Steam → NetEase / Loading Bay — Once Human Port Guide
STEP 01 of 5

Steam → NetEase / Loading Bay

This guide allows you to keep your existing Steam character progress while switching to launch Once Human through either the NetEase Launcher or the Loading Bay Launcher. Both methods follow the same process.

What this guide covers
  • Installing Once Human via the NetEase or Loading Bay launcher
  • Keeping your Steam installation as the up-to-date source
  • Copying game files between installations to preserve progress
  • The correct launch order to ensure Steam account recognition
NetEase Launcher

Official launcher provided by NetEase. Recommended if you want the most stable non-Steam experience with publisher support.

Loading Bay Launcher

Alternative third-party launcher. Works with the exact same file-swap method described in this guide.

⚠️ Your Steam account session must be active at launch time for progress to be recognized. Do not skip Step 05.
STEP 02 of 5

Install via NetEase or Loading Bay

Download and install Once Human using your chosen launcher. This creates the target installation folder you'll later replace with Steam files.

Installation steps
  1. Download and install the NetEase Launcher or Loading Bay Launcher.
  2. Sign in with your account inside the launcher.
  3. Install Once Human through the launcher interface.
  4. Complete the initial download — do not launch the game yet.
  5. Take note of the installation directory. You'll need this path in Step 04.
💿
Recommended Install on your SSD — Using an SSD for the launcher version significantly improves loading times and reduces in-game hitches. If space allows, always prefer an SSD over HDD for this installation.
📁
Tip You can install on a different drive from your Steam version. The file copy in Step 04 will work cross-drive.
STEP 03 of 5

Update Your Steam Version

Before copying any files, your Steam installation must be fully up to date. Copying outdated files to the launcher folder can result in version mismatches or failed logins.

How to update via Steam
  1. Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
  2. Find Once Human in your game list.
  3. Right-click → Properties → Updates and confirm auto-updates are enabled.
  4. Wait for any pending update to finish downloading and applying.
  5. Verify game files: Right-click → Properties → Local Files → Verify integrity of game files…
🗂️
Keep Steam on HDD Your Steam installation can remain on your HDD — it only serves as the source for the file copy. Performance from Steam directly doesn't matter here.
🔄 Every time Once Human updates in the future, repeat this step and re-copy the Steam files into the launcher folder to stay synchronized.
STEP 04 of 5

Copy Game Files

With both installations ready, copy all Steam game files into the launcher's installation folder. This replaces the launcher's files with the current Steam build.

File copy procedure
  1. Open your Steam Once Human installation folder.
    Default path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\OnceHuman
  2. Select all files and folders (Ctrl+A) and copy them (Ctrl+C).
  3. Navigate to the NetEase / Loading Bay installation folder.
  4. Paste the files (Ctrl+V) and choose Replace all when prompted.
If the SSD doesn't have enough space
  • Delete or move the existing launcher installation files to another drive first.
  • Then paste the Steam files into the now-empty launcher folder.
  • Alternatively, uninstall the launcher version, re-install to a drive with enough space, then copy.
⏱️
Copy time The copy can take several minutes depending on drive speed and game size (~30–50 GB). Use robocopy in a terminal for faster cross-drive transfers if needed.
STEP 05 of 5

Correct Launch Order

The launch sequence is critical. The game uses the Steam session to authenticate your account and retrieve your character progress. Always follow this order:

1
Open Steam Make sure you are logged into your Steam account. You don't need to launch Once Human from Steam — just ensure the Steam client is running and your session is active.
2
Open NetEase / Loading Bay Launcher Launch your chosen launcher. Log in if required.
3
Launch Once Human from the Launcher Click Play inside the NetEase or Loading Bay launcher. The game will start and detect your active Steam session, loading your character progress correctly.
🔑 If Steam is not running when you launch through the external launcher, the game may create a new guest session and your progress may appear missing. Always start Steam first.
Keeping files in sync (future updates)

Whenever Once Human receives a game update, Steam will download it automatically. After Steam finishes updating, repeat Step 03 → Step 04: verify Steam files, then re-copy them to the launcher folder. The launcher itself may also download a small patch — let it complete before copying.

🎮
You're all set!

Your Steam progress is now accessible from the NetEase or Loading Bay launcher. Remember: always launch Steam first, and re-copy files after any game update to stay in sync.