Once Human

Once Human

Released Jul 2024

Once Human is a Strange Worlds Survival Game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world.

79% positive · 191K reviews
Not yet
Released, ongoing live service game
High confidence
Live Service
Not yet
Released, ongoing live service game
High confidence
Live Service

Where to get it

Free on Steam

Evaluation

Once Human launched on July 9, 2024 as a free-to-play multiplayer survival game and has been running as a live service ever since. The developer, Starry Studio, maintains an extremely active update cadence, with major content updates shipping roughly every 2–4 weeks throughout 2026. The evidence from the current data confirms ongoing and expanding live service operations. The game just celebrated its Second Anniversary on July 9, 2026 with a major update (Version 3.0.1) introducing new gameplay modes, new weapons, First Person Mode, and a large-scale anniversary event. Version 3.0.2 followed on July 22, 2026, and Version 3.0.3 launched on August 5, 2026 — with a follow-up bug fix patch as recently as August 17, 2026 (the day before today's assessment date). The developer has also explicitly announced plans for content coming in September 2026, including more dyeable fashion sets and additional First Person Mode scene adaptations (zipline, ladders, deviation skills, etc.), confirming that new content is already in the pipeline. Most significantly, the August 5, 2026 update announcement confirmed that Once Human's console version officially launched on August 25, 2026 — a major platform expansion — with full cross-platform play between PC, mobile, and console. The game also operates a continuous Battle Pass system (currently Season 13), rotating Lightforge Loot Crates with limited-time cosmetics, numbered Visional Wheel seasons (currently S4: Gravity Abyss), and seasonal scenario servers. All of this is consistent with a game designed to receive new content indefinitely, with no indication whatsoever that any phase of content or service is concluding.
Evidence
Developer blog announced a dyeing system overhaul coming in the August 24 update, and stated that 'in the September update, we will gradually release more dyeable sets' — confirming content planned beyond the current update.
news post · Aug 13, 2026 source content planned
high
Update references an active Battle Pass (ending after August 24 maintenance, with a new one beginning), confirming the ongoing seasonal monetized content cycle that is the hallmark of a live service game.
news post · Aug 5, 2026 source development ongoing
high

Content

2 of 2 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Starry Studio
Achievements
36
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Unsupported
Players
Multiplayer · Co-op · PvP

About this game

Survive in the wilderness

You wake up in the middle of nowhere. You'll have to brace yourself for the cruelty of nature (from monsters to lack of food); however, Stardust's influence does not restrict to living things, it also affects the soil and water. Eating polluted food and drinking dirty water will reduce your Sanity. When your Sanity drops, your max HP would drop accordingly. To eat or not to eat, it's a question.

Fight against monsters

Battle numerous enemies that are once human, and challenge bosses from another dimension to gain powerful items and ease Stardust pollution. You are not only fighting for yourself, but also fighting for the survivors.

Customize weapons

With about 100 gun blueprints divided into seven categories for you to collect and craft, every loot grants you something new. Did I mention accessories and gun perks? Right, they are the heroes here. If our current weapon cannot satisfy your need, you can add different parts and perks, upgrade your firearm to your heart's content.

Build territory

Use Territory Core to build a house of your own. You can keep a practical style, jamming everything needed in a small room; or you can design a townhouse with a patio, kitchen, garage… The best part is, you can relocate your territory any time you want!

Find out the truth

Delve into the truth of Stardust, find out where it came from, and what it wants. In the journey of seeking truth, you may feel alone, but you are never alone. There are several factions in the world, some can be violent and hostile, others might be friendly and helpful. Explore human settlements to learn their stories or exterminate bosses without leaving a name for survivors to praise, the choices are yours.

Last evaluated Aug 18, 2026
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