
Once Human Factions: Introduction
Factions in Once Human aren’t just background noise—they’re living, breathing forces that shape the world around you. Whether you’re scavenging through twisted forests or holding the line against mutated horrors, these groups determine who’s helping you, who’s hunting you, and who’s pretending to be your friend. That’s why the Once Human Factions Guide is a must-read before you align with anyone offering shelter, supplies, or suspiciously shiny loot.
Each faction has its own goals, belief systems, and strategies for surviving the post-Starfall wasteland. Some want to rebuild the old world, some want to evolve past it, and others… just want to burn it all down and dance in the ashes. As a Meta-Human, you’re not just a bystander. You’ll be navigating these power struggles, completing faction-specific missions, and making choices that shift your standing across the map. The factions you support can change your access to gear, allies, and key storylines.
This Once Human Factions Guide gives you the big picture and breaks down who’s who, what they want, and why it matters. In game scenarios like Prismverse’s Clash, faction conflict takes center stage, with players choosing sides and diving into full-scale war. Whether you’re teaming up with idealists or outlaws, understanding the core differences between Once Human factions will shape your long-term strategy.
Knowing where each faction stands is just the start. The rest of this Once Human Factions Guide dives deeper into their goals, tactics, and how your choices can make—or break—the world they’re trying to control.
Once Human Factions: Rosetta
ROSETTA
Rosetta isn’t just another faction in Once Human—they’re the slick-talking, tech-hoarding, morally gray masterminds who think they’re saving humanity by reshaping it. According to them, the world broke because it was too weak to survive the chaos. So, their solution? Rebuild it from the DNA up. Rosetta’s ideology centers on “uniform evolution,” which is as terrifying as it sounds. Clones, experimental tech, and enough secret labs to make a Bond villain blush—this is the world you’re stepping into if you join them.
Rosetta
Rosetta is a faction in Once Human that thrives on a deep connection with nature and advanced bioengineering. Masters of healing and environmental manipulation, they use their knowledge of flora and fauna to both defend and strategically outmaneuver their enemies. With a focus on balance and adaptability, Rosetta is a faction that values harmony between technology and the natural world.
In the Prismverse’s Clash scenario, Rosetta steps fully into the antagonist role—but that doesn’t mean you can’t play them. On the contrary, players can sign up to fight under Rosetta’s banner, and many do. Why? Because they’ve got drones that heal, revive, and mine for you. Their strongholds like Greywater Camp and Blackfell offer quick access to vital resources, and their tech perks—especially the Legendary Rosetta Memetic Specialization—give them a real edge in combat. It’s not just style; it’s strategy, and this Once Human Factions Guide makes it clear why so many choose the faction everyone loves to hate.
But Rosetta’s dominance has sparked debate. In some servers, their numbers dwarf the Mayflies to an absurd degree. Whether it’s the lore appeal, the NPC charm of Mary and Mr. Ames, or the raw power of their drones, Rosetta tends to draw a crowd. That popularity can create imbalance in PvP scenarios, making it harder for underdog Once Human factions to compete. Still, if you’re looking for a faction that plays like a dystopian megacorp with a God complex, Rosetta is where the real action—and controversy—is. And for visual learners, this Once Human Factions Guide breaks down Rosetta’s essentials in one clean table.
Category Rosetta Highlights Core Belief “Uniform evolution” of mankind through heterospace life and radical tech Key NPCs Mary (iconic figure), Mr. Ames Starting Strongholds Greywater Camp (starting base), Blackfell (Eastern Nalcott desert, late-game base) Scenario Role Main antagonist in Prismverse’s Clash, playable faction Unique Advantage Legendary Rosetta Memetic Specialization: Customizable healing/recon drone Community Perception Lore-rich, overpopulated, often favored due to location and tech perksThis Once Human Factions Guide makes one thing crystal clear: if you’re going to walk the razor’s edge between progress and monstrosity, Rosetta gives you the tools—and the ethical headaches—to do it in style. Want power? They’ve got it. Want friends? Better bring your own.
