Once Human Beginner Guide: Master Deviations & Early Game

Key Insights from Gameplay Analysis

Analyzing this Once Human session reveals critical mechanics new players must master. The game blends survival horror with multiplayer RPG elements in a post-apocalyptic world where mysterious "Stardust" has mutated creatures into deviations. Players awaken in Cradles with lost memories, collaborating to contain these entities while rebuilding society. From creature design like the bus spider to monolith boss fights, every element demands strategic preparation.

Understanding Core Game Mechanics

Deviations are central to gameplay - entities like the butterfly companion and bus spider represent different threat levels. Containing them stabilizes the world while boosting your cradle's power. As observed in the footage:

• Friendly deviations provide combat assistance (e.g., butterfly synchronization)
• Hostile deviations require specific tactics (bus spider weak points)
• Secure them at facilities to increase deviant power

Monoliths act as dangerous dungeons with escalating challenges. The Greed Monolith fight demonstrated:

1. Phase 1: Destroy weaponized appendages first
2. Phase 2: Prioritize spawners while dodging missiles
3. Environmental explosives deal massive damage

Crafting systems shown during base building highlight:

• Disassemble benches convert junk into resources
• Furnaces smelt copper for critical gear
• Territory establishment enables shared progression

Progression Roadmap for New Players

Character Creation & Early Game

1. Customization: Prioritize aesthetic choices early (e.g., purple hair) since masks can be hidden later
2. Tutorial Completion: Essential for unlocking co-op and core mechanics
3. Initial Gear: Machetes for stealth kills, crossbows for versatile combat

Resource & Base Management

Collect efficiently:

• Mine stone/copper near spawn points
• Loot containers in abandoned structures
• Hunt basic enemies for ammunition

Base building essentials:

1. Territory Foundation (3x3 minimum)  
2. Furnace for ingot production  
3. Workbench for weapon crafting  
4. Storage for resource stockpiling  

Combat Strategies and Boss Tactics

Deviation Encounters require adaptation:

• Bus Spider: Attack legs to slow movement → board for loot opportunities
• Siren: Use cover against projectiles → aim for glowing weak points

Greed Monolith Boss Fight Checklist:

1. Bring 1,000+ ammunition (crossbows recommended)
2. Assign roles: One distracts, one targets weak points
3. Use sanity gummies preemptively
4. Destroy spawners during phase transitions
5. Utilize explosive barrels strategically

Advanced Progression Tips

Co-op Synergy observed in gameplay:

• Coordinate rift anchor activation for faster zone control
• Share resources during base construction (e.g., wood stockpiles)
• Flank enemies during deviation fights

Exploration Priorities:

1. Unlock teleportation towers first
2. Activate rift anchors to reduce Stardust corruption
3. Loot monolith outskirts before entering

Essential Tools and Resources

Recommended Starter Loadout:

Item	Advantage	Crafting Materials
Crossbow	Silent/ammo-efficient	30 Wood + 10 Copper Ingots
Shotgun	Close-quarters burst	15 Steel + 20 Polymer
Motorcycle	Rapid traversal	Quest reward from Mary

Progression Benchmarks:

1. Territory established (Day 1)
2. Copper tools crafted (Day 1)
3. First deviation contained (Day 2)
4. Monolith completed (Day 3)

Final Takeaways

Once Human's survival loop thrives on deviation management and strategic co-op. Key lessons from this playthrough: contain deviations early for power boosts, prioritize teleportation towers for efficient exploration, and always pack healing items before monolith raids. The game's unique creature designs—like the loot-dropping bus spider—reward creative engagement over pure combat.

"Focusing fire on appendages first made our Greed Monolith victory possible with basic gear." - Playtest Insight

Which deviation strategy are you implementing first? Share your early-game challenges below!