Xbox opens limited global open beta for Once Human

Microsoft and the game’s developer will make an open beta for Once Human available worldwide from June 17 at 7pm PT through July 8 at 11:59pm PT. Access is free but limited, and players must claim slots through the Xbox Insider Hub on Xbox Series X and Series S.

Pre-download access will appear inside the Xbox Insider Hub shortly before the beta begins. Microsoft has said the pre-download process should be visible from about 5pm PT / 8pm ET on June 17. Participants must join the Once Human preview in the “Previews” section of the app and then download the build from the Microsoft Store if space remains. Capacity is capped and the download channel may close once the user limit is reached.

The developer described the beta as including multiple scenarios and seasonal options so players can test different approaches and difficulty levels. “During this Open Beta, you’ll have access to multiple scenarios and seasons to fit your playstyle. Whether you want to learn the ropes or dive straight into hardcore challenges, the choice is yours,” the studio wrote in its announcement.

As an in-beta reward, players who reach level 20 with any character will receive a Cosmetic Selection Crate and a Weapon Skin Selection Crate that can be carried into the official launch. The developer also noted that progress from the beta will not transfer to the final release beyond those specific reward crates, and that sharing content from the beta is prohibited.

Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a post-apocalyptic future where players cooperate to fight enemies, gather resources and build territory. The title first released on PC via Steam in 2024 and holds a “Mostly Positive” rating based on more than 80,000 user reviews. A full free-to-play console release for Xbox and PlayStation 5 is scheduled for later in 2026.

Earlier tests used closed betas and community-linked sign-up forms. For this open beta, registration and access are handled directly through the Xbox Insider Hub and are subject to a global capacity limit rather than regional allocations.