As I reflect on the gaming landscape of 2025, I can't help but marvel at how Once Human managed to capture the hearts of millions with its unique blend of survival mechanics, horror elements, and MMO gameplay. But what about those of us who've already explored its strange world and are hungry for similar experiences? The good news is that the gaming world is filled with incredible titles that share DNA with this surprise hit. Let me share with you the games that have given me that same thrilling sensation of survival in strange worlds.
State of Decay 2: The Original Survival Horror Masterpiece
Before Once Human took the world by storm, I spent countless nights surviving in State of Decay 2. This game taught me what true survival horror feels like. The constant tension of managing resources while building my settlement against relentless zombie hordes creates an experience that's both terrifying and addictive. What really sets it apart is how the world feels alive with danger - nighttime brings genuine fear, and the variety of zombie types keeps you on your toes. The multiplayer aspect makes it even more engaging, as you and your friends work together to build a community against overwhelming odds.
The Division 2: Tactical Team Survival
When I want that combination of sharp shooting mechanics and cooperative gameplay that Once Human delivers, I turn to The Division 2. Playing as an elite agent in a quarantined Washington DC gives me that same sense of purpose and danger. The third-person shooting is arguably more polished than Once Human, with incredible weapon customization and ability systems. What keeps me coming back year after year is the constant content updates and the sheer variety of missions. The environmental storytelling and attention to detail in the ruined cityscape remind me why I fell in love with post-apocalyptic games in the first place.
| Feature | Once Human | The Division 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Style | Survival-focused shooting | Tactical third-person |
| World Design | Supernatural horror | Realistic urban decay |
| Multiplayer | MMO survival | Cooperative missions |
The First Descendant: Futuristic Co-op Excellence
I remember when The First Descendant launched alongside Once Human - what a week that was for free-to-play games! While it had a slower start, the developers have transformed it into an outstanding experience. The grappling hook mechanics add a verticality to combat that feels fresh and exciting. Much like Once Human, there's a satisfying progression system with unlockable characters and tons of customization options. The boss fights are particularly memorable, requiring coordination and skill that remind me of the best moments in survival MMOs.
Fallout 76: The Comeback Story
Who would have thought that Fallout 76 would become one of my go-to survival MMOs? From its rocky start to its current glory, this game exemplifies how developer dedication can transform a experience. The Appalachian wasteland now feels alive with stories, NPCs, and meaningful choices. What I love most is how your decisions actually matter, something rare in MMOs. Playing through the entire game with friends creates that same communal survival feeling that makes Once Human so special.
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Building System: Robust settlement construction
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Multiplayer: Seamless co-op throughout the entire game
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Content: Regular updates adding new stories and areas
DayZ: The Psychological Survival Experience
If you want to understand where games like Once Human got their inspiration, you need to play DayZ. This game introduced me to the concept that the greatest threat in a zombie apocalypse might be other players. The psychological tension of never knowing if that friendly-seeming survivor is actually planning to betray you creates unforgettable moments. The simplicity of its survival mechanics belies the complexity of human interaction it fosters. Even in 2025, DayZ remains the gold standard for player-driven narratives in survival games.
Remnant 2: Weird Worlds and Challenging Combat
When I crave the strange, otherworldly vibe of Once Human but want more focused combat, Remnant 2 delivers. This game was arguably the best of 2023, and it still holds up beautifully. The procedural generation means every playthrough feels fresh, and the co-op experience is among the best I've ever encountered. The creature designs are wonderfully bizarre, and the boss fights require genuine strategy and teamwork. It's the perfect game for when I want Once Human's weirdness but prefer a more structured adventure.
Subnautica: Underwater Survival Masterpiece
Sometimes the most terrifying threats aren't zombies or monsters, but the deep ocean itself. Subnautica gives me that same feeling of exploration and discovery that I love in Once Human, but in a completely different setting. The crafting system is deeply satisfying, and the sense of mystery as you explore deeper into the ocean is unparalleled. While it's not an MMO, the gameplay loop of exploration, resource gathering, and base building hits many of the same notes that make survival games so compelling.
No Man's Sky: Infinite Possibilities
What can I say about No Man's Sky that hasn't been said? This game represents the pinnacle of exploration-based survival. The scale is literally astronomical, with entire galaxies to explore. The freedom to play however you want - whether as a peaceful explorer, ruthless pirate, or dedicated trader - creates a personal experience that's different for every player. The constant updates have transformed it into one of gaming's greatest redemption stories, and the multiplayer integration allows for amazing shared experiences.
Zenless Zone Zero: Stylish Post-Apocalyptic Action
For those who prefer their apocalypse with an anime aesthetic, Zenless Zone Zero is a perfect choice. The combat system is fast, fluid, and incredibly satisfying. What impressed me most is how well it balances its free-to-play model with substantial content. The character designs are fantastic, and the boss battles are some of the most creative I've seen in recent years. If you enjoy Once Human but wish it had more emphasis on combat, this is your game.
Ark: Survival Evolved: Dinosaur Taming Excellence
Finally, we have the game that perhaps shares the most DNA with Once Human - Ark: Survival Evolved. The feeling of starting with nothing and gradually building up to become a dominant force in a strange world is executed perfectly here. Taming dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures adds a unique layer to the survival formula. The base building is robust, and the threat of both environmental dangers and other players creates constant tension. Even with a sequel on the horizon, the original Ark remains a masterpiece of the genre.
Why These Games Resonate with Once Human Fans
What makes all these games special is how they capture that essential feeling of surviving against overwhelming odds in fascinating worlds. Each one brings something unique to the table:
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Community Building: Games like State of Decay 2 and Fallout 76 emphasize building something lasting
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Exploration: No Man's Sky and Subnautica reward curiosity and discovery
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Combat Excellence: The First Descendant and Zenless Zone Zero deliver thrilling action
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Psychological Tension: DayZ masters the human element of survival
As I look at my gaming library in 2025, I realize that the success of Once Human isn't an isolated phenomenon. It's part of a rich tradition of survival games that challenge us, scare us, and ultimately bring us together. Each of these games offers a different path to that same satisfying feeling of overcoming impossible odds. So what are you waiting for? The apocalypse (in various forms) awaits!