What Happens When You Die In Once Human

Caroline Mae

2 min read

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06-01-2025

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The cyberpunk RPG Once Human offers a unique and intriguing take on mortality, diverging significantly from typical game mechanics. Understanding what happens when your character dies isn't simply a matter of "game over." Instead, it's a crucial element of the narrative and character progression.

The Glitch in the System: Death and Reincarnation

Unlike many games where death means restarting from a previous save point, death in Once Human leads to a form of "reincarnation." Your character doesn't simply vanish. Instead, their consciousness is transferred, or rather, attempted to be transferred, to a new body. This process isn't seamless or guaranteed.

The Uncertain Afterlife: Factors Affecting Reincarnation

Several factors influence the success and nature of your character's reincarnation:

• Your Character's Augmentation Level: Highly augmented characters, particularly those heavily reliant on cybernetics, might find the transfer process more challenging. The extent of the digital imprint left on your character's consciousness impacts the success of the transfer. A highly augmented character might be fragmented or irreparably damaged during the process.

• The Availability of Suitable Bodies: The game's world has a limited supply of viable bodies for reincarnation. Your chances of a successful transfer depend on the availability of suitable vessels, creating an element of scarcity and tension.

• Narrative Choices: Your in-game choices and actions have a direct impact on the outcome of death. Certain actions might increase or decrease your chances of a successful reincarnation.

The Ripple Effect: Consequences of Death

Even a successful reincarnation comes with consequences. Your character won't simply return to their previous state. Expect:

• Memory Loss: Significant memory loss is a possibility following reincarnation. This element adds depth to the narrative, forcing players to rediscover their past and relationships.

• Altered Personality: Depending on the body you inhabit and the nature of the reincarnation process, you may experience a shift in personality.

• Loss of Equipment and Possessions: Naturally, your previous physical possessions are lost upon death. Any progress tied directly to a particular body is also gone.

Beyond the Binary: Embracing the Uncertainty

Death in Once Human isn't a simple defeat. It’s a mechanic that deepens the gameplay experience by introducing uncertainty and consequence. It forces players to approach choices carefully and consider the long-term implications of their actions. The game brilliantly uses death not as an end, but as a transition—a catalyst for narrative evolution and player reflection.

The game's developers have crafted a system that integrates death seamlessly into the overall narrative, making it a unique and engaging feature within the Once Human experience.