Once Human is a survival horror MMORPG that allows players to evolve into Meta-Humans, unlocking new abilities through a system called Memetic Specialization. This system significantly influences gameplay, providing unique abilities tied to combat, crafting, resource gathering, and more. Memetic Specializations enhance the player’s strategic decisions, offering a diverse set of options that can profoundly impact survival and progression in a post-apocalyptic world.

What Is Memetic Specialization

Memetic Specialization is a skill tree that players can unlock as they level up. Starting at level 5, players gain access to this feature, and every five levels, they unlock new specializations. This allows players to shape their character’s abilities according to their preferred gameplay style, whether it’s focusing on combat, gathering, crafting, or managing resources. There are four main categories of Memetic Specializations.

Key Categories and Specializations

Gathering Specializations: This category focuses on enhancing resource collection. The Harvesting Sickle is one standout specialization that helps players gather essential resources like ore, wood, and hides. It allows players to optimize their material collection speed, crucial for surviving in harsh environments. Another popular choice in this category is Treasure Hunter, which boosts mining productivity, allowing the extraction of valuable ores like Silver and Stardust at a much faster rate.

Crafting Specializations: Crafting is critical for survival in Once Human, and players can unlock crafting-based specializations such as the Furnace: Precision Refining. This skill reduces the amount of resources required when crafting high-level items. Another useful specialization is Supplies Workbench: Healing Boost, which allows players to craft items that improve healing abilities, combining combat and crafting utility.

Combat Specializations: In the hostile world of Once Human, combat specializations like the Portable MG Turret: Barrage of Bullets are vital for protection against enemies. This specialization turns the turret into a reusable item, increasing damage by 30% and allowing bullets to bounce between enemies, providing tactical advantages in battle. Additionally, combat-based players can opt for equipment enhancements to boost survivability.

Management and Resource: Control Managing resources efficiently is essential to survival in the game. The Backpack Expansion specialization allows players to carry more consumables, increasing their survival chances when exploring vast areas of the post-apocalyptic world. It also helps players manage hunger, thirst, and health by providing more storage for essential items.

Best Memetic Specializations for Different Playstyles

Based on recent updates and community feedback, certain specializations have proven to be particularly effective for various playstyles. Here’s a look at some top-tier picks:

S-Tier Specializations for Combat: For combat-focused players, the Judgment Coherence Injection specialization is a standout. It enhances your combat abilities by collecting gene fragments from defeated enemies and crafting injections to boost your stats. Additionally, the High-Power Warhead provides a significant advantage with its high-efficiency rocket launcher​.

A-Tier Specializations for Resource Management: In terms of resource management, Improved Compound Fertilizer is highly useful for those interested in maximizing crop yield, though it does come with the trade-off of slower growth times. The Gravitational Grip specialization is another strong choice, providing effective control over enemy movements through traps​.

B-Tier Specializations for Gathering: Although not the top of the line, gathering specializations like the Silver Pickaxe offer valuable benefits, especially for players who spend a lot of time collecting materials in the game. The Gold Pickaxe offers a similar boost, though these tools lack the durability of other options​.

Choosing the Right Specialization

When it comes to selecting the best Memetic Specialization for your character, consider your preferred playstyle:

Solo Players: If you’re a solo player, investing in crafting and resource management is essential. Specializations like Furnace Precision Refining and Gravel and Log On-the-Go will help you efficiently gather and store resources while crafting powerful equipment.

Team-Oriented Players: Players who prefer team-based gameplay should look into Building and Combat specializations, such as the Flamethrower Trap and Judgment Coherence Injection. These will improve your team’s defenses and overall combat capabilities.

Explorers: For those who enjoy exploring the map and discovering new areas, the Exploration Drone is a must-have. It reduces stamina consumption during gliding and marks nearby enemies, giving you a strategic edge​.

Memetic Specialization in the Latest Updates

As of the August 2024 update, Once Human introduced several new specialization fragments, allowing players to further customize their gameplay. One of the biggest changes involves the introduction of Memetic Specialization Fragments. Players can collect up to three fragments throughout a season, each offering unique skills and buffs. These fragments allow for greater flexibility and can be strategically used to tackle challenges​.

Tips for Maximizing Memetic Specialization

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when optimizing your specialization:

Focus on Synergy: Choose specializations that complement each other. For example, combining Furnace Precision Refining with Judgment Coherence Injection ensures that you have both resource efficiency and combat strength.

Adapt to Updates: Since Once Human frequently updates its specialization options, make sure to adapt your strategy accordingly. Keep an eye on patch notes to ensure your builds are optimized for the latest content.

Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different branches of specialization. Some of the most effective builds come from unexpected combinations, such as mixing gathering perks with high-damage combat abilities.

Community Insights and Strategies

The Once Human community, particularly on platforms like YouTube, has been active in discussing optimal strategies for using Memetic Specializations. Players have developed tier lists ranking the best specializations for different phases of the game, focusing on both solo and multiplayer experiences. For instance, some YouTubers recommend focusing on gathering specializations early on to establish a strong resource base, while others advocate for combat specializations to prepare for PvP and PvE encounters.

Memetic Specialization and the Meta-Human Evolution

Memetic Specialization is closely tied to the Once Human lore, as players evolve into Meta-Humans, gaining access to advanced technology and abilities. This evolution is integral to the storyline, as players progress through various stages of power and skill. Unlocking specializations not only enhances gameplay but also immerses players deeper into the world’s narrative, as they transform into beings with superior capabilities in a fight for survival.

FAQs

What is Memetic Specialization in Once Human? 

Memetic Specialization is a key gameplay mechanic in Once Human that allows players to tailor their characters to specific combat or support roles. By selecting different memetic abilities, players can enhance their skills, weapons, and overall performance in various activities, such as combat, gathering, or building. Specialization grants significant bonuses to the player’s effectiveness in these areas.

How do I reset my Memetic Specialization? 

Resetting Memetic Specialization requires a special in-game item called the “Specialization Cleaner.” This item can be obtained through completing Seasonal Goals, specifically when reaching 60 season points. Players can acquire the Specialization Cleaner up to five times per season, which lasts about six weeks. Keep in mind that the availability of this reset item is limited to seasonal content​.

Conclusion

Memetic Specializations in Once Human offer a dynamic and personalized approach to surviving in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world. By carefully selecting and upgrading these specializations, players can tailor their experience, maximizing efficiency in combat, resource management, and crafting. Whether you prioritize combat prowess or resource gathering, the strategic depth provided by Memetic Specializations makes every choice meaningful, ensuring no two players’ journeys are the same.

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