Once in a Lifetime Game Walkthrough & Full Gameplay Guide

Once in a Lifetime is a story-rich, adult-themed visual novel packed with mystery, supernatural twists, and branching paths. As a player, you assume the role of a young man living in the seemingly quiet town of Mistbury. But beneath its surface lies a dark cult, secret relics, and emotional entanglements that evolve based on the choices you make.

This complete walkthrough will guide you through every chapter, character route, and multiple endings. It is designed for both newcomers and returning players aiming for 100 percent completion. At the end of the article, we will provide a complete video walkthrough of the game.

Chapter One: Foundations and Early Choices

The story opens with interpersonal tension, setting the tone for your character’s role. You meet your family, including Lauren and Judie, as well as best friend Tom. Several key decisions determine affection points early on. Helping Lauren during school earns her affection, while teasing her reduces your relationship score. Participating in Judie’s trivia challenge can earn bonus points if you answer a majority of questions correctly. These interactions begin shaping the romantic paths and special scenes available later in the game.

The chapter also introduces your first hints of the supernatural. When dreams begin to bleed into reality, the game shifts in tone. Pay close attention to every small detail. It’s easy to miss early indicators of which character route is being set up. Be kind, curious, and cautious in your replies, especially when interacting with Lauren and Carla. These early points are not reversible, so it is strongly recommended to save your game before every major dialogue branch.

Chapter Two: Enter the Mystery

As the story unfolds, you’ll gain access to new areas and new information. In this phase, you’ll enter the mansion, complete your first escape-style sequence, and make progress toward understanding Astaroth’s cult. This chapter features a numeric puzzle where you must locate and input a code to unlock a computer. Investigating thoroughly and following Tom’s clues will lead you to the correct sequence. The chapter ends with a strong story beat that foreshadows the coming supernatural conflict.

In this phase, Lauren becomes increasingly entangled in the story. Supporting her emotionally unlocks an optional route, while ignoring her distances her from the main story. Meanwhile, Carla and Judie will present moral dilemmas. Whether you accept Carla’s help or remain skeptical alters your access to future scenes. In general, trusting characters rewards you with affection points, but it can also increase risk. Balance your decisions carefully.

Chapter Three: Puzzle Rooms and Hidden Paths

The middle portion of the game introduces more interactive mechanics. You’ll face light puzzles, choose your companions, and discover underground lairs. In one section, a mirror and gear puzzle guards a passageway. It must be solved by observing item reflection angles and remembering clues found earlier. Solving it not only grants passage but also offers a bonus scene with Judie. Be sure to collect all objects, as some hidden relics are required for future story progression and endings.

You will also gain the opportunity to deepen relationships. Lauren’s route requires gentle support and acceptance of her vulnerability. Carla’s route depends on trusting her despite early doubts. Judie’s path is more intellectual, involving puzzle-solving and acts of kindness. Asterion, the mysterious man in the woods, becomes a wildcard character with both romantic and dark narrative implications. Choose your companions wisely, as future events may lock certain choices based on who you’ve supported.

Chapter Four: Convergence and Conflict

At this point in the story, the cult becomes more central. You’ll be asked to choose whether to confront or evade supernatural threats. These choices start to branch the story significantly. Choosing to fight reveals more about the antagonist Astaroth and leads to more action-oriented scenes. Choosing to avoid confrontation strengthens romantic ties but may block you from reaching the “true ending.” Also, new side characters are introduced, some of whom can impact main story decisions.

A powerful scene occurs in a dreamlike memory sequence where you must select one of three paths. Each path reveals different truths about your character’s origin and offers new perspective on the town’s curse. Selecting the path of light usually leads to heroic endings, while the path of shadow may unlock a tragic or ambiguous outcome. Completing all three routes on separate saves is highly recommended for full narrative depth.

Chapter Five: Final Preparations

This chapter is about gathering all relics and deciding who you trust for the final battle. At least three relics must be in your possession by this stage. These can be found by solving earlier puzzles, supporting characters, and uncovering hidden rooms. Asterion’s fate is decided here. If he trusts you, he will support you in the final conflict. If not, he may side with the antagonist, significantly altering your ending.

Lauren and Judie may also confront each other depending on your choices. If both routes are highly developed, you may be forced to choose one path. Otherwise, one may distance themselves from you automatically. Your actions toward them in chapters one through four determine which endings are available. It is possible to maintain a balance, but it requires very specific decisions. Most players will naturally lock into one route based on their cumulative choices.

Chapter Six: The Endings

Once in a Lifetime offers at least three major endings and several variations depending on character status and relic collection. The good ending requires full relics, trust from Asterion, and high affection with one of the three main girls. The neutral ending appears if you’re missing some elements but still make mostly moral choices. The dark ending triggers if you betray allies or act selfishly throughout. Additionally, each girl has a personalized scene at the end if their route was completed.

The game encourages replayability by allowing you to explore alternate branches. A new game plus option is not provided, but multiple save slots make it easy to revisit turning points. For those seeking full completion, collecting all secret images and unlocking all character scenes is essential. These are often tied to specific responses, timed inputs, and side interactions. Be thorough in exploration and dialogue if you want to uncover everything the game has to offer.

Character Strategy and Route Tips

Judie values intelligence, support, and kindness. Choose to help her with studies, praise her achievements, and solve puzzles together. Lauren is more emotionally driven. She appreciates honesty and needs protection during stressful scenes. Carla’s route is driven by loyalty and belief in her story. Accepting her view of events unlocks deeper scenes. Asterion, while mysterious, follows a logic of trust. Show compassion and curiosity to gain his support.

Conclusion

Once in a Lifetime blends romance, suspense, and dark fantasy into a single branching narrative. The decisions you make affect not just the ending, but every moment of your journey through Mistbury. This walkthrough provides a strong foundation for players who want to experience every outcome and build strong relationships with the main characters. Whether you seek love, truth, or power, the path you choose is entirely up to you. Save wisely, follow your instincts, and enjoy one of the most compelling visual novels in the genre.

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