The world of Once Human is unlike any other—a twisted, post-apocalyptic landscape where survival depends on mastering the very substance that caused the downfall of civilization. As a Meta-Human, or Beyonder, you’re not just another survivor; you’re humanity’s last hope against the relentless mutations and chaotic forces that now roam the earth. The cataclysmic event known as the Starfall has ravaged the planet, leaving only fragments of what once was. This guide will take you through the intricate storyline of Once Human, delving into the lore, characters, and key events that define your journey.
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The Collapse of Civilization: Origins of the Starfall – Stardust and Deviations
Rosetta, Rosetta Stone, and Stardust Explained
The Once Human story begins long before the current devastation.
A multinational corporation named Rosetta spearheaded revolutionary research in human evolution and inter-dimensional science, culminating in the discovery of an otherworldly material extracted from an ancient artifact known as the Rosetta Stone.
This substance, later named Stardust, proved to be both a scientific breakthrough and a deadly threat.
Rift Space, Star Fall and Impasses
However, the uncontrolled experiments with Stardust and Rift Space energy led to catastrophic consequences.
When researchers failed to adhere to safety protocols, they unleashed a chain reaction that culminated in the Starfall—an event that not only shattered reality but also gave rise to horrifying mutations and zones of warped existence known as impasses.
These areas defy the natural laws, filled with monstrous creatures and chaotic energy.
Stardust pollution became the catalyst for widespread mutations, warping not just the environment but all living beings.
As civilization crumbled, humanity splintered into factions—each with its own ideology and approach to survival.
Once Human Factions and Leagues
- The Mayfly rebels fight against Rosetta, trying to save the remnants of humanity.
- The savage Vultures embrace the chaos, preying on the weak.
- The Union struggles to maintain order in the eastern wastelands.
- The enigmatic Column seeks to establish a new world order from their hidden northern base.
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Becoming a Meta-Human: Your Role in Once Human Story
Who Are Meta Human in Once Human?
As a player in Once Human, you awaken as a Meta-Human, a biologically enhanced survivor with the unique ability to control Stardust.
This power not only allows you to resist the corrupting influence of the substance but also to harness its energy for combat and survival.
The creation of Meta-Humans was one of Rosetta’s final, desperate attempts to save humanity—or so they claim.
However, this was the very research that led to the Starfall, making your existence both a symbol of hope and a reminder of Rosetta’s hubris.
Starting Journey as a Meta Human in Once Human – Backpack, Cradle, and V
You start your journey in a research facility, devoid of any memory. As you awaken, you find yourself in a world forever altered by the Starfall.
Your first task is to escape the facility, guided by a mystical talking bird named V—a crow who has been trapped within your backpack, known as the Cradle.
V becomes your companion and guide, explaining your abilities and the chaotic world around you.
He was also a meta-human like us, but somehow ended up becoming a bird. He is also our parachute, and personal wiki for everything in Once Human.
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Exploring the Post-Apocalyptic World: Key Events and Characters
Mitsuko and Paper Butterflies
Your exploration of the world reveals its horrifying transformation. Once-thriving cities are now alien landscapes, filled with corrupted creatures and remnants of the old world.
Along the way, you encounter Mitsuko, another Meta-Human struggling with her powers.
She introduces you to the concept of deviations—mutated beings that can either hinder or help your journey. So, deviants are on two types:
- Some travel the landscape and harm others
- While, others help humans
Some deviations, like the paper butterfly, are benign and can be captured to aid you, while others are monstrous threats lurking in the shadows.
Who are Great Ones in Once Human? Mitsuko’s Goal and Monoliths
Mitsuko is hiding from the Great Ones, powerful entities that slipped into our reality during the Starfall.
These beings now reside in monoliths, massive structures that dot the landscape.
Mitsuko’s goal is to maintain balance between humans and deviations, hoping that coexistence is possible.
Our Mission in Once Human – Goals, Mary, Samuel Lowe, Rift Anchors, and V
Your mission becomes clear: defeat the Great Ones and restore some semblance of order to the world.
Your journey is not without danger. From battling a Siren—a towering, grotesque creature—to facing off against Rosetta’s operatives, each encounter tests your limits.
