Attention, console Metas! If you’ve been watching PC players explore the wonderfully bizarre, Stardust-infected post-apocalypse from the sidelines, your patience is about to pay off.
NetEase Games and Starry Studio have officially dropped the news we’ve all been waiting for: their hit open-world supernatural survival game, Once Human, is officially launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on August 25, 2026!
Best of all? The developers aren’t just giving us a simple port—they’re dropping console players straight into the action with major day-one features. Here is what you need to know about the upcoming console launch.
True Freedom: Cross-Play & Cross-Progression at Launch
There is nothing worse than wanting to jump to a new platform but fearing the loss of hundreds of hours of grinding. Thankfully, Starry Studio has eliminated that headache.
Right from the official August 25 launch, Once Human will feature full cross-play and cross-progression support. Whether you’re moving from PC to the comfort of your couch or trying to team up with friends across different platforms, your progress, Deviants, and base blueprints will seamlessly carry over.
See the Apocalypse Through New Eyes: First-Person Mode
If the eerie world of Nalcott wasn’t immersive enough in third-person, prepare to get up close and personal. The console launch will coincide with a brand-new First-Person Perspective (FPP) feature.
Whether you’re clearing out terrifying anomalies in a tight corridor, aiming down the sights during intense boss fights, or just soaking in the gorgeous, mutated landscapes, switching to FPP promises to completely change how you experience the game’s survival mechanics and combat.
Optimised for Current-Gen Power
Starry Studio isn’t skimping on performance either. Console players will have the option to choose how they want to experience the apocalypse:
- Quality Mode: Stargaze in stunning 4K visuals at a smooth 60 FPS.
- Performance Mode: Prioritise ultra-fluid gameplay by targeting up to 120 FPS on compatible displays.
Furthermore, PlayStation 5 players can look forward to custom DualSense integration, featuring bespoke haptic feedback that delivers distinct rumbles for massive monsters and precise trigger resistance during high-stakes gunfights.
Get Ready for August 25
Once Human will remain completely free-to-play when it hits consoles, though eager fans can already head to the PlayStation and Xbox storefronts to pre-order optional cosmetic starter packs to kick off their journey in style.
Mark your calendars, call your squad, and get ready to turn the unknown into your ultimate power this August. The supernatural apocalypse is coming to the big screen!
Will you be playing Once Human in first-person or third-person when it hits consoles? Let us know in the comments below!
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