Once Human, the no-cost supernatural survival title, is making its console debut with an exclusive beta test for Xbox Series X|S, starting 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 contribute to its ongoing development. The beta test runs from 26 March through 8 April, with downloads beginning on 24 March. Players can sign up through the Xbox Insider Hub, though access is limited to Xbox Insiders in North America and the European region. Those who achieve level 20 with their character during the playtest will receive exclusive rewards, including the Closed Beta Pack containing 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 open 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 restricted and acceptance is not assured for all applicants, so early registration is advisable for those keen to participate in this exclusive testing phase.
The limited beta test follows a defined schedule designed to maximise testing efficiency. Pre-downloads commence on 24 March at 7:00 PM (PT), enabling players to prepare their consoles beforehand. The servers become active on 26 March at 7:00 PM (PT), marking the official start of the testing period, and stay active until 8 April at 11:59 PM (PT). This two-week window gives development teams adequate time to gather detailed feedback and identify technical issues. Players should note that this is a limited-duration test with a full progress wipe, indicating any progress achieved throughout the test will not transfer to the finished product, though exclusive cosmetic rewards will remain on linked accounts.
- Pre-download beginning 24 March, 7:00 PM (PT)
- Servers live 26 March through 8 April (PT)
- Registration via Xbox Insider Hub exclusively
- Restricted places in North America and Europe
Registration and Participation Guide: How to Participate
Xbox Insider Hub Registration Process
Signing up for the Once Human closed beta is a simple process intended to be accessible to all Xbox Series X|S players. Merely open the Xbox Insider Hub app on your device—if you haven’t yet installed it installed, it’s accessible at no cost from the Microsoft Store. Once the app is active, head to the Previews area, where you’ll locate the Once Human Closed Beta listing. Pick the beta and choose Join to finish your enrolment. Once submitted, approved players will obtain instructions to download the beta directly from the Store once pre-downloads are released on 24 March.
It’s essential to recognise that whilst sign-up is available to all Xbox Insiders in North America and Europe, spots are limited and not guaranteed for every applicant. The developers have established this restriction to preserve a manageable test environment and facilitate quality feedback collection. Considering the highly competitive of beta programme access, individuals interested in participating should register as soon as possible through the Xbox Insider Hub. Those who manage to obtain a spot will be alerted and can then proceed with installing the test version before the service going live on 26 March.
- Launch Xbox Insider Hub on your Series X|S console
- Navigate to Previews area and locate Once Human
- Choose Join and submit the registration form
- Await notification and get the download once available
Premium Bonuses and Beta Incentives
Participating in the Once Human closed beta offers more than just advance entry to the otherworldly survival gameplay—it comes with concrete benefits that will persist long after the test concludes. Players who reach character level 20 during the testing phase will permanently unlock the exclusive Closed Beta Pack for their linked account. This prestigious cosmetic collection includes the striking Abyssal Dragon Set and the Dragon Dance – KAM emote, both of which serve as marks of distinction for initial participants. These rewards will be automatically credited to your account upon the game’s full console launch, ensuring your dedication to testing is appropriately recognised and celebrated.
The incentive structure showcases the developers’ commitment to acknowledging player involvement and input into creating the game’s direction. Rather than providing limited-time cosmetic items that vanish once the beta testing ends, Starry Studio has made certain that your work goes to a enduring accumulation on your player account. This strategy encourages meaningful engagement during the testing phase, as testers gain a concrete goal to work towards. The Dragon Set cosmetics and included animation represent premium cosmetic items that would normally demand purchase, making this an exceptional opportunity for initial participants to secure exclusive items at without payment whilst concurrently assisting 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 Growth Benefits
Your progress during the beta testing phase may not transfer to the final release due to the full wipe, but the rewards you obtain will persist indefinitely linked to your linked account. This difference is essential for understanding the beta system—whilst character levels and inventory items are wiped, cosmetic unlocks remain permanent. By connecting your Xbox account to your Once Human account, you establish a connection that ensures all obtained rewards are safely preserved. This system guarantees that your investment of time throughout the beta phase results in lasting benefits when the game officially launches on your console.
Essential Constraints and Conditions
Participation in the Once Human Console Closed Beta includes several important restrictions created to preserve the integrity of the testing environment and safeguard the game development process. Streaming, recording, or sharing any test material is strictly prohibited, ensuring that the development team can perform a focused and controlled test free from premature public exposure. This confidentiality requirement extends to all testers, irrespective of their platform or region, and breaking this rule could lead to removal from the beta programme. The restriction exists to protect the surprise and quality of the final release whilst permitting the development team to gather unfiltered feedback directly 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 not supported during this testing period. Geographical limitations additionally restrict 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 does not guarantee acceptance into the programme. Players should be aware of these constraints before committing time to registration, as availability varies based on testing capacity and regional requirements established by Starry Studio.
- Beta limited to Xbox Series X|S; gamepad input only supported
- Available restricted to North America and Europe regions for Xbox Insiders
- Streaming, recording, or sharing beta content strictly prohibited at all times
- Limited spots available; registration does not guarantee beta access
- Full account wipe takes place; cosmetic items alone transfer permanently
Giving Feedback and Community Participation
The development team at Starry Studio places significant weight on community input during the closed beta phase, recognising that player feedback is crucial for refining the game before its full console launch. Participants are strongly urged to identify issues, offer ideas, and flag performance problems they encounter whilst playing. This collaborative approach transforms the testing period into a genuine partnership between developers and players, where every observation contributes significantly to improving the final product. The studio has established dedicated channels and built-in features specifically designed to simplify the feedback process, making it simple for testers to share their thoughts directly to the development team.
Beyond standalone bug reports, players are welcome to take part with the broader Once Human community through official communication channels including Discord and X (formerly Twitter). These platforms function as discussion hubs, allowing beta participants to engage with fellow beta players, share experiences, and keep up with the newest updates and announcements. Community participation extends the worth of the closed beta past individual testing sessions, creating a shared sense of investment in the game’s development. For those in need of thorough assistance or extra help, the official Closed Beta FAQ offers detailed information addressing typical questions about eligibility, technical requirements, account linking, and troubleshooting procedures.
Methods for Submitting Feedback
- Use the 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 check X/Twitter for extended discussion and updates
