Starry Studio has announced in a Steam dev blog that Once Human’s new survival scenario, Isles of Abyss, launches after the maintenance update on October 21, 2026 (PT). The oceanic PvE scenario will be available on all platforms, including PC, console, and mobile, and introduces an approximate 21-day experience cycle divided into two game-mode phases and a rest stage. The scenario launches October 21 as a PvE ocean archipelago centered on sailing, diving, and Haywire Zone survival.
The scenario is part of the same October 21 update that adds a new frost weapon and armor set to Once Human. The update gives Once Human a timed survival campaign across 12 worlds per server. Players already in other scenarios can sign up from the scenario selection screen after character creation and the new-player experience. Sign-up and entry rules are the same as other scenarios.
Release timing, phases, and server plans
The Isles of Abyss cycle runs for approximately 21 days. Phase I lasts approximately 5 to 10 days, and its duration decreases as the server’s purification progress advances. Phase II lasts 11 days, and continued purification progress unlocks the endgame challenge, The Sunken Lord. A rest stage follows the two phases.
Each server contains 12 worlds. At launch on October 21, the scenario will not include a Vision Tag. Later, alongside the S5 Vision release, the Vision World for Isles of Abyss servers will open. A permanent server is expected to open before the first batch of servers closes on November 12, 2026 (PT), so all Metas can merge in. The launch follows the recent 3.0.7 bug fix patches, which repaired cosmetic issues and a PC shop lag problem.
Haywire Zones change exploration rules and rewards
Four Haywire Zones alter view, temperature, sanity, and supply consumption while yielding special resources. The official advice is to prepare protective items, dishes, and supplies beforehand.
- Mist of Deceit in Reefshadow Bay: lowers environment temperature and limits visibility. The lower your HP, the smaller your field of view. Keeping a larger field of view earns greater exploration rewards.
- Black Tide in Misty Marsh: brings deepening Stardust contamination plus Stardust Ore and contaminated plants.
- Time Rain in Spring Valley: accelerates Energy and Hydration consumption and makes gear lose durability, but it also accelerates crop and animal growth.
- Skyfire in Falling Ember: is an active volcano where meteors damage nearby players and buildings and heat the area. Larger meteors spawn Deviant enemies. Mining meteors yields Skyfire Gold and rare minerals.
New creatures, mounts, and resources
Marine life directly changes sailing and diving. A Giant Squid latches its tentacles onto ships, and severing them makes it flee. Sharks track and intermittently attack, Tuna leap out of the water, and Jellyfish use electric discharge. Anglerfish use a glowing lure and give nearby units a safe haven from sea-water contamination. Bubble Fish spit bubbles that replenish oxygen while diving.
The Bay Crocodile can be captured with the Tranquilizer Throwing Needle, brought back to territory, raised and bred. It can be mounted on the water’s surface and provides DMG Reduction to the rider and itself.
New resources include Barnacle, Crab, Lobster, Oyster, Starfish, Sea Urchin, Abalone, Shell, Conch, Ocean Trash, Pirate Coin, Ambergris, Fossil, Sulfur Water, Bay Crocodile Skin, Tidal Gum, and Tidal Fruit. Ocean Trash can be processed into plastic.
The story begins with a shipwreck. Malla, an experienced captain, uses communion with the deep to sense the drowned. Ran, an investigator, helps deal with environmental threats. The Sunken Lord draws power from trapped memories and emotions, while a Voyager wanders the surface and a Calamity Tower looms.
What to prepare before signing up
Because Phase I can shorten as purification advances, early preparation matters. For Mist of Deceit, keep HP high to preserve field of view and expect lower temperatures. For Black Tide, plan around deepening Stardust contamination before harvesting Stardust Ore and contaminated plants. For Time Rain, pack extra food and water and prepare to repair gear faster. For Skyfire, avoid meteor impact points and be ready to fight Deviant enemies from larger meteors.
Underwater runs benefit from Bubble Fish oxygen bubbles, and Anglerfish safe havens can help manage sea-water contamination.