Once Human Factions: Mayfly
MAYFLY
If Rosetta is the cold, calculated machine of evolution, Mayfly is the human spark trying to keep the fire lit. Formed by defectors, rebels, and idealists who broke away from Rosetta’s tech-fueled tyranny, the Mayflies fight for what’s left of humanity. They’re scrappy, a bit battered, and outnumbered more often than not—but they believe people are worth saving without needing to rewrite their DNA. In the Once Human Factions Guide, Mayfly stands as the conscience of a world gone mad, full of survivors who’d rather fight monsters than become them.
Once Human Vehicle GuideMayfly
Mayfly is a faction in Once Human known for its fast-paced, adaptable combat style and high-tech weaponry. With a focus on speed, stealth, and precision, they excel in hit-and-run tactics and swift strikes, making them deadly opponents on the battlefield. Their advanced technology allows them to adapt quickly to changing environments, giving them an edge in any confrontation.
In the Prismverse’s Clash scenario, Mayfly players enter the fray from Meyer’s Market and Deadsville. Their exclusive Legendary Mayfly Memetic Specialization lets them harvest Gene Fragments from Deviants and craft Gene Sync Potions to boost combat potential. It’s more tactical than flashy, favoring players who thrive on timing, precision, and adaptability. Unlike Rosetta’s drone, the Mayfly toolkit rewards those who master its skill curve. As this Once Human Factions Guide highlights, their starting areas may lack oil-rich nodes, but they offer early-game safety and strong PvE options—ideal for players who prefer stability before the storm.
Still, Mayfly faces a numbers game. On many servers, they’re the underdogs—brave but outgunned. While some players gravitate toward Rosetta’s superior tech or darker lore, others join Mayfly for the challenge or simply to play the hero. They’re often seen as the moral compass in a world that lost its way, even if their NPCs are a bit forgettable (a kid and a bird doesn’t exactly scream “epic faction”). But that hasn’t stopped loyalists from digging in and defending the fragile threads of humanity. In the grand balance of the Once Human Factions Guide, Mayfly isn’t about dominance—it’s about defiance.
Category Mayfly Highlights Core Belief Protect humanity from Rosetta’s forced evolution and corruption Key NPCs Talon, Ran (not widely iconic, but functional) Starting Strongholds Deadsville (start zone), Meyer’s Market Scenario Role Playable faction in Prismverse’s Clash, PvP underdogs Unique Advantage Legendary Mayfly Memetic: Craft Gene Sync Potions from Deviant Fragments Community Perception Morally “good” faction, often outnumbered but admired for resistanceThis Once Human Factions Guide makes one thing clear—choosing Mayfly isn’t about easy wins. It’s about grit, sacrifice, and standing up when the odds are stacked sky-high. If that sounds like your kind of fight, grab a Gene Extractor and get to work.
Once Human Factions: The Union
THE UNION
In the wild wastelands of Once Human, The Union stands as the last flicker of everyday humanity—hard hats, grit, and all. Built from civilians trying to stay alive rather than rewrite evolution or worship cosmic horror, The Union is what’s left when people refuse to break. They’re not flashy, they’re not genetically enhanced, and they don’t come with cult chants or nanotech—but they have shotguns, flamethrowers, and a burning will to survive. In the Once Human Factions Guide, The Union represents grounded resistance, holding the line in a world gone off the rails.
Once Human Vehicle GuideThe Union
The Union in Once Human is a faction built on order, strength, and resilience. Combining advanced machinery with disciplined military strategies, they focus on creating a powerful, unified front in the face of chaos. Known for their highly structured society and formidable combat forces, The Union is a faction that thrives on discipline and relentless determination, making them a force to be reckoned with in any conflict.
Their stronghold is Blackfell, a battered industrial town clinging to life in the Gobi desert. It’s more dust and diesel than chrome and clones, but it works. Blackfell’s value lies in its access to oil and minerals, making it a critical hub for human survivalists. The Union’s people are hardened by necessity, not design. They’ve repurposed whatever they could get their hands on—meaning when a Union patrol shows up, you’re more likely to see a flamethrower made from a gas tank and a dream than a sleek drone. This part of the Once Human Factions Guide shows a faction rooted in player interaction, story depth, and the sheer human refusal to go quietly.
