Once Human Orchard Guide: Hidden Crates & Rare Loot

Let me tell you about one of the most infuriating – and rewarding – little corners of Dayton Wetlands: Sutherland Family Orchard. This place is massive, full of secrets, and if you’re anything like me in 2026, you’ve probably spent way too long sprinting in circles peeking under every hay bale. The Monolith here demands Rift Anchor activation, which is easy enough – the anchors shine like beacons begging for attention. But the crates? Oh, the crates are a whole different kind of challenge. They hide like shy Deviants, and after helping dozens of fellow Mayflies, I’m going to spill every trick so you can grab that Settlement Discovery completion without losing your sanity.

🚪 Underground Bunker: Mystical & Weapon Crates

The farm sits on top of a sprawling underground tunnel system – think creepy bunker vibes with dirt walls and flickering lights. The Mystical Crate and Weapon Crate you need for settlement progress are down there, cosplaying as forgotten relics. Now, there are three stairway entrances leading underground, but here’s the scoop: the closest one to the crates is right behind the Souvenir Shop. Yep, that little white building everyone ignores.

Head behind that white structure, go down the stairs, and shuffle along the hallway until you see another set of stairs diving deeper. That’s your golden ticket. Follow it down and the two loot boxes will be sitting there, practically grinning at you. I almost missed them the first time because I got distracted by some weird noise in the dark – don’t be me, just hug the left wall and you’ll be fine. This underground hideout honestly feels like the devs saying, “You want loot? Work for it.” 😤

🧒 Gear Crate: A Child’s Room Surprise

Now for the Gear Crate – this one’s a little less spelunking, a little more breaking-and-entering. It’s tucked inside the big white building on the east side of the farm. Climb the stairs to the second floor and poke your head into a child’s room. Right there on the floor, looking completely out of place among dusty toys, is the crate. It’s almost cute. Almost. I remember thinking, “Who leaves military-grade gear next to a teddy bear?” but in this world, I’ve stopped asking questions. The building is pretty obvious once you know it, but somehow I ran past it three times because I was too busy staring at the minimap. Classic.

👻 “The Lost Lady” Side Quest & Rare Loot

Sutherland Orchard isn’t just about boxes – it’s got some seriously atmospheric extras. Here’s where it gets good.

• The Lost Lady Quest: On the road south of the farm, you’ll find a ghostly woman just … standing there. Talk to her and she’ll kick off a side quest that weaves through the orchard. The story’s bittersweet, and honestly, it’s one of those little narrative gems that makes Once Human shine in 2026. No spoilers here – just bring tissues if you’re the emotional type.

• StarTrace Ore: On the west side of the farm, behind some grapevine fencing, there’s a rainbow-tinged ore deposit. This is StarTrace Ore, and it is picky. No beginner pickaxe will chip it – you need at least a Steel Pickaxe or better. I whacked it for a minute with my Copper Pickaxe like an idiot before the game politely informed me I was useless. 😅 So upgrade your tools beforehand if you want that sweet rare material.

• Purple Orb Mystery: There’s a floating purple orb that moves around the farm. Follow it, walk into it repeatedly, and eventually, the orb will poof into existence a Mystical Crate. Important! This is not the crate that completes your settlement discovery. It’s just a bonus loot surprise, probably the devs trolling perfectionists like me. I spent ten minutes chasing that thing and then felt both accomplished and cheated when I saw it didn’t tick the box. Still, free stuff is free stuff.

🥘 Extra Goodies: Recipe & Mini-Boss

While you’re here, don’t miss the folk recipe lying on a picnic table northeast of the Rift Anchor. That little paper scrap unlocks the recipe for Borscht Deluxe – a top-tier food buff I still use regularly. It’s just sitting there, unguarded, like the universe apologizing for making you chase a purple ball.

In the center of the farm, you’ll encounter a mini-boss Deviant. It’s similar to the ones you’ve fought in other settlements: big, angry, and covered in pink pustules. Destroy those pustules on its limbs to bring it down. This guy isn’t terribly tough if you remember to keep moving, but bring some healing items just in case he lands a lucky hit. After clearing him, you might snag some nice crafting components.

So there you have it – Sutherland Family Orchard, fully decoded. This spot has it all: underground scares, nostalgic kid’s room vibes, rainbow ore, and a ghost lady with a story. Next time you’re in Dayton Wetlands, you won’t have to wander aimlessly. Go make that orchard proud, Mayfly.