Once Human in IOS

Strange Worlds Survival Game

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Site Score

89/100

Once Human is a staggering achievement for mobile survival games. It manages to deliver a massive, seamless open world that feels eerie, beautiful, and dangerous all at once. The central premise—surviving in a world infected by 'Stardust'—provides a unique supernatural twist on the standard post-apocalyptic formula. The 'Meta-Human' mechanic, where you use the infection to your advantage, creates a satisfying power progression that sets it apart from more grounded survival sims.

The building system is surprisingly robust, allowing for incredibly creative base designs that serve as both a sanctuary and a fortress. But it’s the 'Deviants'—those strange, often humorous creatures like the gun-toting alpaca—that really steal the show. They aren't just pets; they are functional partners that help with everything from combat to logistics. Whether you're exploring the 256 km² map solo or teaming up with friends to take down massive world bosses, the scale of Once Human is truly impressive.

Reviewed on: Thu Feb 27 2025
Dinsun Avatar

Dinsun Review

Dinsun here. Once Human is a mess, but it’s a *creative* mess, which is more than I can say for most survival games. The monster design is legitimately unsettling—think 'TV head creatures' and 'eldritch horrors that move like glitches.' That part I like. But the actual 'game' part is bloated with every trendy mechanic from the last five years. There’s base building, there’s card-based upgrades, there’s faction wars... it’s too much. It feels like a committee tried to make a game for everyone and ended up making a confusing experience for most.

The performance on mobile is particularly rough. Expect frame drops and overheating. And don't even get me started on the seasonal wipe system—I don't have the time or patience to lose my progress every few months just for the sake of 'content.' It’s a 63 because the world-building is top-notch, but the execution is clumsy and the monetization is increasingly aggressive. It needs another year in the oven, or maybe just a smaller scope.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

  • Unique and genuinely creepy creature design
  • Expansive, atmospheric open world
  • Creative blend of supernatural powers and survival
  • Poor technical optimization on mobile
  • Overwhelmingly complex and cluttered UI
  • Controversial seasonal reset mechanic

Technical Report

Performance: Heavy stuttering in populated areas; requires a high-end device for a stable 30fps.

Accessibility:
  • Subtitles
  • Adjustable FOV
  • Customizable HUD

Audience Fit

Buy if: You love 'New Weird' fiction and don't mind grinding through technical jank for cool atmosphere.

Skip if: You want a polished, straightforward survival experience or hate seasonal resets.

Similar Games:
  • The Forest
  • Control
  • State of Decay

Reviewer Context

  • Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative gamer
  • Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
  • Playtime: 45 hours
  • Status: Reached mid-game tier and built a reinforced base

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

Version 1.0.45Wed Oct 21 2026

What's New in This Version:

1. The all-new ocean survival scenario [Isles of Abyss] is live.

2. The new RaidZone ocean map [Isles of Abyss: RaidZone] opens with shardless ocean PvP.

3. New weapon SCAR-Outlander and armor Snowline Elite Vest arrive, refreshing Frost builds.

4. First-Person Shoulder Aim added, upgrading combat.

5. 23 outfits now support custom dyeing; Charm benefits overhauled.

6. New Shop items and limited-time rewards.

7. Experience optimizations and bug fixes.


Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Join forces with friends to fight for survival, construct your sanctuary, and conquer terrifying aberrations to unravel the truth behind the apocalypse. Do you still hold the answer to what it means to be human?

EXPLORE A SUPERNATURAL OPEN WORLD

The world has fallen. An extraterrestrial substance called Stardust has infected everything—plants, animals, even the air we breathe. Most humans couldn't survive… but you're different. You're a Meta-Human—one of the few who can harness Stardust's power instead of being destroyed by it. With your abilities, you can fight back, rebuild, or even rule this broken world.

CHALLENGE YOUR SURVIVAL INSTINCTS

The Starfall has reshaped everything on the Nalcott. You, as a surviving "Meta," must fight to survive across a vast 256 km² seamless map. Traverse frozen tundras, scale active volcanoes, cross raging rivers and treacherous swamps, or journey through deserts and oases. Whether you hunt, farm, build, or wage all-out war—your only goal is to survive.

TEST YOUR SKILL IN BATTLE AGAINST MONSTROUS FOES

You're not alone in your fight against the ancient horrors. Team up with others to explore the unknown and outsmart your rivals. Face thrilling battles where strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking decide who survives. Work together, share your strengths, and fight for the last remaining resources—because only the strongest will make it out alive.

FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY

Stardust turned people, animals, and objects into monstrous creatures, and now these horrors have taken over the world. But the tables have turned—we are the hunters now, and the Deviants are the prey.

FORGE YOUR BASE, UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

Build your base anywhere in the wild! Customize your hideout however you want—add a patio, kitchen, garage, and more. Store your loot safely and defend it with deadly traps and weapons. Get creative and build the ultimate survival fortress!

DEVIATION PALS ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE!

From a gun-toting alpaca to a tiny blue dragon chef, or even a hardworking mining buddy, these strange and powerful creatures are everywhere, ready to join your team. They'll fight by your side, help gather resources, and keep your territory running—but don't forget to take care of them! Give them a cozy home, check in often, and keep them happy… or they might just rebel.

