals and detailed environments, often described as breathtaking and immersive. Players appreciate the unique aesthetic that combines elements of horror and sci-fi, with many noting that the graphics are impressive for a free-to-play title. However, some users have reported performance issues, including lag and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems, which detracts from the overall experience.

    • “The atmosphere is palpable, with stunning visuals that create a hauntingly beautiful world.”
    • “The post-apocalyptic horror aesthetic has a unique feel, and their custom-made game engine delivers stunning, awe-inspiring graphics.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, with amazing details and environments that feel alive.”
    • “Honestly, this game just has graphics.”
    • “It is not optimized for the graphics it has.”
    • “The graphics are a bit buggy but look good, 8/10.”
  • grinding2,155 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While many appreciate the balance of grinding for resources, crafting, and building, some find it excessively tedious, especially with the seasonal resets that wipe progress every six weeks. Players enjoy the variety of activities available, but the repetitive nature of resource gathering and the pressure to keep up with friends can lead to burnout. Overall, the game is seen as fun and engaging, but the grind can feel overwhelming for those who prefer a more casual experience.

    • “The grind in the game is not really grindy; it's what I call just nice.”
    • “Gameplay is fun and not too grindy.”
    • “Progression feels fast and not too grindy; there's plenty of ways to get the things you need.”
    • “Hundreds of hours of grinding just wiped away for something that the game itself is at fault for.”
    • “So until the season wipe of players' levels and goods is stopped, don't bother with this game as it will be nothing but repetition and endless grinding for nothing as you lose everything after a few weeks.”
    • “You spend all this time grinding levels and mods for you to not be able to use them, since the wars are garbage.”
  • optimization1,235 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and lag, particularly during high-density events or on lower-end systems. While some users have noted improvements and smooth performance on higher-end PCs, the overall consensus indicates that the game still requires substantial optimization to enhance the gameplay experience. Developers are actively working on updates, but many players express frustration over the current state of optimization, suggesting it detracts from the game's potential enjoyment.

    • “Probably the best optimized game, it runs so smooth even on the highest graphics.”
    • “The developers have clearly put thought into optimization, and regular updates show they’re listening to player feedback.”
    • “Optimization is solid, with detailed graphics and smooth animations, even during large-scale battles.”
    • “The game has awful optimization and despite those issues, they still clumped everyone into 3 worlds in the server I'm in.”
    • “From the horrible optimization that causes the game to not properly load in enemies and areas for minutes at a time (while said invisible enemies are attacking you), to game-breaking bugs, to boring story, to voice deliveries that sound like they got random people to read lines instead of actual voice actors, this game has nothing to give you.”
    • “The game is not optimized and has a whole world of lag and has lots of bug issues.”
  • stability1,014 mentions

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with players reporting a plethora of bugs and glitches that significantly disrupt gameplay. Common issues include freezing, lag, and problems with the building mechanics, which many find frustrating. While some players acknowledge the game's potential and enjoy the content, the overall consensus is that it requires substantial improvements to achieve a smoother and more stable experience.

    • “Has been an absolutely amazing game, very minimal bugs, runs great. I love it and would highly recommend.”
    • “The game is beautiful, creative, and not too buggy at all for a work in progress.”
    • “It runs great, looks great, and is fun.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess and the graphics are terrible.”
    • “The game is riddled with connectivity issues, bugs, and glitches.”
    • “The game is still a bit buggy, but the gameplay is solid.”
  • monetization809 mentions

    The monetization model of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players labeling it as a "cash grab" due to the high prices of cosmetic items and the presence of multiple currencies and microtransactions. While some appreciate that the game does not feature pay-to-win elements and that all purchases are cosmetic, others criticize the aggressive marketing tactics and the overwhelming number of monetization options, which can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is seen as fun and engaging, but concerns about its monetization practices persist.

    • “The most fair monetization model in its genre.”
    • “Currently, monetization is solely focused on cosmetics, which is great for a free-to-play game.”
    • “The game is good, the combat is very clean, the scaling is fun and it doesn't even feel like every other free-to-play game that shoves microtransactions in your face all the time.”
    • “First of all, this game feels like a cash grab.”
    • “The only caveats to this fun game are the amount of 'cash grab' features.”
    • “It's a shame that a game with so much potential is tarnished by such a greedy monetization scheme.”
  • atmosphere430 mentions

    The atmosphere in *Once Human* is widely praised for its stunning visuals and immersive sound design, creating a hauntingly beautiful post-apocalyptic world that captivates players. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to blend eerie landscapes with atmospheric soundscapes, enhancing the sense of tension and exploration. While some players note minor performance issues and the presence of player-built structures that can detract from immersion, the overall consensus is that the game's rich atmosphere is one of its strongest features, making it a must-try for fans of survival games.

