One of the most powerful and unique things about Once Human is its complete implementation of the Meta-Human system and how it works alongside beneficial “Deviant” allies to provide a vibrant setting that is unique from other survival-crafting games.

Players, at the core of the experience, play as a Meta-Human—a genetically altered survivor who awakens in a ruined laboratory after an event referred to as the Starfall. The destruction occurs after the contamination of an extraterrestrial matter named Stardust, which has altered the majority of living beings into deformed monsters named Deviations. Nevertheless, what distinguishes Meta-Humans is that they can not only oppose the mutation of the Stardust but also tap into specific abilities of the extraterrestrial contamination.

Early on in the game, the player is introduced to “V,” a dark, enigmatic raven that acts as both advisor and transport method — you can glide across the wasteland in stylized fashion that has a clear nod to the game’s world-building. Players soon have the ability to summon a motorcycle for transportation as well, both aspects exclusive to Once Human and essentially changing the pace of post-apocalyptic exploration for the player.

And perhaps most significant, Once Human introduces a system where the player is able to recruit friendly Deviants as minions. They are not pets but rather mutated animals that can fight battles, collect resources, or even be used as mobile defense guns. For example, Crimson Butterfly is a very resilient Deviant who can deal a lot of damage on behalf of the player; there are also other minions, each having certain benefits and strategic roles. This feature adds an entirely new dimension of strategic depth—especially when moving into hostile territory or resource-based regions.

This interaction with Deviants is more than a mere order. Based on which friendly Deviant one will pick up, one or more of their abilities become accessible, changing not only combat capability but also the player’s approach to scavenging, defending their base, and resource collection. This feature combined with the lore regarding the Meta-Human project and its catastrophic failure forms the basis of a rich, reactive world that ensures no two players will experience anything the same.

Overall, Meta-Human and Deviant system in Once Human differentiates the game from traditional survival-crafting gameplay by incorporating empowerment of character and companionship amidst a highly mutated world.

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