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Press release

Once Human Console Closed Beta Kicks Off March 26 Alongside Version 2.3.26 "Deviant Update"

Experience the post-a survival hit on PlayStation and Xbox! Sign up today for the cross-platform Closed Beta to claim your spot and earn exclusive rewards!

GUANGZHOU, China – (March 23rd, 2026) – NetEase Games, the online games division of NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES, HKEX: 9999), is excited to announce that the beloved post-apocalyptic survival hit Once Human will run its first console Closed Beta from March 26 to April 8 (PT). This major milestone will coincide with the launch of the Version 2.3.26 "Deviant Update," which is set to introduce multiple new gameplay features centered around terrifying new Deviants.

Once Human Console Closed Beta Kicks Off
 

The highly anticipated console test will be available on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, including PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X|S. This time-limited beta fully supports cross-platform play between the PlayStation and Xbox ecosystems, ensuring a seamless and expansive multiplayer experience.
 

Apply for the console test now: [https://forms.gle/4wcPkx1MQePgGGAE8]
 

Players interested in joining the test can apply now via a dedicated registration form in the official Once Human Discord community. Selected players will receive a Discord role "Console Pioneer", along with their test codes and instructions for joining. Players can join the Discord community to be the first to receive latest notifications. 

 

While all in-game progress will be wiped after the beta concludes, participants will be rewarded with an exclusive Closed Beta Pack. These exclusive rewards are permanent and can be claimed by the same linked account upon the game's full console launch or on other official platforms.

 

Version 2.3.26 "Deviant Update" Expands the Supernatural Threat
 

Arriving alongside the console beta on March 26, the Version 2.3.26 update will introduce a wave of thrilling new mechanics and terrifying Deviant encounters designed to test players' survival instincts:
 

  • Strategic Sound-Based Encounters of Devourer: A new audio-driven mechanic will fundamentally change how players challenge the Devourer. Survivors will be able to utilize sound cues and rules to strategically manipulate the Devourer’s aggro, directing attacks towards other Elite foes in the area—or, for a bit of mischief, even towards their own squadmates.

The Deceptive Mimic Tree: Hidden within the game's groves and forests, the Mimic Tree will disguise itself perfectly among harvestable timber. Chopping any tree near this hidden menace will inflict a debilitating debuff that distorts players' sight and sound. Survivors must carefully clear the surrounding foliage to reveal its monstrous true form. Conquering the Mimic Tree will cause all trees within a 50-meter radius to instantly die, yielding a massive haul of Wood.
The Aquatic Ambush of the Sea Slug: Lurking underwater, the formidable Sea Slug will ambush players who venture into its domain. This aquatic nightmare can only be damaged when it opens its mouth to strike. Its deadliest tactic features a terrifying face-hugger assault that latches onto a player's head; the trapped victim must rely on a teammate to pull the creature free, or desperately struggle toward a fire source to burn it away.