Once Human, the no-cost supernatural survival game, is launching on console with an exclusive closed beta for Xbox Series X|S, beginning later this month. Developer Starry Studio has revealed limited spots are available for players to become among the first to experience the game on console and support its continued development. The closed beta will run from 26 March through 8 April, with downloads beginning on 24 March. Players can sign up through the Xbox Insider Hub, though availability is restricted to Xbox Insiders in North America and Europe. Those who reach character level 20 during the beta test will receive special rewards, including the Closed Beta Pack featuring the Abyssal Dragon Set, which will be credited to their account upon the game’s complete console release.
Beta Access and Schedule
Prospective applicants can secure their spot in the closed beta through the Xbox Insider Hub, which streamlines the registration process. Xbox Series X|S owners need only launch the Xbox Insider Hub application, navigate to the Previews section, locate the Once Human Closed Beta, and select Join to finish signing up. Once accepted, players will be taken to the Microsoft Store to download the beta when it is released. It’s worth noting that spots are restricted and acceptance is not assured for all applicants, so registering early is recommended for those keen to participate in this exclusive testing phase.
The closed beta operates on a strict timeline designed to optimise testing efficiency. Pre-downloads commence on 24 March at 7:00 PM (PT), allowing players to prepare their consoles beforehand. The servers go live on 26 March at 7:00 PM (PT), marking the official start of the test phase, and continue running until 8 April at 11:59 PM (PT). This two-week window provides developers sufficient time to gather comprehensive feedback and pinpoint technical problems. Players should note that this is a time-limited test with a complete data reset, meaning any progress achieved during the beta will not transfer to the finished product, though exclusive cosmetic items will remain on linked accounts.
- Pre-download beginning 24 March, 7:00 PM (PT)
- Servers operational 26 March through 8 April (PT)
- Registration through Xbox Insider Hub exclusively
- Limited availability in North America and Europe
Steps for Registering and Participate
Xbox Insider Programme Sign-Up Procedure
Registering for the Once Human closed beta is a hassle-free process created to be accessible to all Xbox Series X|S players. Just start the Xbox Insider Hub application on your device—if you lack it on your system, it’s available at no cost from the Microsoft Store. Once the app is running, head to the Previews tab, where you’ll discover the Once Human Closed Beta entry. Select the beta and select Join to finalise your sign-up. After submission, qualified players will obtain directions to obtain the beta straight from the Store once early downloads become available on 24 March.
It’s vital to recognise that whilst sign-up is accessible to all Xbox Insiders in North America and Europe, spots are limited and not assured for every candidate. The creators have implemented this restriction to uphold a controlled testing setup and guarantee high-quality feedback gathering. Considering the intense competition of beta programme access, players keen to take part should sign up as early as feasible through the Xbox Insider Hub. Those who gain a position will be notified and can then proceed with downloading the beta client ahead of the servers launching on 26 March.
- Launch Xbox Insider Hub on your Series X|S console
- Navigate to Previews section and locate Once Human
- Choose Join and submit the signup form
- Expect notification and get the download once available
Exclusive Rewards and Beta Incentives
Participating in the Once Human closed beta offers more than just early access to the otherworldly survival gameplay—it comes with tangible rewards that will remain well beyond the test concludes. Players who reach character level 20 during the testing phase will gain permanent access to the exclusive Closed Beta Pack for their connected profile. This exclusive appearance collection includes the striking Abyssal Dragon Set and the Dragon Dance – KAM emote, both of which serve as marks of distinction for early supporters. These rewards will be automatically credited to your account upon the game’s complete console release, ensuring your commitment to the playtest is properly acknowledged and rewarded.
The incentive framework showcases the creators’ pledge to acknowledging player involvement and input into creating the title’s evolution. Rather than providing limited-time cosmetic items that disappear after the beta testing ends, Starry Studio has guaranteed that your work goes to a enduring accumulation on your profile. This method fosters substantive involvement during the testing phase, as testers gain a defined target to aim for. The Abyssal Dragon cosmetic collection and bundled emote are high-value aesthetic content that would normally demand purchase, making this an remarkable chance for beta testers to secure exclusive items at zero expense whilst at the same time aiding polish the game before its official release.
| Milestone | Reward |
|---|---|
| Reach Character Level 20 | Closed Beta Pack (Abyssal Dragon Set and Dragon Dance – KAM emote) |
| Beta Participation | Permanent account credit upon full console launch |
| Account Linking | Rewards transferred to linked account for future use |
Account Advancement Rewards
Your advancement throughout the closed beta may not carry over to the final release because of the full wipe, but the rewards you earn will stay permanently linked to your linked account. This distinction is vital for understanding the beta structure—whilst character levels and inventory items are wiped, cosmetic rewards persist indefinitely. By linking your Xbox account to your Once Human profile, you create a link that ensures all obtained rewards are securely saved. This mechanism ensures that your investment of time throughout the beta phase converts into enduring rewards when the game officially launches on your console.
Critical Restrictions and Obligations
Participation in the Once Human Console Closed Beta involves several important restrictions designed to maintain the quality of the testing environment and safeguard the game’s development process. Streaming, recording, or sharing any beta content is expressly forbidden, guaranteeing that the developers can perform a focused and controlled test without early public exposure. This non-disclosure obligation applies to all testers, regardless of their location or device, and violating it could cause exclusion from the testing programme. The limitation exists to preserve the surprise and quality of the final release whilst permitting the development team to collect direct feedback straight from testers.
Beyond content restrictions, the beta is exclusively available on Xbox Series X|S and supports controller play only, meaning keyboard and mouse input is not supported during this testing period. Geographical limitations further narrow availability, with the closed beta restricted to Xbox Insiders in North American and European regions only. Additionally, spots are not guaranteed and limited for all applicants, so registration through the Xbox Insider Hub cannot guarantee acceptance into the program. Players should understand these constraints before committing time to registration, as availability differs based on testing capacity and regional requirements established by Starry Studio.
- Beta exclusive to Xbox Series X|S; gamepad input only supported
- Available restricted to North America and Europe territories for Xbox Insiders
- Streaming, recording, or sharing beta content strictly prohibited always
- Restricted places offered; registration does not guarantee beta access
- Full data reset occurs; cosmetic items alone transfer indefinitely
Giving Feedback and Public Participation
The development team at Starry Studio places significant weight on community input during the closed beta phase, recognising that community input is instrumental in refining the game before its full console launch. Participants are actively encouraged to identify issues, offer ideas, and highlight any technical issues they encounter whilst playing. This partnership model transforms the beta phase into a true collaboration between developers and players, where every observation contributes significantly to improving the overall experience. The studio has established dedicated channels and in-game tools specifically designed to streamline feedback collection, making it straightforward for testers to communicate their experiences directly to the studio team.
Beyond specific bug submissions, players are encouraged to participate with the wider Once Human community through official platforms including Discord and X (formerly Twitter). These platforms function as discussion hubs, permitting beta participants to connect with fellow testers, discuss their experiences, and stay informed about the newest updates and announcements. Community engagement enhances the value of the closed beta past individual testing sessions, building a shared sense of investment in the game’s development. For those in need of comprehensive support or extra help, the official Closed Beta FAQ contains detailed information tackling common questions about eligibility, technical requirements, account linking, and troubleshooting procedures.
Feedback Submission Options
- Use the in-game menu: [Feedback & Customer Support] > [Bug report] for technical issues
- Access [Feedback & Customer Support] > [Co-Dev Feedback Platform] for general suggestions
- Join the Discord community and check X/Twitter for broader discussion and announcements