Once Human has emerged as one of the most talked about releases of 2025.
Developed by Exptional Global, Once Human multiplayer open world survival shooter drops players into a brutal post apocalyptic Earth ravaged by a mysterious alien substance known as Stardust.
You step into the role of a Meta Human, a rare survivor who can harness Stardust’s strange powers to fight back against terrifying alien mutated creatures called Deviants. From commanding gun-toting alpacas to exploring a seamless 256 km² map filled with diverse biomes, Once Human blends survival, exploration, crafting, and high stakes cooperative combat into a single, adrenaline fueled experience.
The Story & Setting
The Stardust Catastrophe
It began with Stardust, not the twinkling kind, but an alien corruption that swept across the globe, warping ecosystems and turning once-familiar landscapes into twisted wastelands. Cities crumbled, humanity fractured, and nature itself bent to Stardust’s will.
Meta Humans
Amid the chaos, a few survivors adapted instead of perishing. Infused with Stardust, these Meta-Humans gained extraordinary abilities, becoming humanity’s last line of defense. Your powers aren’t just a gift, they’re a responsibility to reclaim Earth’s future.
Deviants
These are Stardust’s monstrous children, anything from hulking beasts to bizarre, weaponized creatures. Some must be destroyed. Others can be tamed, turning from threats into loyal allies that gather resources, defend your base, or join you in battle.
Environmental Diversity
Survival means mastering a world that shifts from blistering deserts to frozen tundras, bubbling swamps to fiery volcanoes. Each biome is a challenge, each hiding unique resources, enemies, and story fragments.
Features That Make Once Human Unique
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Expansive Open World – A massive 256 km² seamless map with no loading screens, packed with secrets, hazards, and loot.
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Meta-Human Abilities – Use Stardust powers to leap into combat, dodge attacks, or unleash devastating moves tailored to your playstyle.
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Base Building & Customization – Construct a fortress anywhere, from fortified walls to cozy kitchens, and defend it with traps and turrets.
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Deviant Companions – Recruit quirky yet deadly allies, like mining buddies or gun-wielding alpacas, to fight, gather, and protect.
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Cooperative Multiplayer Combat – Team up for PvE boss fights, coordinated raids, and strategic skirmishes.
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Weapons & Crafting Variety – Build everything from makeshift melee tools to high tech firearms using scavenged materials.
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Dynamic Narrative & Lore – Uncover hidden notes, ruins, and encounters that slowly piece together Stardust’s dark history.
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Seasonal Events & Updates – Frequent content drops keep the world evolving with new threats, rewards, and challenges.
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Cross-Platform Play – Play seamlessly across PC and mobile without losing your progress.
Graphics, Interface & Performance
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Visual Quality – Detailed, realistic environments with lush vegetation, shifting weather, and particle effects that make each biome feel alive.
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Character Models – From scarred Meta Humans to nightmarish Deviants, every model shows attention to detail and animation fluidity.
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UI & Controls – A polished third person control scheme with a customizable HUD ensures you can tailor the interface to your needs.
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Performance – Optimized for smooth performance on both PC and mobile, with cross platform syncing for uninterrupted progression.
5. Community – The Good & The Bad
Positives:
Players praise Once Human for its deep survival systems, responsive combat, and sheer world scale. The Deviant companions add a refreshing twist, and the fair monetization model avoids pay to win frustration. Exploration feels genuinely rewarding, with every corner hiding a story or resource.
Criticisms:
Some players struggle with a steep learning curve, especially in the early hours. Device stability issues, occasional crashes or performance dips, can disrupt immersion. AI enemies sometimes lack challenge, and the seasonal server wipes frustrate those who want a permanent world.
Overall Sentiment:
Despite a few rough edges, the game delivers an immersive, challenging, and highly replayable survival experience. The community remains optimistic, especially with the developers’ track record of regular updates and active engagement.
Game Mechanics :
Survival Shooter Basics
At its core, Once Human is a third-person survival shooter where you must manage health, stamina, and other vital stats. Neglecting food, water, or rest can be just as dangerous as enemy fire, making resource management a constant priority.
Crafting & Resource Gathering
Scavenge materials from the environment or defeated Deviants to craft weapons, armor, and tools. Resources also fuel base upgrades, meaning every exploration trip can strengthen your defenses.
Base Defense & Expansion
Bases can be simple shelters or sprawling fortresses. Traps, turrets, and layered fortifications protect against raids and wandering enemies, while storage systems ensure your hard-earned loot stays safe.
Deviant System
Tame Deviants to fight alongside you, harvest resources, or guard your base. Upgrading companions improves their abilities, and selecting the right synergy between your playstyle and Deviant type can turn the tide in battle.
Visional Wheel Scenarios
Seasonal gameplay modifiers, like harsher weather, increased enemy aggression, or altered loot rates, keep the survival loop fresh and force you to adapt your strategy.
Progressive Unlocks
Complete missions, explore new zones, and level up to unlock better gear, stronger powers, and advanced crafting recipes. Progression ties into server cycles, rewarding consistent play.
Multiplayer Interaction
Form alliances, trade rare resources, and tackle challenging PvE encounters together, or face off against rival players in tense PvP skirmishes.
Tips & Tricks for New Players
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Prioritize Base Defense Early – Build traps and walls before stockpiling loot to avoid early losses.
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Experiment With Different Deviants – Test various companion types to find the perfect balance of offense, defense, and utility.
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Manage Resources & Upgrades Smartly – Focus on gear that complements your combat style rather than spreading resources too thin.
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Co-op With Friends for Harder Encounters – Boss fights and high-threat areas are far more manageable with coordinated teamwork.
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Stay Mobile & Tactical in Combat – Use cover, flank enemies, and make full use of your Stardust abilities.
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Explore Thoroughly for Hidden Lore & Loot – Many areas hide rare crafting materials or story clues.
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Prepare for Seasonal Gameplay Shifts – Adapt your strategy and loadout to each Visional Wheel scenario for maximum rewards.
Similar Games to Try
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The Division 2 – A tactical shooter with looter survival mechanics and strong co-op play.
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Destiny 2 – Combines fast paced shooting with rich lore and seasonal content.
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Fallout 76 – Persistent post apocalyptic multiplayer with survival and crafting systems.
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State of Decay 2 – Community focused survival with base management and permadeath stakes.
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Valheim – Exploration heavy crafting survival with cooperative progression.
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Conan Exiles – Harsh open world survival with deep building and combat systems.
Conclusion
Once Human stands out in the crowded survival genre with its massive open world, unique Deviant companion system, and a balance of tense combat and creative base building. For players who enjoy deep crafting, cooperative gameplay, and evolving seasonal challenges, it offers a rich and rewarding experience.
While it has a steep learning curve and some technical bumps, its frequent updates and active community suggest strong long term potential as a survival MMO in 2025.
If you’re ready for a challenging but highly immersive post apocalyptic adventure, Once Human is worth your time. Jump in, claim your Stardust powers, and see if you have what it takes to survive.
FAQ
What is Once Human: Raid Zone?
Once Human: Raid Zone is a post-apocalyptic survival shooter where players battle, craft, and raid to dominate a world twisted by Stardust.
How can I download Once Human: Raid Zone?
You can download the game directly from the official page or your device’s app store.
Does the game support cross platform play?
Yes! Raid Zone supports PC and mobile cross-play, letting you play seamlessly with friends regardless of platform.
Is Once Human: Raid Zone free to play?
The game is free to play with optional in game purchases for cosmetics, upgrades, and battle passes.
Where can I find more info and updates?
Check the official Once Human website and follow their Discord and social media channels for events, updates, and patch notes.
