The long-awaited PS5 release date for Once Human has finally been revealed, and it’s not far away. Once Human is a free-to-play, open-world co-op survival game that has been available on PC and mobile for some time and is now preparing to launch on PS5. Its gameplay loop is often compared to games like Enshrouded, but it takes place in a fantasy setting filled with zombie-like abnormal creatures.
Once Human originally launched on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store in 2024. It later arrived on Android and iOS in 2025. On Steam, Once Human regularly averages between 15,000 and 20,000 concurrent players and holds a Very Positive recent review score. Now that it’s coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, its servers are expected to see another boost in player activity.
Once Human Reveals PS5 Release Date and Brand-New First-Person Mode
Developer Starry Studio has confirmed that Once Human will launch on PS5 on August 25, 2026. Alongside the global release, the game will receive an all-new first-person mode that players can toggle on or off at any time. Previously, Once Human only supported a third-person perspective, so the new mode will significantly change how the game feels, even for veteran players. While Once Human is a free-to-play game, PS5 users can already pre-order the optional $9.99 Starter Pack or the $14.99 Radiance Pack, both of which include cosmetic items, in-game currency, or season passes.
Scratch & Peek
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as
possible.
Once Human Gameplay Features
- 4-player co-op mode (up to 8 as a Hive)
- 30-player Warbands, which are similar to guilds in MMO games
- PvP-dedicated game modes
- PvE-centric servers and events
- Cross-play and cross-progression support
- Base-building mechanics
- Server-exclusive “Scenarios” that offer alternate experiences
- Weapon crafting
- Build-crafting options
- Boss fights (available in solo and co-op modes)
- First-person view (coming on August 25, 2026)
The first-person mode isn’t the only new addition arriving with Once Human‘s PS5 release. According to developer Starry Studio, “The console version delivers high-definition graphics with a choice between Quality Mode (4K/60FPS) and Performance Mode (120FPS) for immersive, big-screen gaming.” Once Human has also been optimized to make the most of the PS5’s DualSense controller features. As the developer explains, “The game also features a bespoke controller experience, offering distinct low-frequency rumbles for giant monsters, precise trigger resistance during boss battles, and elastic tactile feedback for loot drops.”
Among free-to-play survival games, Once Human is often regarded as one of the best when it comes to base-building freedom and the steady stream of new content. Its PvP elements may not be its strongest feature at the moment, but PS5 players looking for a co-op PvE experience with a touch of horror and zombie-like enemies should find plenty to enjoy.
Another open-world co-op game PS5 players should keep an eye on is Voidtrain, which is set to launch on the console on July 30, 2026. Voidtrain isn’t the only open-world co-op game coming to PS5 either. The Planet Crafter and Enshrouded, which is sometimes compared to Once Human, are both scheduled to arrive on Sony’s console in the near future.
- Released
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July 9, 2024
- ESRB
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t
- Developer(s)
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Starry Studio
- Publisher(s)
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Starry Studio, NetEase, Inc.
