How to play the Once Human beta: platforms, registration, and more

Become a Meta-Human.

Once Human key art

The powers of the Stardust are spreading across the world as the Once Human beta begins. We’re here to show you how to play this post-apocalyptic survival game, including details about platforms, duration, and PvP elements.

Recommended Videos

How do you get the beta for Once Human?

Install the Pre-Download Beta Launcher on your PC to sign up for the Once Human beta. It showcases a file size of 38.49 GB, taking you over to the NetEase Games’ Loading Bay platform upon download. You may also need an activation code if you have not yet created a character. However, due to player count limitations, sign-ups for the beta will be closed once the downloads have reached over 150K.

If you’re a mobile user, you must first sign up for the Once Human beta and take a recruitment survey. This version is much more exclusive, as players here will only be randomly selected. Mobile also features server limitations that are open to the United States, France, and Germany. Those who are selected will receive an email for access.

Once Human PC Beta testing begins on April 5, 2024, at 7 p.m. PT/ 9 p.m. CT/ 10 p.m. ET. Then, mobile testing commences on April 11 at 7 p.m. PT/ 9 p.m. CT/ 10 p.m. ET. Anyone who participates in the beta will receive the following rewards:

  • 3,000 Link
  • 50 Acid
  • 15 Stardust Source
  • 10 Adrenaline Shot
  • 5 Stardust Canned Fruit
  • 5 Sanity Gummies
  • Skin: Mayfly Cap

If you’re a returning player from previous betas, the test will automatically be provided through existing log-ins.

What platforms is Once Human beta on?

Currently, Once Human beta is available on PC and mobile. Mobile includes both iOS and Android, but testing for this platform will be on a much smaller scale due to its early integration.

Once Human battle
Image via Starry Studio

The team behind Once Human indicated that they are considering consoles in the near future based on the beta testing’s performance and player feedback. More information on this front, including platforms like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, will be revealed later.

How long is Once Human in beta?

According to a previous announcement, the Once Human beta is expected to last 42 days and will likely end around May 16, 2024. Nonetheless, this could change since the beta dates have moved around prior to this announcement. It’s still highly plausible, though, given that this was the same timeframe as the previous beta.

Does Once Human have PvP?

Once Human features both PvP and PvE gameplay. You’ll be able to compete against other Meta-Humans in modes like Stronghold Contest. Stronghold Contents demands players to defend and attack the Beacon Area, where the winner controls the base.

Once Human characters
Image via Starry Studio

But if you’d rather play with a team, you can take advantage of Once Human’s online co-op and take down aliens together. Solo play is also available for those who thrive as a lone wolf.

About The Author
Avatar photo
Kristina Ebanez
Staff Writer - Kristina has been a video game lover ever since she saw Solid Snake get under that cardboard box in Metal Gear Solid. She continues to show off her love for gaming and has been writing about it for more than two years. Aside from the Metal Gear Solid series, she enjoys playing The Sims, Call of Duty, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Horizon Forbidden West, Minecraft, and many more.
More Stories by Kristina Ebanez