In Once Human, your base is more than just a safe space—it’s your command center, production zone, and first line of defense against the world’s corrupted threats. Developed by Starry Studio, Once Human blends survival, crafting, and horror in a shared open world. Base building is a critical component that determines how well you gather, craft, defend, and thrive in the game’s harsh post-apocalyptic environment.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about effective base building: including location selection, structure layout, crafting placement, defensive strategies, and mid-to-late game upgrades. Whether you’re playing solo or in a squad, a smart base can make the difference between thriving and starting over.

If you’re new to the game, check out our Beginner’s Guide for Once Human for a comprehensive introduction!

Best Base Locations in Once Human

Choosing where to place your base is the foundation of everything. In Once Human, your base can only be placed on designated plots using a Territory Core. Once claimed, this plot becomes your permanent build zone—until relocated.

Key Tips for Picking a Plot:

• Resource Access: Prioritize areas near water, logging sites, and ore veins. It minimizes travel and supports early game crafting.
• Flat Ground: Uneven terrain makes building difficult. Choose flat land for easier expansion and snap-fit structures.
• Low Mutant Activity: Some zones have more aggressive mobs or corruption storms. Avoid these if you’re still gearing up.
• Proximity to Points of Interest: Being near dungeons, abandoned bunkers, or fast travel gates gives your base long-term convenience.

Tip: Open your map and zoom in—green squares indicate buildable land. Once you place a Territory Core, it costs currency to move.

Recommended Base Layouts

The layout of your base affects both its defensibility and workflow efficiency. Whether you’re building compact or sprawling, every good base follows a zoning principle.

Efficient Base Zoning:

• Core Zone – Territory Core, workbenches, and storage. Place this in the center and protect it at all costs.
• Crafting Zone – Forges, modification stations, and cooking equipment. Position for easy access.
• Storage Area – Use large lockers and shelves. Keep labeled storage near crafting stations.
• Living Quarters – Beds and furniture. Has no gameplay impact but makes your base feel lived-in.
• Perimeter Zone – Walls, turrets, traps. Your first line of defense.

Vertical vs Horizontal Building:

• Vertical: Easier to defend, efficient use of land, ideal for solo players.
• Horizontal: Offers more space for large stations and decoration but requires more resources and maintenance.

Tip: Snap structures together using the in-game grid. Use triangle foundations to remove blind spots and make irregular shapes.

Key Facilities to Build Early

Every base needs certain stations to unlock crafting, upgrades, and gear. Here’s what to prioritize in order of necessity:

• Workbench – Craft essential tools, gear, and early structures.
• Modification Bench – Upgrade and tweak firearms.
• Forge & Smelter – Convert raw ores into building materials.
• Stove & Fridge – Cook meals and preserve ingredients.
• Generator – Powers lights, appliances, and turrets.
• Storage Lockers – Categorize and organize materials. Place close to workbenches.

Tip: Don’t overload one room with everything. Spread facilities by function (e.g., metalwork in one room, food in another).

Base Defense Strategies

The world of Once Human is full of mutated beasts and corrupted creatures. Raids can occur during exploration or storms, so protecting your base is non-negotiable.

Best Defense Setups:

• Outer Wall – Use wood early, then upgrade to stone/metal. Include gates for controlled entry.
• Turrets – Auto-turrets can target enemies during storms or breaches. Needs power and ammo.
• Traps – Barbed wire and spike traps buy time and damage invaders.
• Elevated Platforms – Build sniper towers or shooting positions for manual defense.

AI Aggro Considerations:

Enemies in Once Human will path toward your Territory Core during attacks. Make sure your core is placed behind all your traps and defenses.

Tip: Position turrets near corners or elevated platforms. They have a better field of view and are less likely to be destroyed quickly.

Upgrading and Expanding Your Base

As you level up and unlock new blueprints, your base should grow with you.

Mid-Game Goals:

• Replace wooden structures with stone for better durability.
• Add a second or third floor for vertical utility.
• Unlock electric lights and powered doors.

Late-Game Goals:

• Use rare materials like alloy or concrete to boost base strength.
• Incorporate surveillance tools and auto-response turrets.
• Optimize indoor lighting and energy-efficient systems.

Tip: If you outgrow your territory plot, you can relocate—but all structures must be removed first.

Customization and Decoration

While purely cosmetic, a personalized base makes the grind feel more rewarding. You can craft various furniture, lighting options, and decor themes.

Options Include:

• Tables, beds, rugs, wall lights
• Posters, banners, mounted weapons
• Fireplaces, planters, and more

Tip: Decorative furniture does not require maintenance, so you can safely place it anywhere indoors.

Your base in Once Human is your survival HQ. From crafting rare items and storing resources to surviving storms and raids, it’s where your journey is anchored. Take the time to plan your layout, secure your perimeter, and scale with your progress.

A well-built base not only keeps you alive—it becomes your legacy in this twisted world.

For smoother building controls, faster performance, and multi-instance management, we recommend playing Once Human on BlueStacks. Enjoy drag-and-drop building, macros, and the ability to play without mobile limitations.