Once Human Launches on Xbox Game Pass
The free-to-play survival shooter Once Human is now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Game Pass, featuring cross-play and a new first-person
Once Human, a free-to-play survival shooter, is now available on Xbox Series X|S. The game launched on Xbox Game Pass on September 7, 2026, with full cross-play, cross-progression, and Xbox Play Anywhere support.
According to the developer's announcement on Xbox Wire, the game is committed to a fair experience with no pay-to-win mechanics. Game Pass members receive exclusive launch benefits, including an avatar, a METAPASS benefit card, discount vouchers, and Battle Pass XP cards.
The New Weird World
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world transformed by a cosmic entity called Stardust. Players, known as Meta-Humans, battle creatures called Deviants and uncover conspiracies. The developers cite the 'New Weird' literary genre, including works by Jeff VanderMeer and China Miéville, as a core inspiration.
This philosophy aims to find the 'strange within the familiar.' Creatures like the Devourer, a biomechanical worm disguised as a subway train, and the Wanderer, a bus walking on giant arms, exemplify this. Environments are also affected by dynamic events like the Blood Moon, which mutates the world and let monsters.
Survival and Creature-Catching
Survival mechanics extend beyond traditional crafting. Players can tame anomalous beings called Deviations to aid in combat and exploration. Some provide levitation for rough terrain, while others help defend a player's territory.
Optimized for Xbox Consoles
The game has been re-engineered for Xbox Series X|S, featuring controller optimization and 4K resolution. A highly requested first-person perspective (FPP) mode has been added for consoles. Players can toggle between first- and third-person views at any time.
Upcoming Ocean Expansion
The developers confirmed a major content update is coming in October 2026. Titled the Ocean Expansion, it will add a new survival experience across islands, the ocean surface, and the deep sea. Players will encounter ghost ships and mechanical behemoths and can build a customizable Sea Fortress, starting from a wooden raft. The game currently offers over 300 hours of content.
Monthly updates will provide Game Pass members with free outfits. The team invites players to claim their benefits and enter the wasteland.
