Always Has Been: The Definitive Guide To The Astronaut Gun Meme

The internet has a unique way of turning the absurd into the iconic, and few images capture this phenomenon better than two astronauts in deep space, one pointing a handgun at the back of the other. Known globally as the meme astronaut gun or the "Always Has Been" meme, this viral format has dominated social media platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and TikTok for years. It perfectly encapsulates the feeling of uncovering a shocking conspiracy, only to realize that the truth was hidden in plain sight all along—and that those in power will go to great lengths to keep it secret.

Understanding the mechanics of viral internet culture requires looking closely at how simple templates evolve into massive cultural touchstones. The astronaut gun meme is not just a passing joke; it is a masterclass in visual storytelling, dark humor, and relatable existential dread. Whether you are a digital marketer looking to leverage internet trends, a pop-culture enthusiast, or a meme creator wanting to refine your craft, understanding the anatomy and history of this format is essential.

The Origin and Evolution of the "Always Has Been" Meme

The roots of the astronaut gun meme date back to 2018 on the anonymous imageboard 4chan, where a basic MS Paint-style drawing was posted depicting two astronauts looking at Earth from space. In this early prototype, the astronaut in the foreground asks, "Wait, it's all Ohio?" while the astronaut behind him points a pistol at his head, replying, "Always has been." This bizarre, hyper-localized joke tapped into a growing trend of "Ohio vs. the World" humor, portraying the Midwestern state as an inescapable, omnipresent empire dominating the globe.

[Astronaut 1: Looking at Earth] -> "Wait, it's all [X]?" ^ | [Astronaut 2: Holding Gun] -> "Always has been."

By late 2019 and early 2020, the template underwent a massive visual upgrade. Digital artists created a high-definition 3D render of the scene using software like Blender, giving the characters realistic spacesuits, detailed helmet reflections, and a crisp depiction of Earth in the background. This cinematic polish propelled the meme into the mainstream. It transitioned from a niche geographic joke into a universal template for exposing illusions across politics, corporate monopolies, gaming lore, and personal relationships.

During the global lockdowns of 2020, the meme experienced its peak viral expansion. With millions of people spending more time online, the template became the ultimate vehicle for expressing feelings of betrayal and sudden realization. The simplicity of the two-panel dynamic allowed anyone with basic image-editing software to insert their own text, making it one of the most accessible and versatile templates of the decade.

Analyzing the Visual Semiotics of the Template

What makes this meme so uniquely effective is its stark, dramatic composition. The contrast between the peaceful, silent vacuum of space and the sudden, violent threat of a firearm creates an immediate psychological impact. Spacesuits represent exploration, scientific advancement, and unity, which makes the introduction of a weapon—specifically a Colt M1911 pistol—highly jarring and darkly comedic.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------+ | | | [ Astronaut 1 ] ======> ( Looking at Earth / Truth ) | | ^ | | | (Gun pointed at back of head) | | | | | [ Astronaut 2 ] ======> "Always has been." | | | +-----------------------------------------------------------------+

The helmet visor of the front-facing astronaut acts as a mirror for the viewer. Because we cannot see his face, we project our own shock and vulnerability onto him. He is the stand-in for the average citizen, consumer, or gamer who has just stumbled upon a profound secret. Meanwhile, the second astronaut represents the gatekeeper of reality—an agent of the status quo tasked with silencing anyone who discovers the truth.

The dialogue is incredibly minimalist, which prevents the joke from feeling cluttered. The question "Wait, it's all [X]?" sets up the premise with childlike bewilderment. The response, "Always has been," delivered with cold, emotionless finality, seals the fate of the protagonist. This economy of language is why the meme translates so easily across different global cultures and languages without losing its comedic punch.

Popular Variations and Creative Use Cases

While the original joke focused on Ohio conquering the world, the format quickly expanded to cover a vast array of topics. Today, it is used to critique everything from financial systems to video game mechanics and corporate consolidation. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most popular variations of the meme astronaut gun template.

These variations show that the meme can adapt to highly technical fields just as easily as it does to absurd, surrealist humor. By swapping out the Earth for a specific logo, map, or piece of code, creators can instantly speak to a niche audience while retaining the broad comedic appeal of the original template.

