Once Human is a free-to-play open-world survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world infected by an alien substance called Starchrom. You collect Deviations — mutated creatures that serve as combat companions and base utilities — while building territories, crafting gear, and fighting in both PvE and PvP content. The game operates on seasonal servers that reset periodically, with some progression carrying over through the Cradle system. With gunplay-focused combat, a distinctive art style blending sci-fi with cosmic horror, and the unique Deviation collection system, Once Human offers a fresh take on the survival genre.
Resource management and crafting determine how quickly your power scales. This guide covers what to prioritize, where to farm, and how to avoid wasting resources on the wrong upgrades.
Crafting Priority List
The order you should invest resources:
| Priority | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary equipment | Biggest damage increase per resource spent |
| 2 | Core build gear | Enables your build's key synergies |
| 3 | Defensive upgrades | Survivability for boss fights |
| 4 | Secondary equipment | Situational options for specific content |
| 5 | Consumables | Temporary boosts for hard content |
Resource Farming by Area
Dayton Wetlands
Key resources: Basic resources, starting Deviations, territory establishment Farming efficiency: Low value per run, but safe and consistent
Focus on gathering materials for Shotgun upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Blackfell
Key resources: Starchrom materials, corrupted Deviations, mid-tier equipment Farming efficiency: Good early-game farming spot
Focus on gathering materials for Shotgun upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Chalk Peak
Key resources: Rare minerals, aerial Deviations, mountain-specific resources Farming efficiency: Best mid-game farming, worth revisiting
Focus on gathering materials for Shotgun upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Red Sands
Key resources: Rare Deviations, late-game resources, desert-specific challenges Farming efficiency: High-value materials for late-game upgrades
This is where you farm materials for AK-47 max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Iron River
Key resources: Best crafting materials, endgame Deviations, hardest world events Farming efficiency: Best resources in the game, requires strong build
This is where you farm materials for AK-47 max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Upgrade Path
Early Game (Dayton Wetlands — Blackfell)
- Upgrade your starting equipment to functional level
- Craft basic defensive gear
- Save specialty materials — you'll need them later
- Focus on Shotgun once accessible
Mid Game (Chalk Peak)
- Push Shotgun to mid-level upgrades
- Start collecting materials for AK-47
- Craft situational consumables for boss fights
- Upgrade build-specific gear pieces
Late Game (Red Sands — Iron River)
- Max out AK-47 — this is your top priority
- Complete your build's core gear set
- Craft endgame consumables
- Optional: upgrade secondary equipment for variety
Crafting Mistakes to Avoid
- Spreading upgrades across multiple equipment — Focus one weapon to max before diversifying.
- Hoarding materials — Use them. The game provides enough if you farm efficiently.
- Upgrading the wrong gear — Check our builds guide before investing.
- Ignoring Chalk Peak farming — This area has the best resource-to-time ratio in mid-game.
- Crafting consumables too early — Save specialty materials for late-game recipes.
Resource Efficiency Tips
- Deviations are pets that give combat buffs — deploy combat Deviations before every fight for significant damage and survival bonuses.
- Farm Chalk Peak during mid-game for the best return on time
- Check the walkthrough to know when each resource becomes available
- Match your farming route to your build — some classes farm faster in certain areas
More Once Human Guides
- Once Human Once Human Overview
- Once Human Best Builds
- Once Human Tier List
- Once Human Walkthrough
- Once Human Beginner's Guide
- Once Human Tips & Tricks
- Once Human Weapons Guide
- Once Human Combat Guide
- Once Human Boss Guide
- Once Human Maps & Locations
- Once Human Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Once Human, check out these related guides:
- Palworld Crafting Guide — survival game with similar mechanics
- Rust Crafting Guide — survival game with similar mechanics
- ARK: Survival Evolved Crafting Guide — survival game with similar mechanics
