Once Human Meta Bounty system, explained

Meta Bounties are a new addition to Once Human. While most content updates introduced in this game are celebrated, this one didn’t sit quite right with the community. Meta Bounties are basically achievements that can only be obtained using actual money.

This article shares everything you need to know about the Once Human Meta Bounty system and helps you decide if you should invest in it or not.

Disclaimer: Parts of this article are subjective and reflect the writer's opinions.

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What are Meta Bounties in Once Human?

Buying 320 coins to unlock this bounty will set you back by almost $5 (image via Starry Studio)

Meta Bounties are essentially in-game achievements or trophies that you can unlock. However, while the traditional achievement system on platforms like PlayStation or Xbox is free and integrated into the gameplay, Meta Bounties in Once Human comes with a price tag. To unlock these bounties, players must use in-game currency, which can only be purchased through microtransactions.

While some bounties are relatively cheap (e.g., one coin), others cost significantly more and can go up to $5. The tasks required to unlock these bounties range from completing scenarios like "Silo Sigma" and "Leah's Lab Research" to clearing specific zones within a set time. Once you complete them, you will receive a shiny in-game trophy that you can display.

Personally, these trophies feel more like a testament to how much you are willing to pay for this game rather than proof of your skills. Achievements in games have always been designed to reward players for their time and skill, not as commodities for sale. Even if you are playing the game on Steam, you will get a set of achievements for free that you can complete and show off on your Steam account.

Low-cost trophies are often more difficult (Image via Starry Studio)

Most of the community has deemed this system an attempt to "milk" players for additional money. The development effort required to create these bounties is minimal compared to their cost, making the system feel exploitative. Furthermore, the pricing structure is uneven: easier-to-access bounties are sometimes more expensive than those requiring significant in-game effort.

So in a nutshell, if you have disposable money and want to get some extra trinkets in your Once Human base, you can go for the Meta Bounties. However, if you couldn’t care less about some digital trophies in your digital house that serve no purpose in the game, then ignore them.