On March 27, Once Human players can expect a significant update that addresses community feedback regarding repetitive exploration, resource surpluses, and mod acquisition difficulties. The developers have announced a revamp of the Pollution Zone mechanics, new gameplay experiences, resource balance adjustments, and mod conversion improvements. This article takes a closer look at these interesting changes.
Pollution Zone Adjustments
Pollution Zones were initially designed to provide players an evolving survival experience during exploration. However, the current Contamination and Sanity mechanics have been deemed too static and predictable, diminishing the richness of exploration. Here’s how the mechanics are being overhauled:
- Stardust Ore can suppress and absorb Contamination, appearing in high-level areas. Items made from Stardust Ore are especially effective against Deviants.
- Mining Stardust Ore gradually increases local Contamination levels until the ore respawns, which restores its suppressive effects.
- Contamination rules have changed: Sanity starts at 1,000 and drains each second based on (Contamination level – Pollution Resist). If Sanity drops too low, special Deviants will attack.
- A new structure called the Veil of Tranquility offers Sanity protection and weakens nearby Deviants once powered up.
Note: The number shown on your Backpack indicates the current Contamination level in the area.
Rosetta Settlement
In the high-difficulty Rosetta Settlement area, a new event may trigger if you steal from a secret convoy crate. Expect to be pursued by Rosetta elites until you unlock it. The reward includes a large amount of Control Units for crafting bullets and tactical gear.
Gameplay Optimizations
Anti-Type Effects
Combat is shifting to allow more freedom in using anti-type effects. These are no longer limited to specific weapons:
- Basic Rules: Crafting with Stardust Ingots gives anti-Deviant effects; using Control Units provides anti-humanoid effects.
- New Ammo: Suppression AP Ammo (anti-Deviant) and Penetration AP Ammo (anti-humanoid) deal more damage to HP and Shields—including Super Anomalies.
- All offensive tactical items can now be crafted with anti-type effects.
New Tactical Items
New high-difficulty dungeons bring rare tactical tools:
“Omnidirectional defense device, activate!”
Deploys a protective shield that blocks all incoming projectiles. Players inside can shoot out; enemies can walk through.
“Still struggling to calculate offset? Let’s try a different approach.”
Uses “current” guidance technology for precise strikes—no risk to Mr. Wish!
“Stop using this thing for barbecues—you’ll burn yourself!”
This flamethrower fires high-temperature flames over a longer range.
Note: These tactical items are PvE-exclusive.
Memetic Specialization Items
Three new Red-tier items expand strategy against bosses, especially in The Prime War mode:
- Red Plasma Rocket Warheads and Red Plasma Grenades are compatible with RPG7 and Grenade Launchers. They deal high damage, particularly effective against Silver Plague shields.
- The Red Plasma Grenade replaces the Ultra Grenade specialization, while the Red Plasma Rocket Warhead replaces High Power Warheads.
- Red Antiviral Ammo deals massive damage to Original Entity bosses, especially OE Kin summoned by Manibus on Nightmare difficulty or higher.
Resource Balance Adjustments
To address early-game scarcity and late-game surplus issues, the developers are tweaking how resources scale:
- Early-stage yield increases; late-stage yield decreases. Affects items like Energy Links, Stardust Source, and Premium Fuel.
- Pollution Zone resources like Stardust Ore gain value but will respawn slower.
- Conversion rates for Memetic Specializations (e.g., Sulfur Chemist, Oil Processing) are also adjusted.
Yield Changes
- Acid: 10 → 8
- Stardust Source: 100 → 80
- Stardust Ore: 20 → 30
- Beryllium Crystal: 100 → 80
- Vadium Crystal: 150 → 120
- Iridium Crystal: 200 → 160
- Platinum Crystal: 250 → 200
Mod Conversion Adjustments
With Controllers being deprecated, the mod system is also getting an overhaul:
- Higher chances of acquiring high-tier mods, even from lower-tier conversions.
- Conversion of basic mod types can now yield legendary attributes, giving players better progression potential.
If you have feedback or questions, reach out through the official feedback channels or in-game message boards.
