Once Human: A Thriving Post-Apocalyptic MMO
Since its launch, Once Human has captivated players with its unique blend of survival mechanics, cooperative gameplay, and a rich post-apocalyptic world. Developed by Archosaur Games, the title invites players to step into the shoes of Metas-human survivors mutated by a mysterious virus-who must band together to rebuild civilization amidst chaos and hostile Deviants. As of early December 2025, the game maintains a robust player base, with an average concurrent player count of approximately 12,996, reflecting its steady popularity and active community engagement.
Recent Major Updates: Version 2.2.2 and 2.2.3
The development team behind Once Human has been diligent in rolling out meaningful updates that enhance both gameplay and player experience. The two most recent patches, versions 2.2.2 and 2.2.3, released in late November and early December respectively, bring a wealth of new features, events, and quality-of-life improvements that continue to enrich the game world.
Version 2.2.2: Revamped Onboarding and New Game Modes
Released on November 26, 2025, the 2.2.2 update focused heavily on improving the new player experience and adding fresh content to keep veteran Metas engaged. One of the standout changes was the introduction of a completely revamped login and registration system. This overhaul brought a more intuitive and visually engaging interface, allowing players to better understand the game’s scenario-based world before even creating their characters.
Alongside this, the character creation process was streamlined to let players select their preferred scenario upfront, helping newcomers dive into their chosen adventure with greater clarity and speed. The login screen itself was simplified by relocating less frequently used functions to the Settings menu, reducing clutter and improving accessibility.
To complement these interface improvements, the developers introduced a brand-new novice tutorial designed to guide new players through the game’s mechanics and the scenario system more effectively. This tutorial aims to reduce early-game confusion and boost player retention by offering clearer instructions and hands-on learning.
Beyond onboarding enhancements, version 2.2.2 also brought the exciting new Meteor Summoner game mode for the RaidZone, challenging teams of Metas to face intense battles and earn valuable rewards. The update also introduced the Lightforge Loot Crate: Thunder Overlord, a limited-time loot box filled with exclusive gear and cosmetic items.
Additionally, the Group Buy Fest event encouraged community participation by offering collective discounts and rewards, while limited Shop reruns and improved Battle Pass reward claim conditions ensured that players had more opportunities to acquire coveted items.
Version 2.2.3: Festive Cheer and New Features
Just two weeks later, on December 10, 2025, Once Human received the 2.2.3 update, which introduced a host of seasonal content and gameplay enhancements timed perfectly for the holiday season. The centerpiece of this update was the Christmas Wish themed event, running from December 11 through January 7, 2026. This heartwarming winter celebration takes place in Nalcott, the game’s snowy wilderness region, where players can gather exclusive event decor items by harvesting resources and defeating Deviants.
Central to the event is the giant Wish Tree, a community-driven feature where all Metas can submit collected decor items to earn Decor Points. These points can be exchanged for Wish Strike Tickets, granting access to a special minigame with the chance to win valuable prizes. Moreover, as the global community contributes to decorating the Wish Tree, they unlock collective rewards known as Global Gifts-creating a sense of camaraderie and shared accomplishment.
Beyond the festive event, the 2.2.3 update introduced several new gameplay systems and quality-of-life improvements:
- Online Trading and Market Bounties: Players can now trade items more freely and participate in bounty missions that encourage market engagement and cooperative play.
- Crimson Night Showdown Challenge: A new high-stakes event that tests player skill and teamwork in intense combat scenarios.
- New Battle Pass - Eclipse of Mercy: Offering fresh rewards, challenges, and progression paths for dedicated players.
- Lightforge Loot Crate - Wishland Wonder: A holiday-themed loot crate packed with exclusive cosmetics and gear.
- Cross-Server Teaming: Players can now team up with friends across different servers, fostering a more connected and dynamic community.
- Increased Structure Limits: Builders and base defenders can expand their constructions further, enhancing strategic depth.
To celebrate the update, all players received generous rewards including Starchrom ×1,000, Mitsuko's Mark ×100, Starwish Token ×300, and the exclusive Gingerbread Man Decor ×3, as well as a shop discount coupon encouraging in-game purchases.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
The consistent delivery of meaningful content and quality improvements has helped Once Human maintain a vibrant and engaged player base. The recent updates showcase the developers’ commitment to balancing new player accessibility with fresh challenges for veterans, while also fostering a strong sense of community through global events and cross-server features.
With the holiday season bringing festive cheer and new gameplay layers, players can expect Once Human to continue evolving in exciting directions. The combination of immersive world-building, cooperative mechanics, and regular content drops positions the game well for sustained growth and deeper player investment.
For Metas everywhere, the journey through the post-apocalyptic wilderness remains as thrilling and rewarding as ever, with new adventures and surprises awaiting just beyond the horizon.