Once Human, the free-to-play supernatural survival game, is launching on console with an exclusive beta test for Xbox Series X|S, beginning later this month. Developer Starry Studio has revealed limited spots are available for players to be among the first experiencing the game on console and contribute to its ongoing development. The closed beta will run from 26 March through 8 April, with pre-downloads commencing on 24 March. Players can register through the Xbox Insider Hub, though availability is restricted to Xbox Insiders in North America and the European region. Those who reach character level 20 during the beta test will receive exclusive rewards, including the Closed Beta Pack featuring the Abyssal Dragon Set, which will be added to their account upon the game’s full console launch.
Beta Programme and Schedule
Prospective participants can reserve a place in the closed beta through the Xbox Insider Hub, which simplifies the sign-up procedure. Xbox Series X|S owners need only launch the Xbox Insider Hub application, access the Previews section, locate the Once Human Closed Beta, and select Join to finish signing up. Once accepted, players will be directed to the Microsoft Store to download the beta when it is released. It’s important to note that spots are limited and acceptance is not assured for all applicants, so early registration is recommended for those keen to participate in this exclusive testing phase.
The limited beta test operates on a strict timeline intended to maximise testing efficiency. Downloads begin on 24 March at 7:00 PM (PT), allowing participants to ready their gaming systems beforehand. The servers launch on 26 March at 7:00 PM (PT), marking the official start of the test phase, and stay active until 8 April at 11:59 PM (PT). This two-week window provides developers adequate time to collect comprehensive feedback and identify technical problems. Participants should be aware that this is a limited-duration test with a complete data reset, indicating any progress achieved during the beta will not carry over to the final release, though exclusive cosmetic items will persist on linked accounts.
- Pre-download available from 24 March, 7:00 PM (PT)
- Servers active 26 March through 8 April (PT)
- Registration via Xbox Insider Hub exclusively
- Limited availability in North America and Europe
How to Register and Participate
Xbox Insider Hub Sign-Up Procedure
Enrolling in the Once Human closed beta is a straightforward procedure intended to be open to all Xbox Series X|S players. Simply start the Xbox Insider Hub application on your console—if you don’t already have it on your system, it’s accessible at no cost from the Microsoft Store. Once the app is open, head to the Previews area, where you’ll locate the Once Human Closed Beta listing. Choose the beta and select Join to finish your enrolment. Once submitted, eligible players will get directions to obtain the beta straight from the Store when advance downloads are released on 24 March.
It’s vital to appreciate that whilst registration is accessible to all Xbox Insiders in North America and Europe, spots are limited and not confirmed for every candidate. The development team have established this limitation to maintain a stable test space and ensure high-quality feedback gathering. Taking into account the highly competitive of closed beta access, participants keen to take part should register as early as feasible through the Xbox Insider Hub. Those who gain a position will be notified and can then go ahead with downloading the beta client ahead of the service going live on 26 March.
- Open Xbox Insider Hub on your Series X|S console
- Access Previews area and identify Once Human
- Select Join and complete the signup form
- Expect notification and download when available
Exclusive Rewards and Beta Incentives
Participating in the Once Human closed beta offers more than just early access to the supernatural survival experience—it comes with tangible rewards that will remain well beyond the test concludes. Players who reach character level 20 during the testing phase will permanently unlock 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 badges of honour for early supporters. These rewards will be automatically credited to your account upon the game’s full console launch, ensuring your commitment to the playtest is properly acknowledged and rewarded.
The incentive structure demonstrates the development team’s dedication to rewarding player participation and input into creating the game’s future. Rather than providing limited-time cosmetic items that disappear after the testing period finishes, Starry Studio has ensured that your work goes to a permanent collection on your player account. This approach promotes genuine participation throughout the test period, as players have a concrete goal to work towards. The Abyssal Dragon cosmetic collection and accompanying emote are high-value aesthetic content that would usually necessitate purchase, presenting an exceptional opportunity for initial participants to obtain premium cosmetics at no cost whilst simultaneously helping refine 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 Development Advantages
Your advancement throughout the beta testing phase will not necessarily carry over to the final release due to the full wipe, but the earnings you accumulate will stay permanently linked to your linked account. This difference is vital for understanding the beta structure—whilst character levels and inventory gear are wiped, cosmetic rewards stay with you permanently. By connecting your Xbox account to your Once Human account, you forge a connection that guarantees all earned rewards are safely preserved. This system guarantees that your time investment throughout the beta phase results in permanent advantages when the game launches officially on your console.
Essential Constraints and Conditions
Participation in the Once Human Console Closed Beta comes with several important restrictions created to uphold the quality of the testing environment and protect the game’s development process. Broadcasting, capturing, or distributing any beta footage is firmly banned, ensuring that the developers can perform a thorough and structured test without early public exposure. This non-disclosure obligation extends to all participants, regardless of their platform or region, and breaching it could result in exclusion from the testing programme. The limitation is in place to protect the surprise and quality of the final release whilst allowing the development team to gather unfiltered feedback straight from test participants.
Beyond content restrictions, the beta is exclusively available on Xbox Series X|S and allows controller play only, meaning keyboard and mouse input is unsupported during this testing period. Geographical limitations further narrow availability, with the closed beta limited to Xbox Insiders in North American and European regions only. Additionally, spots are limited and not guaranteed for all applicants, so registration through the Xbox Insider Hub cannot guarantee acceptance into the program. Players should be aware of these constraints before committing time to registration, as availability varies based on testing capacity and geographical requirements established by Starry Studio.
- Beta limited to Xbox Series X|S; controller play exclusively supported
- Available only in North America and Europe territories for Xbox Insiders
- Broadcasting, capturing, or distributing beta content firmly forbidden at all times
- Limited spots available; registration cannot guarantee beta access
- Full account wipe occurs; only cosmetic rewards transfer permanently
Providing Comments and Public Participation
The creative team at Starry Studio places significant weight on community input during the closed beta phase, acknowledging that community input is crucial for refining the game before its full console launch. Participants are actively encouraged to identify issues, share suggestions, and highlight any technical issues they encounter whilst playing. This partnership model transforms the beta phase into a genuine partnership between developers and players, where every piece of feedback contributes significantly to improving the overall experience. The studio has established dedicated channels and built-in features specifically designed to streamline feedback collection, making it straightforward for testers to share their thoughts directly to the studio team.
Beyond individual bug reports, players are invited to engage with the larger Once Human player base through official communication channels including Discord and X (formerly Twitter). These platforms serve as hubs for discussion, permitting beta participants to engage with fellow beta players, share experiences, and remain updated on the newest updates and announcements. Community participation extends the worth of the closed beta outside of individual testing sessions, building a shared sense of investment in the game’s development. For those seeking comprehensive support or further guidance, the official Closed Beta FAQ offers comprehensive information addressing common questions about eligibility, technical requirements, account linking, and troubleshooting procedures.
Ways to Submit Feedback
- Use in-game menu: [Feedback & Customer Support] > [Bug report] for technical difficulties
- Access [Feedback & Customer Support] > [Co-Dev Feedback Platform] for general feedback
- Join the Discord community and follow X/Twitter for extended discussion and announcements
