Starry Studio, a subsidiary of NetEase, has confirmed that the open-world survival game Once Human will launch on PlayStation 5 on August 25, 2026. Following successful releases on PC and mobile platforms, the title will bring its post-apocalyptic, multiplayer survival mechanics to Sony’s console as a free-to-play title.
The Expansion of Once Human to PlayStation 5
The move to PlayStation 5 marks a significant milestone for the live-service title. Since its debut on Steam in 2024, Once Human gained immediate traction, recording over 230,000 concurrent players at launch. Following that PC success, developers expanded the game to iOS and Android mobile devices. The upcoming console release aims to capture the broader survival-game market, though Starry Studio has not yet announced a version for Xbox platforms.
Once Human features a massive, shared multiplayer map spanning approximately 250 square kilometers, incorporating diverse biomes ranging from volcanic terrain to dense forests.
Survival Mechanics in a Post-Apocalyptic Setting
The core gameplay loop centers on survival, looter-shooter elements, and base-building. Players assume the role of “Meta-Humans,” individuals capable of wielding special powers to combat threats created by a mysterious alien substance. This substance has mutated the natural world, transforming humans, animals, and the environment into dangerous entities.
The game’s design emphasizes environmental diversity. By traversing different biomes, players encounter distinct resource challenges that necessitate strategic base-building. Because the game functions as a persistent multiplayer world, the social aspect of surviving against the alien-induced corruption remains a central pillar of the experience.
Trends in Live-Service Survival Games
Focus on mastering the base-building mechanics early. In a 250-square-kilometer world, having a well-fortified and strategically located base is essential for managing loot and surviving against high-level environmental threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does Once Human release on PS5? The game is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 on August 25, 2026.
- Is Once Human free to play? Yes, the game is free to download and play across all supported platforms.
- Will there be an Xbox version? As of now, Starry Studio has not announced plans for an Xbox release.
- What kind of game is Once Human? It is an open-world, post-apocalyptic survival game that combines looter-shooter mechanics with base-building and multiplayer elements.
Are you planning to jump into the world of Once Human on PS5? Share your thoughts on the game’s mechanics in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on upcoming console releases.
