Once Human is taking its survival sandbox out to sea. Isles of Abyss is the game’s new ocean expansion, with a 22 October 2026 launch date in the official PlayStation announcement and support for PC, consoles and mobile confirmed in the developer’s update notes.

For South African players, the practical starting point is the update and server selection screen, rather than assuming every region’s rollout is complete. The official schedule tied access to maintenance beginning at 16:00 Pacific Time on 21 October, which is 01:00 SAST on 22 October. The estimated three-hour maintenance window was not a guaranteed reopening time.

A survival base that moves with you

According to lead game designer Vincent Tao’s PlayStation Blog announcement, the expansion is free and introduces five oceanic regions. Players start with a modest raft, then develop it into a mobile Sea Fortress: a base, workshop and combat platform that travels between islands.

That changes the appeal of base-building. Instead of treating a vessel simply as transport, the new systems make the ship part of how a group prepares for exploration and fights. Players can also form fleets with friends.

What the new scenario involves

The official scenario overview describes a PvE experience built around island exploration, underwater resources and environmental hazards. Its core cycle lasts roughly 21 days across two phases before a rest stage. The first phase’s duration depends on the server’s purification progress, while the second lasts 11 days.

The ocean has its own identity: the Sunken Lord, a living presence behind the setting’s dangers. Keeping this introduction spoiler-light, the important gameplay point is that weather and unusual regional conditions affect the supplies and preparation your crew needs. Diving adds another layer of exploration below the surface.

Update size and joining a server

The 21 October version 3.1.1 notes list approximate launcher downloads of 12.29 GB on PS5, 20.39 GB on Xbox and 26.28 GB on PC, with smaller additional in-game downloads. Actual sizes can vary. It is worth checking available storage and your connection before organising a session.

After completing character creation and the introductory experience, new players can use the scenario selection screen to join. Existing players use the scenario sign-up screen. Coordinate the server choice with your group before getting started.

The PlayStation announcement also highlights DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive-trigger support for the PS5 version. This is a multi-platform expansion, not a PlayStation exclusive.

Featured artwork and screenshot: Starry Studio / NetEase Games via PlayStation Blog. © respective rights holders.