Surviving and thriving in Once Human demands more than just combat skills—it’s about mastering the art of resource gathering. Whether you’re building a base, crafting tools, or fending off enemies, gathering resources efficiently is key to your success. This guide dives deep into the best techniques, tools, and strategies to help you collect materials quickly and effectively.
Understanding Resource Types in Once Human
Before diving into strategies, let’s break down the types of resources available in Once Human:
- Basic Resources - Wood, stone, and fiber form the foundation of crafting and construction.
- Advanced Materials - Metals, rare ores, and synthetic materials are essential for advanced weapons and structures.
- Organic Supplies - Food, herbs, and animal products keep you healthy and boost crafting recipes.
- Exotic Resources - Rare finds like crystals and energy shards unlock high-level upgrades and special gear.
Knowing what you need—and where to find it—can save hours of aimless searching.
Best Tools for Resource Gathering
1. Upgrade Your Tools Early
Invest in crafting higher-quality tools as soon as possible. Basic stone tools work in the beginning, but metal tools drastically improve efficiency and durability.
2. Carry Specialized Equipment
Each tool in Once Human serves a unique purpose:
- Axes for chopping wood.
- Pickaxes for mining ores and stones.
- Knives for skinning animals.
- Harvesters for large-scale farming operations.
3. Maintain and Repair Tools
Always carry repair kits or crafting materials to fix tools on the go. Broken tools can leave you vulnerable and slow down your progress.
Top Resource Gathering Locations
1. Forests and Jungles
Packed with trees, plants, and wildlife, forests are perfect for wood, herbs, and meat. Watch out for hostile creatures lurking in the shadows.
2. Mountain Ranges
These areas are rich in metals and stones. Use pickaxes to mine deposits, but be prepared for steep terrain and dangerous enemies.
3. Lakes and Rivers
Water sources often have fish, clay, and rare plants. Bring fishing gear and baskets for efficient collection.
4. Abandoned Structures
Ruins and old buildings can yield scavenged materials like metal scraps, wires, and synthetic components. Explore cautiously, as they often hide traps and enemies.
Efficient Gathering Tips
1. Travel Light for Maximum Capacity
Avoid overloading your inventory with unnecessary items. Focus on carrying essentials like tools, food, and medical supplies to make room for gathered materials.
2. Use Storage Points Strategically
Establish supply caches near high-resource areas. This reduces travel time and helps prevent losses if you’re ambushed.
3. Gather During Off-Peak Hours
If playing in a multiplayer server, try gathering resources when player traffic is low to avoid competition and conflicts.
4. Plan Routes Beforehand
Scout areas and create gathering routes to maximize efficiency. Focus on clusters of resources instead of wandering aimlessly.
5. Take Advantage of Mounts or Vehicles
Once unlocked, mounts and vehicles speed up travel and allow you to haul larger quantities of resources. Prioritize upgrading these to streamline operations.
Defensive Strategies While Gathering
1. Stay Vigilant
Hostile creatures and rival players often patrol high-value resource areas. Always check surroundings before harvesting.
2. Build Temporary Shelters
If you plan to stay in one area for an extended period, set up temporary shelters to rest and defend yourself.
3. Travel in Groups
Team up with other players for added security and faster gathering. Just be sure to split resources fairly to avoid conflicts.
4. Equip Defensive Gear
Keep weapons and armor in top condition. Carry ranged weapons for emergencies and traps to slow down enemies if ambushed.
Maximizing Farming and Crafting Efficiency
1. Set Up Automated Farms
Build automated Once Human Farm to produce food and materials while you’re away. This saves time and guarantees a steady supply.
2. Use Crafting Stations Effectively
Organize crafting stations to handle bulk production. Upgrade stations to unlock advanced recipes and improve crafting speed.
3. Focus on Resource Refinement
Raw materials often take up more space. Process them into refined items, which are lighter and easier to store or trade.
4. Trade Excess Resources
If you collect more than you need, trade extra materials with NPCs or other players to acquire rare resources you might be missing.
Specialized Techniques for Rare Resources
1. Scavenge Abandoned Zones
These areas often hold rare components and relics, but they’re heavily guarded. Bring extra gear and prepare for tough fights.
2. Participate in World Events
In-game events may drop exotic resources as rewards. Keep an eye on announcements and join these events for unique materials.
3. Hunt Elite Creatures
Rare monsters often drop valuable loot. Study their patterns and weaknesses to take them down efficiently.
4. Explore Hidden Caves and Mines
Secret locations often hide precious ores and crystals. Use torches and mapping tools to navigate safely.
Final Thoughts: Master Resource Gathering in Once Human
Gathering resources in Once Human is more than just collecting materials—it’s a survival strategy. With the right tools, knowledge, and preparation, you can build strongholds, craft powerful weapons, and dominate the game world.
Follow these tips to streamline your resource-gathering process, outpace competitors, and ensure your survival in even the toughest environments. Keep refining your approach, and soon you’ll be the ultimate scavenger and builder in Once Human!