Though not playable in PvP scenarios like Prismverse’s Clash, The Union fills a vital world-building role. Their camps offer quests, background lore, and a moral counterpoint to both Rosetta’s control and the Vultures’ chaos. Some players argue that The Union, with its more developed NPCs and moral ambiguity, might’ve made for a more compelling faction than the Mayflies. But even from the sidelines, they’re an essential part of the Once Human Factions Guide—the living memory of what the world used to be, still punching back in the dust.
Category The Union Highlights Core Identity Civilian survivalists defending towns from Vulture corruption Headquarters Blackfell, Gobi desert (former oil industry hub) Key NPC Role Non-playable faction offering quests, storylines, and moral contrast Weapon Style Makeshift tech: shotguns, flamethrowers, incendiaries Community Perception Seen as more developed and grounded than Mayflies, though not playableIn a world full of monsters and madmen, The Union is the stubborn heartbeat of humanity—and in the Once Human Factions Guide, they’re the reason you still have a place worth fighting for.
Once Human Factions: Vultures
VULTURES
The Vultures are the kind of faction you don’t want knocking at your gate—or anywhere within a hundred yards of your camp. In Once Human, they represent the collapse of morality in the face of survival, a gang of frenzied raiders who’ve traded humanity for chaos. They don’t organize, they swarm. Driven by pollution, drugs, and a devotion to some mysterious “Old Ones,” the Vultures are what happens when desperation mutates into bloodlust. If you see a group of them tearing across the wasteland in a haze of smoke and madness, don’t stop to ask questions—just run or shoot.
Once Human Vehicle GuideVultures
The Vultures in Once Human are a ruthless faction driven by survival and opportunism. They excel in scavenging, using their cunning to make the most of whatever resources they can find. With a focus on guerrilla tactics and resourcefulness, the Vultures are dangerous in their ability to adapt to any situation, often exploiting weaknesses in their enemies to gain the upper hand. Their leaders are pragmatic and driven by self-interest, making them unpredictable and formidable opponents.
In the wilderness, Vultures are a constant and unpredictable threat. They don’t follow the rules, they don’t do diplomacy, and they certainly don’t care who you are. If it moves, it’s loot. If it doesn’t, it’s probably still loot. Their behavior mirrors that of a cult—only instead of robes and chanting, think spiked armor, wild eyes, and improvised explosives. The Once Human Factions Guide highlights their contrast with more grounded groups like the Union or the noble (if outnumbered) Mayflies. If this is a morality spectrum, the Vultures tore it up, lit it on fire, and laughed while it burned.
While they aren’t a joinable faction, their presence plays a critical role in how players experience the world. Whether you’re sneaking past their camps or defending your outpost from a sudden raid, the Vultures inject danger and unpredictability into any scenario. Think of them as the wildcard—the unhinged threat that refuses to be reasoned with.
Category Vulture Highlights Core Identity Ruthless survivalists focused on scavenging and exploiting resources Headquarters Undisclosed wasteland camps, often on the move or hidden Philosophy Survival through opportunism and taking advantage of others Interaction Role Non-playable faction offering hostile encounters and resource control Unique Traits Guerrilla tactics, rapid adaptation, resource exploitationThe Once Human Factions Guide wouldn’t be complete without them, not because you’ll ally with them, but because sooner or later, you’ll have to deal with them. And when you do, you’ll want to be ready.
Once Human Factions: The Column
THE COLUMN
If you ever wondered what happens when military minds survive the apocalypse, keep reading—because Once Human Factions Guide takes a cold, calculated turn with The Column. This faction is all grit, order, and steel, holed up in the frozen Arkam-Region with a doctrine that reads like a field manual: survive first, question later. They’re not chaotic like the Vultures or idealistic like the Mayflies. The Column is what you get when structure survives entropy. They don’t just want to make it through the end of the world—they want to rebuild it under their flag.
Once Human Vehicle GuideThe Column
The Column in Once Human is a faction focused on technological supremacy and rigid control. They believe in the power of structure and order, using advanced technology to dominate their surroundings and impose their vision of a perfect society. Known for their towering, mechanized fortresses and disciplined soldiers, The Column is a faction that seeks to expand their influence through sheer force and unwavering organization, making them a formidable presence in the game’s world.
Their base, Icarus One, was once the wreckage of a massive transport plane. Now, it’s a heavily fortified stronghold buried in the snow, doubling as both a military hub and a symbol of the faction’s resilience. Life with The Column is rough, regimented, and efficient—think of it like living in a boot camp with better guns. They’ve mastered the terrain and resources around them, using the cold to keep enemies out and discipline to keep their people alive. This part of the Once Human Factions Guide highlights how The Column thrives where most would freeze or fracture.
While The Column isn’t currently a playable faction in PvP or specific scenarios, their presence in the world isn’t just background noise. They influence quests, shape lore, and act as a major political force in the region. Their ideology sets them apart—survival at all costs, even if it means harsh choices. In the evolving narrative of Once Human, alliances, rivalries, and decisions involving The Column can shift storylines and open up unique rewards. Whether you admire their efficiency or fear their rigidity, they bring essential tension to the Once Human Factions Guide.
Category The Column Highlights Core Identity Militaristic survivalists aiming to build a new world order Headquarters Icarus One, a camp formed from a crashed aircraft in the Arkam-Region Philosophy Order and survival above all else Interaction Role Non-playable faction offering quests, lore, and dynamic world influence Unique Traits Fortified snow base, no clear moral label, strong resource adaptabilityIn a world where survival often means choosing between chaos and compromise, The Column offers a third path: ruthless order. And in the Once Human Factions Guide, that’s a flavor of danger you won’t want to underestimate.
Once Human Factions: Furugaku Gumi
FURUGAKU GUMI
In the world of Once Human, the Furugaku Gumi isn’t your average back-alley crime syndicate—it’s a legacy wrapped in silk, secrets, and maybe a katana or two. With roots stretching far beyond the borders of Nalcott, this faction came from the East not just to survive, but to dominate quietly. While other Once Human Factions shout their purpose, Furugaku Gumi prefers whispers, wealth, and well-placed logistics. Their delivery networks were already humming before the world fell apart, which makes them one of the few groups that landed on their feet when civilization face-planted.
Once Human Vehicle GuideFurugaku Gumi
The Furugaku Gumi in Once Human is a faction rooted in tradition and cunning, blending ancient martial arts with modern technology. Known for their tight-knit, honor-driven society, they value loyalty and strength above all else. With a focus on stealth, precision, and tactical brilliance, the Furugaku Gumi are adept at striking swiftly and efficiently, often leaving their enemies unaware until it’s too late. Their blend of old-world discipline and cutting-edge tech makes them both a respected and feared force in the world.
Furugaku Gumi didn’t just bring money—they brought survivalists under their wing, backed by a stockpile of supplies big enough to make a prepper blush. Whether they’re driven by honor, ambition, or something darker remains unclear, but in a world this chaotic, having a faction with deep pockets and deeper plans should make everyone nervous. The Once Human Factions Guide treats them as a wildcard—neither overtly hostile nor easily trusted. They’re not native to the region, but they’ve settled in like they own the place.
So far, there’s no concrete sign that Furugaku Gumi plays a direct role in scenarios or as a joinable faction, but they’re positioned to matter. With their influence, they could steer storylines, offer quests, or even create unexpected alliances. That’s why the Once Human Factions Guide pays attention to them—not because of what they’ve done, but because of what they might do. Players who value subtlety, strategy, and a good mystery should keep an eye on this faction.
