I’m sure you’ve got plenty of video games lined up to try on your Xbox in the next few days, but amid all the hustle and bustle, you won’t want to miss this one open-world title—especially since it’ll only be available for a limited time starting June 17, and the spots are limited too.
Once Human, NetEase’s wildly popular survival experience, has been available on PC since 2024 and on mobile (Android and iOS) since 2025. A console release has been a long time coming, and it’s finally happening on Xbox (and PlayStation), albeit in open beta for now. The game has drawn in millions of players over the couple of years of its existence, so it’s safe to say that most would enjoy exploring the eerie multiplayer post-apocalyptic experience it hosts.
If this is the first time you’re hearing about Once Human, here’s what it’s all about: In a world devastated by an extraterrestrial substance called Stardust, you play as a “Meta-Human” who is not only immune to its effects but also possesses the power to defeat Deviants and survive in a hostile world. Since it’s a multiplayer experience, you can challenge other Meta-Humans or team up with them to complete missions, build bases, and explore a vast map filled with dangers and mysteries. If you love survival games with a strong focus on exploration, combat, and base-building, you won’t regret giving Once Human a try—at least once.
Once Human is a free-to-play game on PC and mobile and will remain so on consoles. That said, it’s currently in open beta and will only be playable between June 17 (7 pm PT) and July 18 (11:59 pm PT). This is the final beta for the game before it’s fully released. Also, this is a global beta, meaning it’s available across all locations, including North America, South America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan.
To download Once Human Open Beta on your Xbox console, you need to launch the Xbox Insider Hub app, then go to the “Previews” section and search for the game. Once you select Join, you can head to the store page to install it. Note that the slots for this beta are limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis, meaning if the servers reach capacity, the download channels may close. So, make sure you hit the Install button as soon as possible.
Players can also earn exclusive rewards for participating in the Once Human Open Beta on Xbox consoles. All they need to do is reach Level 20 with a character of their choice to receive an Outfit Selection Box and a Weapon Skin Selection Box. There are multiple options available, but players can choose only one reward from each box:
- Outfit Selection Box (choose 1): Abyssal Dragon Set, Noise Manifesto Set, or Wasteland Sheriff Set
- Weapon Skin Selection Box (choose 1): Dragon Dance – KAM, Reconstructed Matrix – AWS.33, or Gem Symphony – MG4
Note that the rewards earned here will be delivered to players after the game launches. This is a “wipe test,” so most progress will be deleted, except for earned Starchrom, cosmetics, and up to 6 collected Deviants.
While crossplay with PC or mobile isn’t supported during this test, Xbox players can still team up with those on PlayStation on the same servers.
- Founded
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November 15, 2001
- Owner
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Microsoft
- Known For
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Halo, Forza, Gears of War