by Update []: We first posted about this in March, and the beta is returning once more this week! Once Human's final beta will commence on June 17th at 7pm PT and finish on July 8th at 11:59pm PT, and it'll be accessible via the same download process as shown below.
The main difference this time is that it's open rather than closed (but still available on a first come, first serve basis), and it's also available globally rather than in just North America and Europe.
We'll leave you with some updated information on this latest beta, and look out for it in the Xbox Insider Hub app from 5pm PT / 8pm ET / 1AM on Wednesday going into Thursday, as that's when the pre-download process will begin.
"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."
"As a massive thank-you to everyone participating in this final test, we are giving away exclusive rewards that you can bring with you into the official launch! Reach Level 20 with any character during the beta to earn a Cosmetic Selection Crate and a Weapon Skin Selection Crate."
"This test is open globally, but spots are strictly limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the user cap is reached, the download channel may close, so be sure to secure your spot early!"
Original Story: Fancy playing something new this week? Xbox has just opened up registrations for a free Once Human closed beta on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, which is taking place from March 26th through to April 8th.
This is an open-world supernatural survival game that released on Steam back in 2024, and has a "Mostly Positive" average based on over 80,000 user ratings. The full console version is planned to release later in 2026 for Xbox and PS5, and this closed beta will give players a taste of what to expect from the free-to-play multiplayer experience.
But be quick! Limited spots are available for the Once Human beta on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, and they're being allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Here's how you can sign up:
- Go to (or download) the Xbox Insider Hub app on your Xbox Series X and/or S
- Hit the "Previews" button
- Find the Once Human preview (if it's not there, you're either in an ineligible region — it's for North America and Europe regions only — or there are no spots left)
- Hit the "Join" button
- Wait to (hopefully) be accepted, and you'll then be prompted to download the game from the Microsoft Store
There are a few other things to mention here - progress in the beta will not carry over to the full game, sharing any content from it is "strictly prohibited", and if you reach level 20, you'll unlock a Closed Beta Pack for the full release.
If you can't access the Once Human beta via the Xbox Insider app for whatever reason, you might also be able to join via a special Google form that's linked to the Once Human Discord community.
We'll leave you with more details on Once Human below, along with some screenshots.
Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world.