In the desolate, Stardust-polluted world of Once Human, meta-humans awaken to a society shattered by monstrous Deviants. As survivors cling to existence in settlements like Blackfell, players uncover a volatile power struggle following the ousting of Mayor Ted Holt. This turmoil sets the stage for the He Was Here questline—a narrative-driven mission testing both combat prowess and investigative skills across Red Sands' treacherous landscapes. For adventurers navigating this post-apocalyptic saga in 2025, understanding each phase proves crucial against evolving Deviant threats and factional betrayals.

🗺️ How To Begin Your Investigation

The journey commences in Blackfell, nestled in northern Red Sands above Iron River. Upon arrival, intervene in Josh and Chris’s heated argument near the entrance. Proceed inward to locate "Old Bones" Dennis in a crimson-hued structure. Select "Speak to Dennis Mobley" when prompted—he’ll direct you to deliver a message to Trent Palmieri, Blackfell’s current mayor. Trent’s office sits atop stairs left of the settlement’s eatery, marked by converted blue buildings. After discussing tensions with Trent, Pauline interrupts, suggesting ties to ex-mayor Ted Holt. Find her downstairs in the restaurant to receive three vital map markers.

🔍 Uncovering Clues at Marked Locations

Pauline’s coordinates lead to three high-risk zones:

  1. Blackfell Oil Fields (East): Beside a colossal warehouse, trigger a memory sequence by approaching the marker. Listen fully to unlock the next destination.

  2. Blackfell Fallen Zone: Enter the Central Hospital—a red-brick building on the town’s northern edge—to activate another revealing memory.

  3. 73 Source Extraction Point (West): A Rosetta facility guarded by three soldiers. After the memory concludes, infiltrate the complex:

  4. Traverse the leftward slope

  5. Enter the right-side structure

  6. Descend stairs into a Deviant-patrolled basement

  7. Eliminate hostiles and ride the elevator to B5

🏃 Surviving the B5 Deviant Pursuit

Transformed into Ted, you’ll hunt for Dennis while evading unkillable frozen Deviants. Key evasion tactics:

  • Sprint through hallways toward quest markers

  • Dissolve black mass barriers with gunfire

  • Grab the Rosetta V1 Access Card from a corner desk

  • Constantly monitor rear for closing Deviants

  • Stand on the red-marked zone to end the chase

🧁 Pro Tip: Stealth Over Speed

Struggling with pursuers? Consume a Transformation Cookie (crafted from Gingerbread House Deviant-dropped Cracker Crumbs) to morph into an ordinary object. Deviants ignore disguised players, trivializing the sequence. This 2025 strategy remains meta for avoiding unnecessary combat.

⚔️ Confronting the Final Threat

Post-investigation, activate Red Sands’ Rift Anchors to breach the Forsaken Monolith. Here, battle the colossal Forsaken Giant—a multi-phase boss demanding precise dodges and weak-point targeting.

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After victory, report findings to Mitsuko before returning to Blackfell. Rewards include:

  • 1 Controller (upgrade material)

  • 20 Stellar Planula (currency)

❓ People Also Ask

  • What happens if Pauline’s locations aren’t investigated sequentially?

  • Are Transformation Cookies usable outside this quest?

  • Can the Forsaken Giant be soloed without elite gear?

📌 FAQ Section

Q: Where exactly is Blackfell?

A: Northern Red Sands, directly above Iron River. Coordinates appear after main-story progression.

Q: How do I craft Transformation Cookies?

A: Gather Cracker Crumbs from Gingerbread House Deviants (found in forests), then use any cooking station.

Q: What’s the Forsaken Giant’s primary weakness?

A: Aim for glowing joints during its stomp attacks for critical damage.

Q: Can I replay the quest for extra rewards?

A: No, but similar faction missions unlock post-completion.

Q: Do choices with Trent/Dennis alter outcomes?

A: Dialogue only affects immediate NPC reactions, not quest progression or endings.