Once you load up Once Human and create your first character, you'll be faced with an important decision — you can choose between either a PvE server or a PvP server. There are some key differences between the two which should impact your decision, especially if you're playing alone or if you plan to jump into the game with a pre-existing guild.
We'll cover the main differences between the two modes and outline why you should pick one or the other depending on what sort of gameplay you're looking for in Once Human.
PvE Servers
PvE servers are going to be your more relaxed option, and what we'd recommend for a new solo player first jumping into the game.
You won't have to worry about people raiding your base, which means no need for base defense beyond the regular PvE enemies, and you won't have to worry about being a solo player up against guilds.
PvP is available on these servers but only if both players involved have turned on PvP. This should create some interesting gameplay potential on PvE servers. Some events will force you to be flagged for PvP on PvE servers, but it's completely optional.
The main gameplay focus of PvE servers will be the Warband Boss Fights, which are large-scale PvE events against a world boss that progresses the entire server through its different phases.
PvP Servers
PvP servers are all about Warband vs Warband (or guild vs guild) combat. This takes different forms as the season progresses.
Echo Stones
Periodically throughout the season, Echo Stones will appear on the map, which are flagged for PvP — these are sort of like an airdrop in a game like PUBG.
Echo Stones are only available in PvP. Why does this matter? Because if you return to base and purify an Echo Stone, you'll get a Starchrom reward — this is the primary currency used to purchase cosmetics in Once Human. These rewards are not available in PvE servers.
During the purification of the Echo Stone, your entire base will become a PvP zone, which means other players can attempt to disrupt the purification, destroy your base, and take the stone.
Full Scale PvP
Later on during the season, full scale guild v guild combat can take place. These are full-on battles with dozens of players on each side fighting over territory control and important late-game resources.
Neither Echo Stone PvP nor Full Scale PvP are available on PvE servers.
Overall, we recommend a PvP server for a more experienced solo player or for those who are jumping into the game with a group of friends or pre-existing guild.
Seasonal Wipes
Both PvE and PvP servers have the same seasonal wipe timeline — six weeks, then all progress is wiped, basically resetting the game world back to its first phase.
You do get to keep your character's skills, some blueprints, and other useful items, but it's pretty much back to square one.
As a solo player, this might be frustrating, as the grind needs to begin again. Generally, these sorts of seasonal wipe models are preferential towards groups of players who can quickly grind up the required resources.
