Once Human is a free-to-play open-world MMO survival game that has surprised many players with its depth and engagement. Developed by Starry Studio/NetEase, the game offers a stunning experience despite not breaking new ground in terms of gameplay. It presents a fully-fleshed out world where players take on the role of “meta-humans” trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic setting. The game features detailed character creation and an extensive crafting system that allows players to build their own homes and create various items. The crafting system is deep and complex, providing a sense of accomplishment as players see their plans come to fruition. Additionally, the game offers interactive objects and cosmetic items to further enhance the player’s experience. One of the highlights of Once Human is the creature collecting aspect, where players can collect and store creatures in terrariums in their homes. These creatures can assist players in gathering resources or fighting, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay. In terms of combat, the game provides an easy shooting experience, especially at lower levels. However, the PvE focus allows players to mostly avoid PvP encounters, although co-op gameplay brings a new level of fun to the game. While the game has received praise for its depth and engagement, some drawbacks have been noted. The menu systems and organization of different tasks and progression can be confusing, and some players have experienced bugs. Additionally, vehicle navigation is clunky and less enjoyable than other aspects of the game. Despite these drawbacks, Once Human offers a remarkable free-to-play experience, with monetization limited to cosmetic items that do not affect player power or progression. Overall, the game has managed to capture the attention of players with its engaging gameplay and depth, making it a favorite spare-time romp for many.