Seeking a darker post-apocalyptic MMO experience beyond the realms of Fallout 76? Starry Studio’s upcoming co-op survival MMO, Once Human, might just satisfy that craving. The game recently concluded a closed beta on Steam, expanding its initial player count from 20,000 to an impressive 50,000 participants.

Scheduled for release in Q3 of 2024, Once Human plunges players into a world ravaged by a catastrophic event infested by an alien entity named Stardust. Awakening after this cataclysmic occurrence, players find themselves transformed into meta-humans, devoid of memories of their previous existence. Tasked with unraveling the enigma surrounding Stardust, players embark on a quest to unearth its origins and intentions while navigating the intricate dynamics of five distinct factions that shape the world.

Despite the meta-human abilities, vulnerability lingers. Stardust’s pervasive contamination affects everything, from the soil to the water. Similar to Fallout 76’s mechanics, consuming polluted sustenance or tainted water comes at a cost: a toll on one’s Sanity, diminishing both mental stability and maximum health.

As an MMO adventure, Once Human emphasizes cooperative endeavors where players, with or without companions, scavenge for gear, uncover over 100 weapon blueprints across seven categories, construct and fortify their base known as the Territory Core, and confront mutated former humans. This includes formidable interdimensional bosses offering lucrative rewards while aiding in quelling the spread of Stardust.

Alternatively, akin to Hunt: Showdown’s gameplay, players can opt for a ruthless approach by seizing the spoils from those who completed arduous tasks or engaging in combat to claim their gear. The game offers a diverse array of choices. For further insights and potential future beta testing opportunities, interested individuals can explore the Once Human official website.