Once Human PS5 Release Date Set for Free-to-Play Co-Op Survival
The wait for Once Human on PlayStation 5 is over, with a new release date now locked in. This free-to-play open-world co-op survival game has already been live on PC and mobile for a while, and it’s set to make the jump to PS5 soon. If you’ve seen comparisons to survival crafting titles like Enshrouded, you’re in the right neighborhood—Once Human just swaps that fantasy vibe for a world crowded by zombie-like abnormal creatures.
Once Human first launched on PC in 2024 through Steam and the Epic Games Store. In 2025, it expanded to Android and iOS. On Steam, the game has been sitting around roughly 15,000 to 20,000 concurrent players on average, and it carries a “Very Positive” rating for recent reviews. With PS5 and Xbox Series X/S releases on the horizon, it’s reasonable to expect another uptick in server activity as more players jump in.
A new co-op survival experience with large-scale open areas and deep base-building is headed to PlayStation 5.
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 console debut, the game will add a brand-new first-person option that players can switch on or off at any time. Until now, the game has only offered a third-person camera, so this change should affect everything from combat readability to how you scan the world while exploring.
Even though Once Human is free-to-play, PS5 players can already pre-order optional packs. The Starter Pack costs $9.99, while the Radiance Pack is $14.99; both bundle cosmetics, in-game currency, and season pass content.
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Once Human Gameplay Features
- 4-player co-op mode (up to 8 as a Hive)
- 30-player Warbands, similar to guilds in MMO games
- PvP-dedicated game modes
- PvE-focused servers and events
- Cross-play and cross-progression support
- Base-building mechanics
- Server-only “Scenarios” that provide alternate experiences
- Weapon crafting
- Build-crafting options
- Boss fights (available in solo and co-op modes)
- First-person view (arriving on August 25, 2026)
The first-person mode isn’t the only update tied to Once Human coming to PS5. Starry Studio says the console version includes high-definition visuals, with a choice between a Quality Mode targeting 4K at 60 frames per second and a Performance Mode aiming for 120 frames per second. That means players can prioritize either image fidelity or smoother motion depending on their setup.
The PS5 release also leans into DualSense features. As the developer describes it, the game includes a tailored controller experience with distinct low-frequency rumbles for large monsters, more precise trigger resistance during boss fights, and flexible tactile feedback when loot drops.
- Image via Starry Studio
- Image via Starry Studio
- Image via Starry Studio
- Once Human Flamethrower firing Image via Starry Studio
Among free-to-play survival games, Once Human is frequently singled out for how much freedom it gives players in base-building, plus its steady cadence of new content. Right now, its PvP side may not be the main selling point, but PS5 players looking for a co-op PvE experience with a horror-leaning atmosphere and zombie-like threats should have plenty to dig into.
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Another open-world co-op title PS5 players may want to watch is Voidtrain, which is scheduled to hit the console on July 30, 2026. Voidtrain isn’t the only open-world co-op game headed to PS5 either: The Planet Crafter and Enshrouded—often compared to Once Human—are also planned for release on Sony’s platform in the near future.
