Welcome to our comprehensive guide on base building in Once Human. Your base is more than just a place to store your loot—it's your sanctuary in a hostile world, your crafting hub, and often your first line of defense against both AI threats and other players. This guide will walk you through everything from basic foundations to advanced defensive layouts and aesthetic design principles.
Whether you're a solo player looking to create a hidden refuge or part of a large faction planning a sprawling compound, you'll find valuable insights and practical tips to optimize your base for efficiency, defense, and style. We've tested these techniques extensively across different server types and environments to ensure they work in various scenarios.
Before diving into advanced techniques, it's essential to understand the fundamental mechanics of base building in Once Human. The game offers a robust building system with various materials, components, and structural options that form the foundation of your construction projects.
Once Human's building system consists of several key components:
Your choice of building materials significantly impacts your base's durability, resource cost, and aesthetic appeal:
Understanding how the building system works mechanically will help you avoid common pitfalls:
Always start with a simple design and expand gradually. This approach allows you to secure a functional base quickly while planning more elaborate expansions. Use the "Building Planner" tool (press B in-game) to visualize your design before committing resources.
Choosing the right location for your base is perhaps the most critical decision you'll make. The perfect spot balances resource accessibility, defensibility, and strategic positioning.
When scouting for your base location, evaluate these important factors:
Once you've selected a location, proper planning will save you resources and frustration:
Always check server rules regarding base building before investing significant resources. Some servers have specific restrictions on base size, location, or proximity to monuments and other player bases. Building in restricted zones may result in your base being removed without warning.
Efficient resource management is crucial for successful base building. Understanding material costs, planning your gathering strategy, and optimizing storage will save you countless hours of farming.
Different building components and materials require varying amounts of resources. Planning your resource needs in advance helps prevent wasteful gathering and crafting:
| Building Component | Wood | Stone | Metal | Reinforced Concrete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 200 Wood, 50 Stone | 100 Wood, 300 Stone | 50 Wood, 150 Metal Fragments | 100 Metal Fragments, 300 Concrete Mix |
| Wall | 100 Wood, 25 Stone | 50 Wood, 150 Stone | 25 Wood, 75 Metal Fragments | 50 Metal Fragments, 150 Concrete Mix |
| Floor/Ceiling | 100 Wood, 25 Stone | 50 Wood, 150 Stone | 25 Wood, 75 Metal Fragments | 50 Metal Fragments, 150 Concrete Mix |
| Door | 150 Wood | 50 Wood, 100 Stone | 100 Metal Fragments, 5 Gears | 200 Metal Fragments, 10 Gears, 50 Concrete Mix |
| Window | 100 Wood, 5 Glass | 50 Wood, 75 Stone, 10 Glass | 50 Metal Fragments, 20 Glass | 100 Metal Fragments, 30 Glass, 50 Concrete Mix |
Note: These values are approximate and may vary slightly based on server settings and game updates.
Implement these strategies to optimize your resource gathering:
Proper storage organization prevents resource waste and speeds up building:
Create a "building materials" box near your construction area with exactly what you need for the current project. This prevents constant trips back to your main storage and reduces the risk of losing valuable resources if you're killed while building.
An efficient base layout minimizes wasted space, reduces movement time, and enhances productivity. Whether you're building a compact solo base or a sprawling clan compound, these principles will help you optimize your design.
Follow these fundamental principles for an efficient base layout:
Organizing your base into distinct functional zones improves efficiency and security:
The first area visitors or returning players encounter:
Where resources are processed and items are crafted:
Organized storage for all your resources and items:
Personal spaces and quality-of-life facilities:
Areas specifically designed for base defense:
Infrastructure and support systems:
This 2x2 solo base design maximizes efficiency in a compact footprint. The layout features a secure entry system, centralized crafting area, and multi-level storage solution. Perfect for solo players or duos who want a defensible base without excessive resource requirements.
Use half-walls and floor frames creatively to create mezzanine levels within your base. This technique can significantly increase your usable space without expanding your base footprint or increasing your vulnerability to raids.
In the hostile world of Once Human, effective base defense is essential for protecting your hard-earned resources and progress. A well-designed defense system deters attackers and significantly increases the cost of raiding your base.
The most effective defense employs multiple layers that an attacker must overcome:
Your first defensive layer should establish a clear boundary and provide initial resistance:
Chokepoints force attackers through predictable paths where your defenses can be concentrated:
Active defenses automatically engage threats and can operate even when you're offline:
The innermost layer should protect your most valuable assets with maximum security:
| Defense Type | Effectiveness | Resource Cost | Power Req. | Best Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automated Turret | High | High | 10 power/min | Elevated positions with wide view |
| Flame Turret | Medium | Medium | 8 power/min | Narrow corridors, doorways |
| Shotgun Trap | Medium | Low | None | Above doorways, tight spaces |
| Bear Trap | Low | Very Low | None | Hidden in grass, around corners |
| Electric Fence | Medium | Medium | 5 power/min | Perimeter boundaries, windows |
| CCTV Camera | Detection Only | Low | 2 power/min | Entry points, blind spots |
| Motion Sensor | Detection Only | Low | 1 power/min | Buffer zones, approach paths |
Always test your defensive systems thoroughly before relying on them. Many players have been killed by their own traps or turrets due to improper configuration. Additionally, remember that excessive defensive structures can impact server performance, and some servers have limits on the number of active traps and turrets per base.
