As a dedicated player of Once Human since its launch in 2025, I've spent countless hours navigating the post-apocalyptic world, gathering resources to survive and thrive. In this survival game, managing my inventory has always been a challenge—Deviations, in particular, used to pile up without much use, cluttering my storage crates and slowing down my progress. But with a recent update, the game has evolved, allowing players like me to finally trade or sell these items. This change has revolutionized how I handle resources, freeing up space and boosting my gameplay. Deviations aren't just clutter anymore; they're valuable assets that can be exchanged for essential gear, mods, or currency, making them a key part of strategy in the latest scenarios. In this guide, I'll share my firsthand experience on how to master this feature, from setting up the Vending Machine to smart selling at the Eternaland Island Shop.

Unlocking and Using the Vending Machine for Trading

One of the most exciting additions in Once Human is the Vending Machine, a device I unlocked early in my gameplay by obtaining the Memento under the Construction category. After building it in my base, I discovered a dedicated tab for trading Deviations, which opened up a world of possibilities. Unlike other items, Deviations can be traded for almost anything: another Deviation, mods, ammo, weapons, or even Energy Links. The flexibility here is amazing—I could offer a common Combat Deviation and ask for rare ammo, or swap it for a Territory Deviation to boost my base defenses. The maximum Energy Links you can receive for a single Deviation is capped at 99,999, but in my experience, trades usually net around 1,000–5,000 links, depending on the item's rarity. For beginners, I recommend starting small: build the Vending Machine as soon as you unlock it, and experiment with trades to find what suits your playstyle best.

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Setting up the Vending Machine was a game-changer for managing my resources efficiently.

Here's a quick checklist I use for successful trading:

  • 🔧 Unlock the Memento: Found in the Construction tab—aim to get this early in your scenario.

  • 🛠️ Build it: Place it in a secure spot in your base; it's easy to access and interact with.

  • 💰 Trade options: You can request items like weapons, mods, or Energy Links—no restrictions!

  • ⚠️ Tips from my playthrough: Always check trade offers daily; I've snagged rare mods by listing Deviations overnight.

Selling Deviations at Eternaland Island Shop

When trading isn't cutting it, or if I need quick currency, I head straight to the Eternaland Island Shop. This vendor is exclusive to Eternaland Island, a hub I visit frequently for other supplies. Here, I can sell my Deviations directly for Astral Sand, a versatile currency that I then use to buy upgrades, new weapons, or crafting materials. The process is straightforward: approach the shop, select the Deviations I want to offload, and receive a fixed amount of Astral Sand per item. From my numerous visits in 2025, higher-tier Deviations like duplicate Combat ones fetch around 400–500 Astral Sand each, which adds up fast if you're clearing out your inventory. For instance, after a tough battle, I sold five Combat Deviations and got enough Sand to buy a new rifle mod. It's a lifesaver when I'm low on resources but need to gear up for the next challenge.

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The Eternaland Island Shop offers a reliable way to convert unwanted Deviations into useful Astral Sand.

Strategic Advice: What to Save vs. Sell

Not all Deviations are created equal, and over my playthroughs, I've learned that strategy is key to maximizing their value. Based on the latest meta, I categorize Deviations into three types and recommend different approaches:

Type of Deviation Primary Use My Recommended Action Why?
Crafting 🛠️ Boosts progression in new scenarios Save Essential for early-game crafting; selling them can slow down your start.
Territory 🏠 Enhances base building and defenses Save Critical for establishing a stronghold; I regret selling mine early on!
Combat ⚔️ Used in late-game battles Sell or trade By mid-game, you'll have better variants, so offload duplicates for profit.

In my experience, Combat Deviations are the best to sell or trade, especially if you have multiple copies. For example, after accumulating several from raids, I traded them for Energy Links or sold them at Eternaland for Astral Sand. This freed up space and funded upgrades. However, I always hold onto Crafting and Territory Deviations—they're invaluable when starting fresh scenarios, giving me an edge in resource gathering. A pro tip: if you're building your base in a high-level zone, you might need more Combat Deviations, so assess your location before selling. Overall, this approach has saved me hours of grinding and made my inventory management a breeze.

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Trading Deviations offers flexibility, but strategic selling ensures long-term success.

People Also Ask: Frequently Asked Questions

To wrap up, here are some common questions I've encountered from fellow players, answered based on my 2025 gameplay:

  • Q: How do I unlock the Vending Machine?

A: You need to obtain the Memento in the Construction category. Once unlocked, build it in your base to start trading Deviations immediately.

  • Q: What is the best use for Astral Sand?

A: Use it at the Eternaland Island Shop to buy weapons, mods, or crafting materials—it's perfect for quick upgrades without grinding.

  • Q: Can I trade Deviations for real money or external items?

A: No, all trading is in-game only for items like Energy Links or gear; focus on internal exchanges to enhance your progression.

  • Q: When should I sell vs. trade Deviations?

A: Sell for Astral Sand if you need currency fast; trade if you're seeking specific items. For Combat Deviations, I prefer selling, as trades can be unpredictable.

  • Q: Are there any risks to selling high-tier Deviations?

A: Yes, if you sell Crafting or Territory ones, you might regret it in new scenarios—always save them unless you have duplicates.

This guide has been a game-changer for me, turning Deviations from forgotten items into strategic tools. Happy surviving! 😊