With Deviants around, surviving the apocalypse just got a whole lot less lonely.

【Follow Us!】

X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/OnceHuman_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnceHumanOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncehuman_official/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oncehuman_official

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oncehuman_official

【Join the Official Community!】

Discord: https://discord.gg/SkhPPj5K

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/OnceHumanOfficial/

【Official Content Creator Program】

https://creators.gamesight.io/programs/once-human


Requires iOS 13.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Strange Worlds Survival Game

Once Human is a Strange Worlds Survival Game set in a bizarre, apocalyptic world. Fight side by side with friends for survival resources, build your home territory, and overcome the terrifying unknown together as you uncover the truth behind the fall of the world. You were once human. Do you still hold the answer to what it means to be human?

World Awakened

They were buses, TVs, and chairs. Now they walk, speak, and stare.

Scavenge or Die

Old-world scrap keeps you alive. Anomalies power your gear and home.

Squad Up

Capture the Anomalies you defeat. Yesterday's enemy is tomorrow's ally.

Craft Weapons

Turn scrap and Anomaly power into hundreds of deadly, custom weapons.

Build Your Home

They chop wood, mine ore, and tend fields. This home runs on all of you.

Become Them

Shed your humanity. Fuse with defeated Anomalies and wield their power.

Continuous Meta Pass Subscription Activation Instructions

1. MonthlyMeta Pass Activation Instructions

--Subscription Period: 1 Month

--Subscription Price: 4.99 USD per month

2. Other Rules

--Payment: Charges will be deducted via the user's iTunes account. Payment is made upon user confirmation of purchase.

--Renewal: The Apple iTunes account will be charged within 24 hours before expiration. Upon successful payment, the subscription period will be extended by one subscription cycle.

--Cancel Renewal: To cancel renewal, please operate at least 24 hours before the current billing period ends. Operation method: From the Home page, go to [Settings] —> Tap [iTunes Store & App Store] —> Tap [Apple ID], select [View Apple ID] —> [Account Settings] —> Tap [Subscriptions], then tap [Cancel Subscription].

--NetEase Games License and Service T&c:

https://protocol.unisdk.easebar.com/release/latest_v487.html

--NetEase Games Privacy Policy:

https://protocol.unisdk.easebar.com/release/latest_v475.html


In-Game Events

Isles of Abyss Is Here!
MAJOR UPDATE
Isles of Abyss Is Here!
Once Human: Ocean expansion is live now!

The deep awakens! Build your ark, sail the strange ocean, battle terrifying monsters, and fight to survive the abyss!

Starts: 10/21/2026Ends: 11/20/2026

Ratings & Reviews

4.6 out of 5 with 18177 Counts
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
Age Rating 18+

Screenshots

Once Human screenshot 1Once Human screenshot 2Once Human screenshot 3Once Human screenshot 4Once Human screenshot 5Once Human screenshot 6Once Human screenshot 7Once Human screenshot 8Once Human screenshot 9Once Human screenshot 10Once Human screenshot 11Once Human screenshot 12Once Human screenshot 13Once Human screenshot 14Once Human screenshot 15Once Human screenshot 16

Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a post-apocalyptic future. As a Meta-Human, you must survive the 'Stardust' infection that has mutated the world. Explore a vast 256 km² map featuring diverse biomes, from frozen tundras to active volcanoes. Fight terrifying aberrations, build and customize your base anywhere in the wild, and recruit powerful 'Deviations'—creatures that will help you fight and gather resources.

Features

1

Massive 256 km² seamless open world

2

Dynamic building and base customization

3

Unique 'Deviant' companion system

4

PvP and PvE multiplayer modes

5

Deep survival mechanics and character progression

Recommended Links

Official Once Human Website

Latest news on seasonal updates and patches.

Official

News on this game

Once Human Launches Ocean Expansion 'Isles of Abyss'  Inven Global

Inven Global - Thu Oct 22 2026

الحصول على Once Human — Ocean Expansion: Isles of Abyss Bundle | XBOX  Microsoft

Microsoft - Thu Oct 22 2026

Once Human: Isles of Abyss - Official Launch Trailer  IGN

IGN - Wed Oct 21 2026

The Isles of Abyss naval expansion for the PS5 action game Once Human has been announced.  GameGPU

GameGPU - Wed Oct 21 2026

Once Human’s Isles of Abyss expansion launches on PS5 tomorrow  PlayStation.Blog

PlayStation.Blog - Wed Oct 21 2026

Once Human Isles of Abyss servers set to open after October 21 update (PT)  jeu.video

jeu.video - Tue Oct 20 2026

‘Once Human’ “Isles of Abyss” Major Free Expac Lands 22 Oct.  PlayDayOne

PlayDayOne - Mon Sep 28 2026

Once Human Is Expanding With Isles of Abyss on October 22 Across All Platforms  COGconnected

COGconnected - Mon Sep 21 2026

Once Human Review  TheXboxHub

TheXboxHub - Wed Sep 09 2026

NCSOFT to launch PC cafe service for 'Once Human' on September 17  Inven Global

Inven Global - Wed Sep 09 2026

Gameplays

Q&A

Yes, Once Human is a persistent multiplayer world and requires an active internet connection to play.

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