Alongside V, you’ll meet Mary, a member of the Mayflies, who helps you navigate the wasteland.
She teaches you how to summon a motorcycle to traverse the massive world of Once Human quickly, craft a gun, and also introduces you to Samuel Lowe, a key figure who explains the importance of Rift Anchors—interdimensional doorways that you must activate to progress in your quest.
Rift Anchors are a type of doorway that you are closing to stop deviations from occuring. After you go to a location and close the rifts, you have to fight the main boss – monolith.
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The Great Ones: Final Villains and Antagonist of Once Human Story
The ultimate challenge in Once Human lies in confronting the Great Ones. Your journey takes you to the Monolith of Greed, where you face the Ravenous Hunter, a monstrous entity that embodies the corruption of the world.
Victory here is just the beginning; your path will also lead to the Gaia Monolith, where Rosetta’s forces guard the twisted remains of nature, now a deadly adversary.
One of the most harrowing battles awaits at the Mirage Monolith, where you face Arachsiam, a giant spider whose lair is filled with deadly traps, illusions, and poison.
This fight pushes you to the edge, but your determination and the power of your captured deviations give you the strength to prevail.
The Final Boss of Once Human is the Forsaken Monolith, in the Red Sands. He is known as Mensdevoran, and you do need a group of friends to take down.
Mary’s Secret in Once Human – Rosetta’s Clone and Betrayal
So, do you still remember Mary in Once Human, your best friend who has been by your side the whole time? Well, she turns out to be a Rosetta’s Clone, and she has been using your all this time, turning out to be a massive betrayal.
Your break into Rosetta’s facility and quitely read the Mary Ames’ Personnel File. We are going to put an image of that here in our Once Human Story.
Fighting Mary and Her Dad with Mitsuko
Now, Mitsuko will join your in combat after you unveil the secret about Mary in Once Human, and her betrayal.
You first fight her dad, and then fight a massive tentacle boss summoned by Mary. She runs off afterward.
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Once Human Ending Explained
There is much remaining to be unveiled, like the fate of Mary, the Rosetta, and so on. The deviants are not gone completely, neither the bad guys.
After you defeat the final Forsaken Monolith, the gates close, and Mitsuko returns the memories back.
Quick Reference Table: Key Factions and Characters
| Faction/Character | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rosetta | Antagonist | Multinational corporation responsible for the Starfall. |
| Mayflies | Allies | Rebel group fighting against Rosetta. |
| Vultures | Enemies | Predatory survivors exploiting the chaos. |
| Union | Neutral | Group maintaining order in the eastern wastelands. |
| Column | Neutral | Faction seeking a new world order. |
| Mitsuko | Ally | Meta-Human seeking balance between humans and deviations. |
| Great Ones | Enemies | Powerful entities responsible for much of the world’s chaos. |
| V | Ally | Mystical crow guiding you through the game. |
| Mary | Ally – Later Traitor | Member of the Mayflies aiding in your journey early on, but turns out to be Rosetta’s Clone, working for her, and using you. |
Key Battles and Locations
- Siren: A towering, grotesque creature encountered early in the game.
- Monolith of Greed: The first major location where you battle the Ravenous Hunter.
- Gaia Monolith: Guarded by Rosetta’s forces, this location presents a significant challenge.
- Mirage Monolith: Home to the giant spider boss.
- Forsaken Monolith: The final boss of Once Human.
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Conclusion: The Ongoing Battle for Humanity’s Future
The story and lore of Once Human is a tale of survival, mutation, and the quest for redemption. As a Meta-Human, you are at the center of this conflict, wielding the power of Stardust to fight against the very forces that threaten to consume the world.
The battles you face, the allies you make, and the enemies you defeat all contribute to the overarching goal of restoring balance and finding a way for humanity to coexist with the mutations that now define reality. But the story doesn’t end here. With each victory, new challenges arise, and the mysteries of the Starfall and Rosetta’s true intentions deepen.
The journey of a Meta-Human is one of constant evolution, where every decision you make shapes the future of this twisted world. So, gear up, embrace your powers, and prepare to face the unknown in Once Human.
Do check out detailed video guide on Once Human Story:
