NetEase Games, the online games division of NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES, HKEX: 9999), has launched a brand-new scenario- The Way of Winter for Once Human, bringing new gameplay mode and a challenging new area to the game, filled with fresh content to experience and powerful enemies to defeat.
The Way of Winter is the largest and most content-rich scenario update since the launch of Once Human, featuring a core focus on hardcore multiplayer survival in the polar north. This adventure takes place on a brand-new map set in the far reaches of Nalcott. In this land, players can befriend new Deviations, team up with larger squads of friends to explore the environment, battle mighty Deviants, and challenge the savage Vultures faction that dominates the region.
This brand-new scenario format involves four main playing stages (over 35 days) and the season break (28 days). Here’s the exciting new content you can expect to see in The Way of Winter:
Once Human Introduces New Survival Mechanic – Temperature
The north of Nalcott is home to a new threat that players will have to face to conquer the tundra: temperature. On top of sanity, energy, hydration, and stamina, you’ll need to prepare for freezing cold and blazing hot climates.
The temperature in Once Human is determined by various factors, such as location, time of day, and the weather. The environment will have varying heat and cold, such as lava flow being hot. At the same time, items the player can hold can also influence the temperature, such as a torch or Molotov cocktail.
To prepare for the harsh climate, players must craft heat- and cold-resistant gear to survive. This can involve making clothing from the thick fur of slain enemies or cooking unique spicy dishes made in the north. Those who don’t prepare properly will see their movement restricted and their character falling ill from the extreme weather.
The north is home to unique crops for players to grow, including Spikematoes, Polar Peppers, and Sunny Ginger. Cooking these plants will be vital for helping you during long expeditions, as their warmth will stave off the cold.
Co-Op players can survive longer with the new Thermal Tower building!
The frozen north is one of the most challenging locations ever introduced to Once Human. As such, teaming up with friends to explore strongholds and scavenge resources will drastically increase your chances of survival. Not only that, but The Way of Winter introduces even larger squad sizes, allowing even more allies to join your adventures.
One key aspect of survival in The Way of the Winter involves a new building: the Thermal Tower. This crucial structure grants various bonuses to the territory you build around it, providing buffs and letting you control the temperature. These can speed up your production facilities and increase crop yield.
Protecting your Thermal Towers will be a crucial goal for you and your allies, as colossal Chaosweavers will appear and attack them, leading to epic confrontations with these titans as you rush to protect your heat source.
Massive Map & Monster Updates in The Way of Winter
The Way of Winter will introduce a whole new map for players to explore, with the ability to select from different starting points. From here, players can explore the snow-covered land to travel to Ember Strand, visiting new strongholds, such as Frost Forge, Fire Throat Sanctum, and Fort Obsidian, all filled with new mysteries, powerful enemies, and exciting treasures waiting to be discovered!
Naturally, the environment isn’t the only enemy Once Human players will face in The Way of Winter. The extreme temperatures have altered the Deviants and living machines that roam the northern wilderness, including the Rime Frosts, red-hot Crucibles, and a new Treant enemy. Players can also face a brand-new boss monster: The Secret Servitor.
Some monsters in the frozen lands can even work as allies for the players. The Way of Winter’s new Deviations have powers that match the environment, with Snowsprites generating razor-sharp ice crystals in battle, while Ice Pots create ice cubes for players to use. There are also Invincible Suns, who can deal Blaze damage to targets with their flames.
Monsters aren’t the only threat in The Way of Winter, thanks to the villainous army, The Vultures, led by the mysterious Igna, who seek to control the living machines. To stop Igna’s plans, you’ll have to attack the Vulture’s lands, find the Black Sector dungeon, and defeat the terrifying foes within.
The Way of Winter’s New Scenario Rewards
Those who log in to Once Human during the The Way of Winter scenario on October 17 can complete daily sign-up quests to earn exclusive cosmetic rewards that will help you look the part. These include the Strawberry Wool Hat, Smiling Sponge Vest, Smiling Pumpkin Lantern, Shattered Maiden – Wandering Witch, and Buzzy Bee – Pumpkin Lantern.
Limited-time Halloween rewards are also available for those watching Once Human’s Twitch category’s live stream for a cumulative 6 hours. These include the Weapon Charm: Kitty’s Hat-Trick, Dark Pumpkin Lantern, Wilderness Outlaw Hood, and Cervitaur Terror Headwear.
Once Human is Now Available in New Languages!
Finally, Once Human is reaching an even wider audience, the game now supports Russian, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Latin-America) languages. These can be switched at any time in the game’s menu.
The Way of Winter is a massive update for Once Human, introducing new threats to face and treasures to uncover. The mysteries of Once Human’s world are slowly being revealed, with more challenging gameplay and more ways to tame the wilderness. Follow the Once Human social media pages to keep up to date with the game’s ever-evolving world.
