Once Human: Isles of Abyss Turns Your Survival Base into a Warship

Spoiler notice: This guide covers the official opening story and announced gameplay features.

A wooden raft is a modest defence against an ocean that can think. That is the problem waiting in Isles of Abyss, the free Once Human expansion that arrived on PS5 on 22 October 2026. Across five oceanic regions, players build vessels, explore islands and confront a sea inhabited by a conscious force called the Sunken Lord.

The story begins with a shipwreck. Captain Malla rescues you, bringing an unusual ability into the expedition: she can sense the histories of people who drowned. Ran joins the investigation, helping examine clues and respond to the hazards surrounding the islands. Journals, recovered objects and submerged memories gradually explain what happened in these waters.

Gathering supplies and improving equipment helps turn the raft into a mobile Sea Fortress, combining living space, crafting facilities and weapons. Players can bring their vessels together in fleets.

Island resources support naval upgrades, while underwater exploration provides materials for equipment and construction. Ruins and treasure give players further reasons to dive. Progress on land and at sea supports the next expedition.

Preparation matters because the unusual weather changes how exploration works. Time Rain accelerates energy and hydration consumption while wearing down equipment. Other affected areas restrict visibility or expose travellers to contamination. Choosing supplies for the destination becomes part of planning the journey.

This is a PvE scenario, with a core cycle of approximately 21 days before its rest stage. The developer lists support across PC, console and mobile. New players enter through scenario selection after completing character creation and the introductory experience; existing players use the scenario sign-up system.

For cooperative groups, that makes construction an ongoing shared project: the vessel accompanies the expedition, and the work put into it helps determine what the group can attempt next.

Trusted sources: PlayStation’s developer feature · Official Once Human scenario guide