Once Human Has Great News for Console Gamers

Once Human has finally announced its arrival on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, scheduled for 2026. Developers from Starry Studio promise full cross-platform compatibility and console-specific optimizations. Players can already wishlist the game and receive exclusive rewards.

Finally! Once Human Heading to Consoles in 2026 🎮

After a long wait, we finally have official confirmation - Once Human from Starry Studio (owned by NetEase) will arrive on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S during 2026. This popular online survival game is currently only available on PC and mobile devices, but that's about to change.

You might wonder: Why did it take so long? Developing console ports requires significant optimization and adaptation for the specific hardware capabilities of each platform. The developers want to ensure that the gaming experience on consoles is as high-quality as on PC.

In July 2024, Once Human first arrived on PC and firmly established its place on the platform. At launch, it gained over 230,000 concurrent players on Steam alone, making it one of the prominent online titles from NetEase alongside games like Marvel Rivals, Naraka: Bladepoint, and FragPunk.

What Did the Global Annual Showcase 2025 Announce? 📺

During the 2025 Global Annual Showcase stream on July 2nd, the Once Human team revealed their plan to release PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of the free-to-play game in 2026. The developers shared that development of these ports was "nearing completion" and that previews and platform-specific optimizations would be unveiled "soon".

Key information from the announcement:

• Release on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2026
• Development "nearly complete"
• Platform-specific optimizations on the way
• Exclusive early-bird rewards for pre-orders
• Cross-platform support across all versions

PlayStation and Xbox players can already wishlist the game to receive exclusive rewards at launch.

Cross-Platform Functionality and Compatibility 🔄

On the official website, it was confirmed that existing Once Human players on mobile and PC will be able to use the same account for playing on consoles. This means your progress, equipment, and achievements will be synchronized across all platforms.

However, there's one catch - the PlayStation and Xbox editions will likely need some time before they "catch up with the progress" of other editions. After this transitional period, all ports are expected to maintain consistency in this regard.

💡 Pro tip: If you're already playing Once Human on PC or mobile, prepare your account and progress to be ready for a smooth transition to consoles.

Success on Mobile Platforms as Foundation 📱

With Once Human set to arrive on consoles next year, NetEase will soon cater to another new demographic of players consisting of console users, after already bringing mobile users into the mix in April.

The mobile versions boast impressive ratings:

• Android version: 4.6 out of 5 stars
• iOS version: 4.5 out of 5 stars

These successful releases provide confidence that developers working on Once Human's console versions will be able to repeat something similar when their time comes.

Current Game State and New Content 🔄

Currently, you can check out the Once Human Annual Version 2.0 update, which was released on the same day as the livestream aired. The latest content refresh includes a new Once Human class system, the Endless Dream PvE scenario, the Dreamland Wonder event, and more for players across PC and mobile platforms.

Current game achievements:

• Over 30,000 concurrent players daily on Steam
• Strong community base across platforms
• Regular content updates
• Growing esports scene

Once Human maintains a significant chunk of its players thanks to consistent updates and continually attracts new players to its multiplayer world.

Long-Term Plans and Expectations 🎯

The console launch in 2026 represents an important milestone for Once Human. NetEase clearly demonstrates its commitment to long-term support for the game and expanding its availability across all major platforms.

Expected benefits of the console port:

• Larger player base and community diversity
• Enhanced controls optimized for gamepads
• Console-specific features like haptic feedback on PS5
• More stable online infrastructure thanks to console networks

Developers will need to ensure that game balance remains preserved across all platforms, especially in competitive modes.

Expert Analysis and Industry Impact 🎯

Based on my experience with survival gaming, this move represents a strategic expansion that could significantly boost Once Human's market presence. The cross-platform approach aligns with current industry trends where successful games maximize their reach across all available platforms.

The 2026 timeline gives developers adequate time to properly optimize the experience for console hardware while maintaining feature parity with existing versions. This careful approach suggests Starry Studio is prioritizing quality over speed, which bodes well for the final product.

Industry implications include increased competition in the console survival space and potential influence on other NetEase titles considering similar expansions.

Technical Considerations and Optimization 🔧

Console optimization will likely focus on several key areas. The developers must adapt the UI for controller navigation, optimize performance for console hardware specifications, and potentially implement console-exclusive features like DualSense haptic feedback or Smart Delivery on Xbox.

The cross-platform infrastructure will need robust servers capable of handling seamless play between PC, mobile, and console users without compromising the competitive integrity of the game.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Once Human on consoles represents an exciting opportunity for the survival gaming community. Cross-platform compatibility combined with console optimizations promises a quality gaming experience for all types of players.

If you're a fan of survival games and own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S, definitely wishlist the game now. Exclusive rewards and the opportunity to be among the first to play on consoles are worth it.

Action items:

• Wishlist Once Human on your preferred console
• Follow official channels for development updates
• Prepare your NetEase account for cross-platform play
• Try the current version on PC or mobile

The console expansion marks a significant evolution for Once Human and could establish it as a major player in the cross-platform survival gaming market.

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FAQ

Q: Will the console version be free like the PC version?
A: Yes, Once Human will remain a free-to-play title across all platforms including consoles.

Q: Will console versions support crossplay with PC?
A: Yes, all platforms will support cross-platform play and progress sharing.

Q: When exactly in 2026 will the game release?
A: A specific date hasn't been announced yet, but an announcement is expected during 2025.

Q: Will there be any console-exclusive features?
A: Developers promise platform-specific optimizations, but core gameplay will remain the same.

Q: Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass?
A: Free-to-play games typically don't require subscriptions, but official confirmation is still pending.