While functionality is paramount in Once Human, aesthetic design shouldn't be overlooked. A well-designed base improves your gaming experience, creates a more immersive environment, and can even serve practical purposes by intimidating potential raiders or attracting allies.
Choosing a cohesive theme for your base creates visual harmony and guides your design decisions:
Incorporate these elements to enhance your base's visual appeal:
Mix different building materials strategically to create visual interest:
Effective lighting improves both aesthetics and functionality:
Add distinctive elements that break up monotonous designs:
Create comfortable and visually appealing interiors:
Don't neglect the areas surrounding your base:
Take screenshots of bases you find inspiring, both in Once Human and other games. Create a reference collection that you can draw ideas from when designing your own structures. Many experienced builders keep a "design journal" with sketches and screenshots for future projects.
The key to successful base design is finding the right balance between visual appeal and practical functionality:
Different gameplay styles and group sizes require different base designs. This section covers various base types with proven blueprints that you can adapt to your specific needs.
Quick and Efficient First Home
The Starter Base is designed to get you secure quickly with minimal resources. This compact design includes all essential facilities while maintaining a small footprint. Perfect for your first few days in a new server or as a temporary outpost in hostile territory.
Maximum Security Design
The Bunker Base prioritizes security above all else. With multiple layers of honeycomb walls, airlocks, and a complex internal layout designed to confuse raiders, this base type is extremely raid-resistant. Ideal for high-risk areas or servers with active raiding communities.
Large Group Headquarters
The Clan Compound is designed for large groups, featuring multiple connected buildings with specialized functions. This design includes communal crafting areas, individual living quarters, centralized storage, and comprehensive defensive systems. Perfect for established clans looking to dominate their territory.
Stealth-Focused Design
The Hidden Base relies on concealment rather than fortification. Built in remote locations and designed to blend into the environment, this base type minimizes visibility while maintaining functionality. Ideal for solo players or small groups who prefer to avoid conflict through stealth.
This 2x1 starter base is designed to get you up and running quickly with minimal resources. Despite its small footprint, it includes all essential facilities and basic security features. The design can be easily expanded as you gather more resources.
Once you've mastered the basics, these advanced techniques will take your base building to the next level. These methods require more practice and resources but offer significant advantages in efficiency, security, and design flexibility.
Understanding and manipulating the stability system allows you to create structures that would otherwise be impossible:
Using multiple Tool Cupboards (TCs) creates more complex ownership zones that are harder to raid:
Create complex wall patterns that maximize the resources required to raid your base:
Master precise placement techniques for maximum building flexibility:
Practice advanced building techniques on creative or build servers before implementing them on your main server. These environments allow you to experiment without resource constraints and perfect your techniques before committing valuable resources.
In Once Human, bases require regular maintenance to prevent decay and ensure all systems remain operational. Proper upkeep routines will extend the life of your base and keep your defenses functioning when you need them most.
Once Human implements a decay system to prevent server clutter from abandoned structures:
The resources required for upkeep are proportional to your base size and material types:
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Resources Needed | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check TC resource levels | Every 24-48 hours | Varies by base size | Critical |
| Repair damaged walls/doors | After raids or weekly | Same as building materials | High |
| Refill turret ammunition | Weekly or after use | Ammunition types | High |
| Check power systems | Every 2-3 days | Fuel, batteries, parts | High |
| Reset traps | After triggering | Trap components | Medium |
| Organize storage | As needed | None | Low |
| Update access codes | Monthly or after member leaves | None | Medium |
Implement these strategies to reduce maintenance burden and optimize upkeep costs:
For extended gameplay, consider these long-term management strategies:
Never let your Tool Cupboard run out of resources, even for a short period. Once decay begins, it can quickly compromise structural integrity and security. If you plan to be away from the game for an extended period, ensure your TC has sufficient resources or consider downsizing to a more manageable base design.
For solo players, remote locations with natural cover are typically best. Look for areas that are:
The Hidden Base design works particularly well for solo players, as it prioritizes concealment over raw defensive strength. Remember that as a solo player, your best defense is often not being found in the first place.
To increase raid resistance, implement these strategies:
Remember that no base is completely raid-proof. The goal is to make raiding so expensive and time-consuming that attackers decide it's not worth the effort.
Large or complex bases can cause performance issues. To optimize:
These optimizations not only improve your gameplay experience but also benefit other players on the server by reducing overall server load.
Efficient base expansion requires careful planning:
The most efficient approach is usually to build your core base with a clear vision of its final form, leaving appropriate connection points for future additions.
Offline protection is crucial in Once Human. Implement these strategies:
Consider joining a clan or making alliances with neighbors who play at different times, creating a more consistent online presence in your area.
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