Memetics are a kind of technology tree, where each separate node unlocks new game opportunities or crafting and building formulas. Memetics are divided into 4 groups: Infrastructure, Crafting, Logistics, Building. Every group of Memetic Nodes is additionally divided into stages. The number of stages depends on the server scenario: for example, for the “Manibus” scenario, there are 5 stages available.
Initially, stages were linked to weeks of real time: 1 week was equal to 1 new stage unlock. But over time, the developers changed this system, and now you can unlock Memetic Nodes much faster.
How to Get Memetic Points (Cipher)
In order to unlock Memetic Nodes, you need Cipher (initially, this resource was called “Meme Points,” but was later renamed) and a certain number of Energy Links. There is a separate guide on how to easily earn Energy Links in Once Human. As for Cipher, you can obtain it in several ways.
Leveling Up
Every time you level up, you get a small amount of Cipher. Increasing the level of your character is the easiest way to get Cipher. A separate guide on how to level up fast is already published on the website. But how do you get Memetic Points after level 50? There are 2 ways.
Completing Scenario Goals
Press “Esc” and go to the Scenario (e.g., Manibus) → Scenario Challenge tab. Here you can see the list of Scenario Phases and the list of Scenario Goals, which are divided into 4 categories: Territory, Exploration, Secure, Challenges.
Every Scenario Phase has 3 groups of rewards and 1 final reward. To get these rewards, you must earn Mitsuko’s Marks by completing any Scenario Goals of the selected phase. Upon reaching a certain number of Mitsuko’s Marks earned, you unlock the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd groups of rewards (usually containing Cipher, Asterism Crates, Specialization Cleansers, Avatar Frames). Once all the groups are unlocked, you will get a final reward (usually a Specialization Cleanser, Scenario Mark, or Avatar Frame).
Completing Scenario Goals is the main way of obtaining Cipher in Once Human, so you should start doing this from your first days on a server.
Securing Deviants First Time
When you secure any Deviation (e.g., Extradimensional Cat or Electric Eel) for the first time, you get a small amount of Cipher. This is why you need to secure every deviant at least once.
You can check the list of all the Deviations available for the current scenario by pressing “Esc” and going to the Scenario (e.g., Manibus) → Scenario Description → Scenario Features tab. For example, in the Manibus scenario, over 40 deviants are available, and you can earn Memetic Points for first securing each of them.
How to Reset Memetics
You can reset any single Memetic Node or an entire branch at any time. For this, just select a node and press “Reset Memetic,” but keep in mind that all the associated Memetic Nodes will be reset too.
When you reset Memetics, you get back all Cipher (Memetic Points), but only 30% of the Energy Links you spent. For example, if unlocking a node costs 7 Cipher and 3000 Energy Links, then after resetting this node, you will get back 7 Cipher and 1000 Energy Links.
Cipher (Memetic Points) Saving Trick
This trick has been well-known since the first days after Once Human was released. The thing is, even if you reset a Memetic Node, all built or crafted items based on its formula stay with you.
For example, you can unlock the Large Water Filter, build it on your territory, and then reset the Memetic Node. As a result, you will get back 10 Cipher and still have the Large Water Filter on your territory.
What Memetics to Focus On
There is no exact system for unlocking Memetic Nodes, but you can follow this principle: survival → production → building. This means that first you strive to unlock Memetics that help you survive (e.g., ammo / weapon / vehicle crafting, cooking food, purifying water). After that, you can focus on production Memetics (e.g., crop farms, acid / fuel production). Your last priority should be building and decor.
Memetic Specializations
Memetic Specializations are perks that unlock unique game opportunities. Every player can have up to 10 Memetic Specializations. They unlock gradually every 5 levels (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50). When you reach the required level, you get 4 random Memetic Specializations of different categories to choose from and can select only one of them.
How It Works
There are more than 100 Memetic Specializations available in the game, and some of them are linked to specific Scenarios. Globally, they are divided into 3 groups by levels:
- Group 1: Levels 5, 10, 15
- Group 2: Levels 20, 25, 30, 35
- Group 3: Levels 40, 45, 50
Each Memetic Specialization is linked to one of these groups and can only appear in the corresponding slots. For example, the “Harvesting Sickle” perk can only appear in slots for levels 5, 10, or 15 (the first 3 slots from the top).
Specialization Memory Fragments
Specialization Memory Fragments can be used to replace unlocked Memetic Specializations with new ones (up to 3 times per season). You can obtain these fragments as a reward for completing Monoliths and Securement Silos, as well as buy them from other players via Vending Machines.
How to Reset Memetic Specializations
To reset Memetic Specializations, you need Specialization Cleansers, and you can get a limited number of these items during the season. They can be received as a reward for completing Season Goals. For example, you can earn up to 8 Specialization Cleansers by playing the Manibus scenario.