Pros and Cons of Using the Meme in Digital Marketing

For brand managers, social media marketers, and content creators, leveraging viral memes can dramatically boost organic reach and audience engagement. However, using a format that features a firearm requires careful consideration, as it carries both significant opportunities and notable risks.

The Advantages (Pros)

• Instant Relatability: Memes bypass traditional advertising skepticism by speaking to audiences in their native digital language, making your brand feel human and approachable.
• High Virality Potential: Algorithms on platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter), and Reddit favor content that generates high shares and saves. A clever iteration of this meme can trigger rapid organic sharing.
• Cost-Effective Design: You do not need a massive production budget to join the conversation. A simple overlay of your industry's "hidden truth" onto the template can yield better engagement than a highly produced graphic.
• Perfect for Explaining Complex Concepts: If your product solves a problem that customers did not realize they had, this format is an incredibly efficient way to visually illustrate that "aha!" moment.

The Disadvantages (Cons)

• Violence and Safety Filters: Because the template features a handgun pointed at someone's head, some automated advertising networks and brand safety filters may flag or shadowban the content.
• Rapid Saturation: Memes have a shelf life. If your brand posts a variation of a trend that has already peaked, you risk looking out of touch or late to the party.
• Potential for Backfire: If the "hidden truth" your brand presents feels too forced, sales-pitchy, or disingenuous, the community may mock the attempt, leading to negative brand sentiment.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create Your Own Astronaut Gun Meme

If you want to create a high-quality version of this meme tailored to your specific community or business, follow this straightforward creation process to ensure maximum visual impact and comedic timing.

Step 1: Identify Your "Hidden Truth"

The core of the meme relies on a revelation. Think of a common misconception in your industry, hobby, or community that people laugh about. The reveal should be something that is technically true but widely ignored or surprising to newcomers.

Step 2: Source High-Resolution Templates

Avoid using heavily compressed, blurry screenshots. Search for "Always Has Been template PNG" or "high-definition astronaut gun meme green screen." Having a clean canvas ensures your final product looks professional and polished on high-density mobile screens.

Step 3: Customize the Elements

Using a graphic design tool like Canva, Photoshop, or Photopea, overlay your custom image onto the Earth globe.

1. Place your target image directly over the circular Earth shape.
2. Apply a slight spherical distortion effect if you want it to look like it is curving around the globe naturally.
3. Edit the dialogue boxes using a clean, sans-serif font (like Arial, Impact, or Montserrat) to keep the text highly readable.

Step 4: Export and Publish

Save your image in PNG format for static posts, or export it as a MP4 video with dramatic space music (like space ambient noises or dramatic violin swells) for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. Time the visual reveal of the gun with the audio drop for maximum dramatic effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official name of the astronaut gun meme?

While widely searched as the "meme astronaut gun," the official name of the meme template is "Always Has Been" or "Wait, It's All Ohio?"

Who created the original astronaut gun drawing?

The original MS Paint drawing was created by an anonymous user on 4chan in late 2018. The high-definition 3D render that popularized the meme globally was created later by digital artists using 3D modeling software in 2020.

Why is Ohio featured in the original meme?

The inclusion of Ohio stems from a long-running surreal internet joke where Ohio is portrayed as an aggressive, unstoppable force quietly taking over the United States and the rest of the world. It plays on the state's reputation as a seemingly quiet, unremarkable place hiding a vast, conspiratorial power.

Can I use this meme for corporate b2b marketing?

Yes, but with caution. It is highly effective for self-deprecating humor or highlighting industry quirks. However, due to the presence of the firearm, it should be avoided in highly regulated industries like healthcare, finance, or law, where strict brand safety guidelines are enforced.

What software is best for making this meme?

For quick edits on your phone, mobile apps like Mematic or Kapwing work perfectly. For professional creators who want to swap out the 3D backgrounds or animate the characters, Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, or Blender are the industry standards.

Elevate Your Digital Content Strategy

Navigating the fast-moving currents of internet culture requires a delicate balance of speed, creativity, and brand alignment. Incorporating viral trends like the astronaut gun meme can elevate your social media presence, break through the algorithmic noise, and foster a highly engaged community of loyal followers.

If you are ready to take your digital marketing and content creation to the next level, start experimenting with culturally relevant formats today. Create content that resonates, sparks conversations, and keeps your audience coming back for more.