Category Furugaku Gumi Highlights Origin Far East; not native to Nalcott Wealth & Influence Massive pre-disaster wealth and secret operations Known Operations Logistics networks, express company control, survivalist support Philosophy Power through quiet control and resource dominance Scenario Role No confirmed scenario or gameplay involvement as a playable faction yetWhile Furugaku Gumi’s current role is more shadow than spotlight, the Once Human Factions Guide reminds players that power doesn’t always arrive with guns drawn—sometimes, it’s delivered in a package marked “fragile.”
Once Human Factions: Conclusion
The world of Once Human is messy, mutated, and marvelously complex—and that’s exactly what makes it worth diving into. With its rotating scenarios, evolving objectives, and a healthy mix of PvP and PvE chaos, this game isn’t just about survival—it’s about choosing who you stand with when everything’s falling apart. The Once Human Factions Guide lays out how each faction colors that experience. Whether you lean toward the authoritarian brilliance of Rosetta, the scrappy idealism of Mayfly, or the lurking motives of The Column and Furugaku Gumi, each choice carries weight, flavor, and long-term impact.
Understanding how these factions fit into scenario mechanics, especially in Prismverse’s Clash, is crucial. Your choice isn’t just cosmetic—it shapes your early game, your allies, your enemies, and even your loot. That’s why the Once Human Factions Guide doesn’t just list facts. It gives you the tools to decide based on your style, whether you’re the lone wolf type, a tactical squad leader, or a chaotic neutral who just wants to set things on fire (within the rules, of course). The balance between faction strengths, player preferences, and scenario dynamics makes every season feel like a new chapter waiting to be written.
Still, the system isn’t perfect. Faction imbalance is a known beast, with Rosetta often enjoying the popularity prize and Mayflies scrambling to keep up. That kind of disparity can reshape entire servers, and not always for the better. The devs are clearly listening—tools like advance registration and team sign-ups help, but the game’s future hinges on how well it can adapt to player behavior. For now, the best move is to pick the faction that fits your goals and squad, then dive in with both boots and a backpack full of duct tape.
Faction Role & Theme Starting Area Specialization Ideal For Rosetta Tech-obsessed megacorp (antagonistic) Greywater Drone-focused Memetic Experienced players, control play Mayfly Rebel underdogs (protagonistic) Deadsville Gene-based support Memetic New players, support-heavy play The Union Neutral survivor network Unknown Not specified Lore-driven PvE fans Vultures Bandit raiders Unknown Not specified Chaotic PvP players The Column Militarized rebuilders in the north Icarus One Not specified Strategists, lore explorers Furugaku Gumi Wealthy outsiders with secrets Nalcott Not specified Traders, mystery loversWhether you’re chasing victory, vengeance, or just a good story, the Once Human Factions Guide is your map through the madness. Now grab your gear, pick your side, and make your mark—this world won’t fix itself.
Once Human
Play Once Human on PC and mobile for free and join your friends in a post-apocalyptic world. Fight monsters, uncover secrets, and build your own territory in this multiplayer game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓How do I choose the best Faction in Once Human?
🟢Choosing the best faction depends on your playstyle. Each faction offers unique gameplay experiences, so consider what aligns best with your preferred playstyle.
❓Can I change factions after choosing one?
🟢Currently, in Once Human, players are assigned to a faction upon joining a server, especially in scenarios like the Prismverse’s Clash Scenario. Changing factions mid-game isn’t typically supported, so it’s important to choose wisely at the start.
❓What are the benefits of joining a faction?
🟢Joining a faction offers several benefits: exclusive quests, specialized gear, community collaboration, and the ability to influence the game world through faction actions.
❓Are there any neutral factions or third-party roles?
🟢While the game primarily features distinct factions, some players have expressed interest in a neutral faction or third-party roles, such as a “Military Industrial Complex” that supplies both sides with resources. However, as of now, Once Human doesn’t officially support neutral factions, and players often choose to play as independent traders or mercenaries.
❓How do I interact with other factions in PvP scenarios?
🟢In PvP, factions may form alliances or rivalries, compete for resources, and engage in diplomacy or betrayal. Communication is key to navigating these dynamics.