    • “The atmosphere is palpable, with stunning visuals that create a hauntingly beautiful world.”
    • “The sound design complements the visuals perfectly, with an atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the immersion.”
    • “From the moment I stepped into this post-apocalyptic world, I was blown away by the stunning visuals and eerie atmosphere.”
    • “To sum it up, Once Human is a post-apocalyptic game that has a lack of 'post-apocalypse' atmosphere; it is extremely easy to survive in this wasteland. Its business model is based around seasons and battle passes, which, for an open-world post-apocalyptic multiplayer game, is not the best.”
    • “The dark, eerie landscapes filled with mutated horrors create an atmosphere that pulls you in, making every exploration feel dangerous yet rewarding.”
    • “The character animations are lifeless, the atmosphere is non-existent, and the story is given in huge boring info dump NPC speeches.”
  • music323 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric quality, enhancing immersion and complementing the gameplay effectively. Players appreciate the variety of genres available, particularly through in-game radio stations, though many express a desire for more songs to prevent repetition. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong point, contributing significantly to the game's ambiance and emotional impact, despite some critiques regarding its memorability and volume issues.

    • “The sound design complements the visuals perfectly, with an atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the immersion.”
    • “The music complements the game well, with a fitting atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the tension and desolate feel of the world.”
    • “From the moment you step into its beautifully crafted post-apocalyptic universe, you’re greeted with stunning visuals and a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly sets the tone for your adventure.”
    • “The music is lame and the voice acting is poor and doesn't match the English subtitles.”
    • “The current lists are very small, and players hear the same 5-6 songs over and over.”
    • “The lack of any real music is also heavily apparent while wandering around.”
  • humor247 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting its absurdity and the comedic potential of its glitches and bugs. Many reviews mention that the game's quirky mechanics and unexpected moments lead to hilarious experiences, making it enjoyable even amidst technical issues. Overall, the blend of humor and chaotic gameplay creates a lighthearted atmosphere that resonates well with the community.

    • “You get to enjoy the elements of a zombie apocalypse but laid back and humorous.”
    • “The game is great; always have something to do, and they made some funny moments as well.”
    • “It's perfect for those who enjoy laughing at the ridiculous and embracing the silly.”
    • “It's like the developers were not sure what sort of game they wanted to make. It's lucky this game was free; there are so many simple small things wrong with it that it's not funny.”
    • “I would call it campy, but it's not funny or trying to be funny.”
    • “It's a good game, but the bass problem made it not funny anymore.”
  • replayability99 mentions

    Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, with many players enjoying its engaging mechanics, procedural content, and seasonal resets that keep the experience fresh. While some users note a decline in replay value after reaching certain milestones, the multiplayer aspect and diverse gameplay options contribute to a strong replay incentive. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to provide endless fun, especially in cooperative play, making it a solid choice for those seeking a dynamic survival experience.

    • “Overall, it's a fun survival game with a good amount of replay value with friends or solo.”
    • “The seasonal aspect keeps it fresh and helps with replayability.”
    • “High replayability comes from the open-world design and procedural elements, ensuring each playthrough is unique.”
    • “But after you reach max level, 90% of the map is worthless to ever return to, as everything dies with one bullet, offering no entertainment value or replayability.”
    • “The server system is pretty awful and splits the game's population apart; however, the worst of all is the lack of content after the first 50-100 hours or so. It falls off like a cliff, unlike most MMOs where there is some replayability or more casual content to do.”
    • “Not sure there is going to be anything here for replayability once I finally get the story done.”
  • emotional99 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with many players praising the supportive and wholesome community that enhances their experience, while others criticize the lackluster story and voice acting that fail to evoke strong feelings. Some players find emotional resonance in the gameplay and character interactions, particularly in cooperative moments, but many express frustration over technical issues and a narrative that feels uninspired. Overall, while the community's positivity stands out, the game's emotional depth is often overshadowed by its shortcomings.

    • “The visual details and gloomy atmosphere made me feel completely connected, as if I were part of the story.”
    • “Once Human weaves a story that's both gripping and emotionally resonant.”
    • “From well-developed characters to engaging dialogue, every element contributes to an experience that goes beyond just a game - it’s an emotional journey.”
    • “From the horrible optimization that causes the game to not properly load in enemies and areas for minutes at a time (while said invisible enemies are attacking you), to game-breaking bugs, to a boring story, to voice deliveries that sound like they got random people to read lines instead of actual voice actors, this game has nothing to give you.”
    • “This game is not for me because it looks like it really wants to handhold you and tell a boring story, way more than any fighting or survival.”
    • “First you have a kind of sad tutorial area where the game is set on a linear path, but nothing fancy actually happens there, just a really boring story that is all over the place - you meet the aliens, there is a random anime girl, you shoot the aliens, you get to random anime girl's house, and collect wood and stone, then a 50-meter-high alien pole thing spawns and you defeat it by shooting its head (which is a meta satellite dish) with a crossbow.”
  • character development95 mentions

    Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning character designs and customization options that enhance the overall experience. However, some players criticize the lack of depth in character development and storytelling, noting that it can feel minimal or disjointed. Overall, while the visual aspects of character design are often highlighted as impressive, the narrative and character growth elements vary significantly in quality.

    • “The character development and lore are also top-notch, making you care about the world and the people in it.”
    • “It’s rare to find a game that combines a gripping story with deep character development so effectively.”
    • “Character development feels rewarding.”
    • “There's no character development or customization options at all.”
    • “The plot can feel disjointed and the character development is minimal, which makes it hard to become fully invested in the world.”
    • “The character designer is particularly disappointing, offering ugly models that seem like an afterthought.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Once Human

Play time

30hMedian play time
81hAverage play time
9-100hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 451 analyzed playthroughs

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