Starry Studio announced today that Isles of Abyss, the massive Ocean Expansion for Once Human, will officially launch globally on October 22 (Oct 21 PT), 2026. Available as a free update, the expansion will arrive simultaneously across PC, mobile, and consoles (PS5 and XBOX Series X/S), with full cross-play and cross-progression.
Marking the largest content update in Once Human’s history since its 2024 launch, Isles of Abyss expands the game’s Stardust polluted world into a vast, uncanny ocean – introducing entirely new survival mechanics, mobile naval fortresses, and 5 distinctive sea regions.
Once Human Ocean Expansion Release Date Trailer:
“The Sunken Lord” & Six Rules of Survival
At the heart of Isles of Abyss lies a disturbing secret: the sea is not merely an environment, but an ancient, awakening entity known as “The Sunken Lord.” Beneath the shrouded waters and distant lighthouses, something vast and hostile watches every surge of the tide – transforming the ocean itself into a living entity that hungers for those who dare to cross it.
As revealed in the recently released Release Date Reveal Trailer, Malla, an enigmatic navigator who has “drowned a thousand times,” warns players of six critical rules from her logbook..These rules expose the ocean’s lethal traps – from predatory lighthouses to disguised, living islands – —outlining the unique hazards players must overcome to survive.
Conquer the Ocean: Custom Warships & Land-Sea Dual Survival
Isles of Abyss expands Once Human’s gameplay into vast, uncharted waters through a brand-new experience:
Unprecedented Freedom of Shipbuilding: Players can craft, customize, and upgrade their vessels from agile skiffs to massive Mobile Sea Fortresses. Transform your ship into a fully functional base, workshop, and heavy artillery platform. How players design their vessels directly dictates their tactical approach to oceanic hazards, encouraging creative problem-solving and adding immense gameplay depth.
Land-Sea Dual Survival Loop: Survival spans three seamlessly connected layers- navigating treacherous sea surfaces, exploring mysterious islands, and diving deep underwater for buried treasures and aquatic resources. Each layer feeds directly back into core player progression, creating a rich, mutually sustaining survival economy between land and ocean. Navigate five distinct oceanic regions where the sea itself acts as a massive, hostile entity watching your every move.
Full Cross-Play & Game Pass Availability
Isles of Abyss will be available as a free update for all players on October 22 (Oct 21 PT), featuring seamless cross-play and cross-progression across PC, Mobile, and Console platforms.
XBOX Game Pass subscribers can also continue enjoying Once Human with immediate access to the expansion upon release.
