The process of establishing a base in Once Human can be both enjoyable and occasionally challenging. Players engage in constructing foundations, arranging furniture, and unlocking recipes to enhance the base’s functionality and comfort. With the conclusion of the Manibus scenario and the onset of the Way of Winter, the game map has experienced a significant transformation.
Players can no longer revisit the earlier regions; instead, they are required to start anew in the fresh landscapes of Onyx Tundra, Vena Fjord, and Ember Strand. As many players transition to the new Once Human scenario, it’s essential to identify the optimal locations for building bases. Although the map is smaller in comparison to its predecessor, there are still plenty of viable spots to consider, with some areas being more advantageous than others.
Top Locations for Base Building in the Way of Winter
Placing Bases Near Resources
The Way of Winter map features three distinct regions. The first two—Onyx Tundra and Vena Fjord—were accessible right from the beginning, allowing players to select their preferred landing zones. Onyx Tundra is ideal for beginners, while Vena Fjord caters to more seasoned players. As the second phase rolled in, Ember Strand also became available for exploration and base construction.
Each of these regions includes several settlements, which are popular places to build bases. However, they can get quite crowded. Fortunately, there are numerous worlds available to explore, so if a certain area feels too busy, players can simply switch to another. So, where is the best place to establish your base in each of the new regions?
Onyx Tundra for Simple Acid Farming
One of the top suggestions for a base in Once Human: Way of Winter is to build east of Tobacco Resort. This location is characterized by its polluted environment, providing easy access to plentiful polluted water. While pollution may cause some health loss, wearing suitable armor can make this area less hazardous compared to the harsher winter conditions found elsewhere.
By using polluted water, players can ultimately engage in passive acid farming. Players should prioritize unlocking the Memetics early, particularly for the Water Pump. An added bonus of this location is that it tends to be less congested due to the surrounding contamination.
However, player experiences may vary depending on the world. Another excellent option is to build east of Mousseville. I, along with two friends, chose this area for our base. While the nighttime temperatures can drop significantly from 8 PM to 8 AM, consuming Salty Roasted Spikemato—which you can unlock through the Dishes II Memetic—can help mitigate the cold.
Considerations for Staying Warm
Make sure to unlock helpful Memetics like the Polar Expedition and Thermal Tower to keep warm.
I appreciate this area not only for its visual appeal but also for the level surface it provides for base construction. Additionally, it has easy access to water and is surrounded by wildlife such as deer, seals, and polar bears, all adding to its charm. It’s also conveniently situated near Mousseville, a great spot to gather essential supplies.
Another noteworthy location is near the Ice House Camp in Once Human, which offers trading opportunities with NPCs and a wealth of surrounding resources.
Vena Fjord: The Resource Haven
Next up is Vena Fjord. Along with Onyx Tundra, this was one of the first places players could land and create their bases. Vena Fjord is home to locations such as Whaleborn, the Abandoned Farm, and Wish Land West.
If you want to build here, consider positioning your base near the Broken Reefs Teleportation Tower. Its proximity to a teleportation tower can be incredibly beneficial, especially when your home teleportation is on cooldown. Moreover, this area features abundant resources, including animate wildlife, trees, and minerals.
If you’re looking for another option, Whaleborn is a solid choice. Although players can’t construct bases directly in settlements, venturing to the west side will reveal ample building opportunities. This area offers resources like Cold Crystal Ores, sulfur, iron, and seawater, along with plentiful Spikemato plants.
For those tired of battling hypothermia, building near Greenfield can be a great choice. This lush area has comfortable conditions and many animals to hunt or tame. It also provides easy access to various minerals and plants.
Just like Onyx Tundra, Vena Fjord also has prime locations for acid farming. Acid is a highly sought-after resource in the game, and spots where it can be easily harvested are prized for base building. In Vena Fjord, look east of the Abandoned Farm for an area brimming with polluted water and Startrace Ores, along with plenty of nearby plants and minerals. In this location, you won’t need to worry much about hypothermia, just the usual pollution risks.
Ember Strand: A Lava-filled Challenge
Ember Strand is the final area to unlock in Once Human and has fewer players vying for building spots, primarily due to the abundance of lava pits that pose a danger. However, there are indeed suitable spots for base construction.
In Ember Strand, I’d suggest traveling south to avoid the lava hazards. Building near the Oblivion settlement, whether to the east or north, can also yield good results since there’s plenty of access to Hot Rock Ore.
Key Considerations When Building a Base
Building a base in Once Human requires careful consideration of various factors, especially where to locate yourself. The definition of a good spot can differ for each player. Those seeking easy access to loot should consider locations near lootable areas, while those interested in minerals and wildlife might prefer spots like Greenfield. If you value solitude, be prepared to explore multiple worlds to find an ideal escape.
As you contemplate your location, also think about long-term needs such as acid farming, which becomes increasingly important in the late-game phase.
Remember, the initial choice of where to build your base isn’t permanent. Changing locations is generally straightforward as long as you find a clear new site. If boredom sets in or you realize you want a better access to resources, you can always relocate. Each region has its unique advantages and drawbacks, so consider what matters most to you and enjoy the creative journey of building in Once Human.