When is the Once Human console release date for PS5 and Xbox?

Following more than a year of intense anticipation since its initial port announcement, the acclaimed open-world survival game Once Human will officially launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on August 25, 2026. Developed by Starry Studio, an internal development team owned by global gaming giant NetEase, the post-apocalyptic multiplayer hit is expanding its reach to television screens worldwide. The new versions preserve the free-to-play framework that turned the game into a massive success on other platforms, introducing full cross-platform multiplayer and progression systems directly at launch.

Key Information Directory

• Game Title: Once Human
• Lead Developer: Starry Studio
• Parent Publisher: NetEase Games
• Console Release Date: August 25, 2026
• Target Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC, iOS, Android
• Primary Genre: Open-World Multiplayer Survival Looter-Shooter
• Official Corporate Presence: @OnceHuman_ on X
• Official Development Space: Starry Studio Recruitment Portal

What is included in the Once Human console Starter Pack pre-order?

While the base game requires zero financial investment to download and enjoy, players looking for an early developmental advantage can secure an optional paid add-on bundle. The Starter Pack is currently available for pre-order at a price of 11.99 euros, serving as a cosmetic and utility accelerator rather than a mandatory requirement for progression.

The paid package includes a variety of immediate digital resources and aesthetic enhancements:

• The Meta Pass: Grants immediate possession of 300 Crystgin alongside 30 days of exclusive active user benefits.
• Platform-Exclusive Themes: An individualized user profile identification card and a matching visual background theme tied strictly to your chosen console ecosystem.
• Cradle Cosmetic Asset: The exclusive Black Gold Butterfly skin tailored specifically for the player unique Cradle equipment.
• Wish Machine Customization: The vibrant Lively Blue skin to alter the appearance of the base crafting station.
• Weapon Blueprint Customization: Three distinct, stylized firearm skins pulled directly from the popular Midnight Rave collection.

What are the core gameplay mechanics and world size of Once Human?

At its core, Starry Studio project is a massive multiplayer survival experience dropped into a bleak, science-fiction landscape. The narrative backdrop centers on a global cataclysm triggered by an invasive extraterrestrial substance known as Stardust, which has thoroughly contaminated the planet ecosystem, mutating plants, wildlife, and the atmosphere. Players step into the shoes of Meta-Humans, a unique class of genetically altered survivors who possess the rare biological capability to harness and manipulate this alien radiation rather than succumbing to its destructive properties.

Survival takes place across a continuous, seamless 256 square kilometer map that forces players to navigate radical environmental shifts. Explorers will travel through sub-zero frozen tundras, cross active volcanic ranges, survive treacherous river networks, push through dense swamps, and manage resources across dry deserts and oases. The fundamental loop combines traditional base building, strict hydration and nutrition management, structural fortification, and deep resource extraction.

Who are the Deviants and Deviation Pals?

Cooperation stands as the definitive pillar of the endgame loop, as survivors must band together to neutralize Deviants. These horrific entities are former human beings, local fauna, and even inanimate everyday objects that have been twisted into aggressive monstrosities due to prolonged Stardust exposure.

To tip the scales back in humanity favor, the game incorporates a unique companion system known as Deviation Pals. These bizarre, supernatural allies feature highly unusual visual designs and specific operational utilities, including:

• The Combat Alpaca: A heavily armed, battle-ready wooly companion capable of drawing enemy attention and providing fire support during stronghold raids.
• The Culinary Dragon: A small, airborne blue dragon that assists players within their domestic bases by managing cooking stations and processing meals.
• Territorial Gatherers: Various auxiliary companions that automate the collection of wood, minerals, and basic materials to keep your base supplied.

These companions require proactive maintenance, meaning that players must tend to their specific environmental needs and comfort levels within the base to ensure they remain efficient workers and loyal combat protectors.

Which platforms currently support cross-play for Once Human?

The upcoming console launch expands an already established multi-platform ecosystem. The launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S directly coincides with the game debut on the Microsoft Store for PC, creating a unified ecosystem across major console and desktop networks.

The game historical release timeline spans multiple years of development:

• July 2024: Original launch windows opened on PC via the Steam Store and the Epic Games Store, pulling in massive concurrent player numbers.
• April 2025: Mobile optimization variants successfully launched on global iOS and Android marketplaces.
• August 2026: Modern home consoles receive native ports featuring dedicated controller mapping, DualSense haptic feedback support, and high-performance visual modes targeting up to 120 frames per second.