How Does PvP Work in Once Human 1.0? Explained

Once Human has many confusing aspects and PvP is one of those. The game has a bit of a tutorial about PvP, but it doesn’t cover some of the most important information about the game mode. Hence, I’m here before you make some mistakes that might cost you a character or your first impression of the game. Here’s how PvP works in Once Human.

[Updated on July 19, 2024 – Guide revised to reflect changes based on the Once Human 1.0 full release]

PvP is Always Available in Once Human (Optional for PvE Servers)

We need to clear up something before you pick a server. While there are designated PvP and PvE servers in Once Human, that doesn’t mean you can only do PvP in PvP servers.

PvP is also available in PvE servers but it’s optional there, it’s also less aggressive and has fewer features or game activities centered around fighting other players. To enable PvP in PvE servers, you can switch it on with these instructions:

1. Reach Level 11.
2. Hold the ‘P’ button on your keyboard (for the PC platform). This will enable Chaos mode or Chaos state, basically PvP mode.
3. To exit PvP or Chaos mode wait for the PvP meter to expire. Or to prolong PvP mode, fight other players.

The PvP mode is only available starting Level 11. There are also hard rules to remember for PvP in PvE servers:

• You can’t kill or fight players who are not in PvP or Chaos mode.
• Only others in PvP mode can fight or kill you.
• If you get killed by other PvP players, they have a chance to loot some of your gear.

It pretty much functions like a duel for PvE servers. PvP is naturally more pronounced and more chaotic in dedicated PvP servers.

PvP Servers Have Different PvP Rules & Activities

Chaos state or PvP mode is also available in PvP servers, of course, but the rules there have a fundamental difference.

• PvP mode or Chaos state in PvP servers allows you to attack anyone, including non-Chaos state players. Consequently, being in Chaos state also lets anyone attack you.
• Special Echo Stones (available only in PvP servers) trigger the PvP mode as well.

That means PvP servers are more chaotic and lawless. Additionally, some of the content or even goals in PvP servers are different.

• There are certain PvP-centric events such as the Stronghold Contest or Conquest which is a 50v50 clan or guild war that lets you compete with other players for resources.

• Frontier Zones are also available on PvP servers, where you steal resources and open yourself up to danger by signaling other players nearby.

• There are also Base Raids where your base gets opened up for raids when purifying your Echo Stones. You can also do the same to other players’ bases.

These kinds of events aren’t available in PvE servers. Season Goals are also different and more centered around PvP in PvP servers. However, all the content available in PvE servers is available in PvP servers as well. So don’t worry about missing anything.

PvP is the more complete experience for Once Human though it’s also more unforgiving depending on the players you meet.