In the vast, post-apocalyptic world of Once Human, building a sustainable and efficient farm is a crucial aspect of survival. The game offers a blend of survival mechanics and strategic resource management, making farming one of the most vital activities for players. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to set up your farm, grow crops, manage resources, and ensure your survival in the harsh environment of Once Human.

Understanding the Importance of Farming in Once Human

Farming plays a pivotal role in the Once Human ecosystem. As you venture through the world, you will encounter various challenges, from scarcity of food to the constant need for medical supplies. Growing your own food not only provides a steady source of nourishment but also allows you to craft essential items for survival. Your farm will serve as the backbone of your operations, feeding you and supplying you with materials for crafting and trading.

Benefits of Farming:

• Sustained Food Supply: Ensure a continuous source of nutrition without relying on external sources.
• Crafting Materials: Certain crops and items can be used in crafting useful tools and medicine.
• Resource Generation: Farms provide passive resources that help you manage your time efficiently in the game.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Farm

The first step in setting up a successful farm is selecting the ideal location. In Once Human, the environment plays a significant role in the types of crops you can grow and the resources you can gather. When choosing a site, keep the following factors in mind:

1. Proximity to Water:

Water is one of the most critical resources for farming. Ensure that your farm is near a reliable water source, such as a river or lake, to support irrigation. This will allow your crops to grow faster and more efficiently.

2. Soil Quality:

Soil fertility is essential for the growth of healthy crops. Look for areas with fertile, nutrient-rich soil, as these will give you a better yield and ensure your crops are strong and resilient.

3. Safety and Accessibility:

While it’s tempting to set up your farm in an isolated spot, ensure it is easily accessible from your main base of operations. You’ll need to regularly tend to your crops, water them, and protect them from any threats, including wild animals or hostile players.

Preparing the Land for Farming

Once you’ve identified the perfect spot for your farm, it’s time to prepare the land. Farming in Once Human requires both manual labor and some in-game tools to get your farm ready for planting.

1. Clearing the Area:

The first step in preparing the land is clearing the area of debris, rocks, and overgrown vegetation. This will give you a clean and usable space for planting. You may need tools like an axe or a shovel to remove obstacles.

2. Tilling the Soil:

After clearing the area, it’s time to till the soil. Tilling breaks up the earth, improving its texture and aeration, which helps the roots of your plants to grow better. You can use a hoe or other specialized farming tools to till the soil. This process is essential for preparing the ground for planting.

3. Adding Fertilizer:

To maximize your crop yield, consider adding fertilizer to the soil. In Once Human, you can gather compost or other organic materials to enrich the soil. Fertilizer boosts soil fertility and helps your crops grow faster, ensuring you get the most out of your farming efforts.

Choosing Crops to Grow

In Once Human, there are a variety of crops to choose from, each with its own unique benefits and growth conditions. Deciding which crops to grow will depend on your needs and available resources.

1. Basic Crops:

Start with simple crops like wheat, corn, and potatoes. These are relatively easy to grow, require minimal attention, and provide a steady food source. Wheat can be used to make bread, while potatoes are versatile and can be eaten directly or used in crafting recipes.

2. Medicinal Plants:

In addition to food crops, you should also plant medicinal herbs. These plants are essential for crafting health potions, bandages, and other medicinal supplies. Aloe Vera, Ginseng, and Echinacea are examples of plants you can grow for health-related benefits.

3. High-Value Crops:

As you progress, you may want to plant higher-value crops like berries, vegetables, and fruits. These items not only provide a nutrition boost but can also be used in trading, allowing you to barter for other essential resources in the game.

Setting Up Irrigation Systems

Efficient irrigation systems are critical for ensuring your crops receive the proper amount of water in Once Human. As your farm expands, you may need to set up automated irrigation to save time and resources. Here’s how to do it:

1. Manual Watering:

In the early stages of farming, you can manually water your crops using a bucket or watering can. Simply fill the can at your water source and water your crops regularly.

2. Automated Irrigation:

Once you have access to more advanced technology, you can set up an irrigation system that automatically waters your crops. This system will require pipes, pumps, and water reservoirs, which you can craft or trade for. Automated systems will significantly reduce the time spent on manual labor, allowing you to focus on other tasks.

Protecting Your Farm

The post-apocalyptic world of Once Human is full of dangers, and your farm is no exception. Protecting your crops and resources from hostile threats is essential for long-term success. Here’s how to keep your farm safe:

1. Fencing and Barriers:

Build fences or other barriers around your farm to keep out wild animals and other players. These can be made from wood, metal, or stone, depending on the materials available to you. Fences not only protect your crops but also act as a deterrent to hostile creatures or raiders.

2. Guard Towers and Traps:

For added security, consider setting up guard towers or traps around your farm. These can help detect and eliminate threats before they reach your crops. Guard towers allow you to monitor the area and defend your farm from a distance.

3. Lighting:

Install lighting around your farm to deter hostile creatures that may only appear during the night. Bright lights can make it more difficult for enemies to sneak up on you, giving you a better chance to defend your crops.

Harvesting and Managing Your Crops

Once your crops are fully grown, it’s time to harvest them. Efficient harvesting and resource management will ensure you get the most out of your farming efforts.

1. Harvesting Crops:

Use the appropriate tools to harvest your crops. Sickles and scythes are ideal for cutting down plants like wheat and corn, while you can dig up root crops like potatoes with a shovel. Make sure to harvest your crops before they over-ripen, as this can reduce their quality and nutritional value.

2. Storage:

After harvesting, you need to store your crops properly to prevent spoilage. Use storage containers like barrels, crates, and refrigerators to keep your food and resources safe. Ensure that perishable items are kept in cool, dry places to extend their shelf life.

3. Crop Rotation:

To keep the soil healthy and ensure continuous growth, practice crop rotation. Planting different types of crops in the same soil year after year can deplete nutrients, but rotating crops will allow the soil to regenerate and remain fertile.

Conclusion

Setting up a successful Once Human farm is a rewarding and strategic endeavor that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and resource management. By choosing the right location, preparing your land, selecting the best crops, and implementing effective irrigation and protection strategies, you can create a sustainable farming system that will support your survival and progression in the game. With patience and dedication, your farm can become a vital source of food, materials, and even a means to trade with other survivors.

By mastering the farming mechanics of Once Human, you will not only ensure your own survival but also thrive in the challenging world that lies ahead. Happy farming!