Once Human launches today on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, bringing the free-to-play strange worlds survival game to consoles with platform-specific perks and the promise of its largest content update arriving in October.
NetEase Games and Starry Studio announced the console release on August 26 2026. The game has already accumulated over 300 hours of gameplay content on PC and mobile. Console players get the full experience from day one including cross-play and cross-progression support that lets existing PC and mobile players continue their progress on PlayStation or Xbox.
Quick Facts
- Game: Once Human
- Genre: Free-to-play strange worlds survival
- Developer: Starry Studio
- Publisher: NetEase Games
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mobile
- Release date: August 26 2026
- Cross-play: Yes, full cross-platform support
- Cross-progression: Yes, shared progress across all platforms
- Next major update: Ocean Expansion ISLES OF ABYSS, October 2026
Xbox Game Pass Perks
Xbox Game Pass subscribers receive exclusive launch bonuses. The package includes an Exclusive Avatar, a META PASS Benefit Card that grants 300 star sources and 30 days of benefits plus access to 14 or more cosmetics, a Discount Voucher Bundle, and Battle Pass XP Cards. According to the announcement, new outfits will receive monthly updates.
PlayStation 5 DualSense Integration
PlayStation 5 players get customized DualSense wireless controller features. Haptic feedback distinguishes terrain types underfoot so wet concrete feels different from desert sand. Adaptive triggers add physical resistance when drawing a bow string. These tactile details aim to deepen immersion in the anomaly-infected world. For more on how DualSense enhances PlayStation 5 titles, see our coverage of Dungeon of Dragon Knight Remake Launches on PS5 on August 10.
First Person Perspective and Cross Platform Play
A new first person perspective option lets players switch between third person and first person views. Full cross-play and cross-progression support means friends can play together regardless of platform. PC and mobile players can move their existing characters to console without losing progress.
Ocean Expansion ISLES OF ABYSS Announced for October
The biggest content update to date arrives in October across all platforms. ISLES OF ABYSS expands the survival experience across islands, the ocean surface, and the deep sea. The ocean functions as a living entity populated by gazing towers, ghost ships, and mechanical behemoths. Players must build an Exclusive Sea Fortress starting from a simple wooden raft and upgrading it into a mobile maritime sanctuary. The expansion promises fresh survival challenges with dangerous sea monsters and island exploration. For another recent survival launch, see Sunken Realms Launches September 18 on Steam.
About NetEase Games
NetEase Games, the online games division of NetEase Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES, HKEX: 9999), develops and publishes video game IP across genres and platforms. Their portfolio includes Marvel Rivals, Knives Out, and Naraka: Bladepoint. The company maintains partnerships with Warner Bros and Mojang AB, a Microsoft subsidiary. More information is available at the official NetEase Games website. NetEase also confirmed a January 2027 launch for urban RPG Ananta as detailed in NetEase Confirms Jan 2027 Launch for Urban RPG Ananta.
FAQ
When does Once Human release on consoles?
The game launched on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on August 26 2026.
Does Once Human support cross-play between PC and console?
Yes, full cross-play and cross-progression are supported across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and mobile.
What Xbox Game Pass perks are included?
Subscribers get an Exclusive Avatar, META PASS Benefit Card with 300 star sources and 30 days of benefits plus 14+ cosmetics, a Discount Voucher Bundle, and Battle Pass XP Cards. New outfits update monthly.
What DualSense features does the PlayStation 5 version have?
Haptic feedback simulates different terrain types and adaptive triggers provide resistance when drawing a bow.
When does the Ocean Expansion ISLES OF ABYSS release?
The expansion is scheduled for October 2026 on all platforms.
Where can I download Once Human?
The game is available at the official Once Human download page.
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