The Once Human Isles of Abyss Update is now live, bringing a major free ocean expansion to the survival game. Released globally on 22 October 2026, the update introduces shipbuilding, underwater exploration, naval combat and dangerous new enemies. Players can explore mysterious islands, build floating bases and challenge powerful bosses. Version 3.1.1 also adds new weapons, armour, rewards and an ocean-themed RaidZone map across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and mobile.
The expansion changes how players explore and survive. Instead of relying mainly on land bases, survivors can now travel across vast waters. However, the ocean brings environmental hazards, hostile creatures and new challenges that require careful preparation.
What Is the Once Human Isles of Abyss Update?
The Once Human Isles of Abyss Update is a major expansion developed by Starry Studio. It introduces a new ocean survival scenario with its own progression system, story and challenges.
Unlike the game’s familiar land-based environments, this scenario focuses on life at sea. Players explore scattered islands, collect resources and develop ships that serve as mobile bases.
The expansion also introduces a mysterious living ocean connected to an ancient entity called the Sunken Lord.
Meanwhile, the new environment features tropical islands, cold regions, underwater ruins and dangerous anomalies. Each location creates different survival challenges.
The update is free, so existing players do not need to purchase a separate expansion.
Once Human Isles of Abyss Release Date and Platforms
The Isles of Abyss expansion launched globally on 22 October 2026, following the North American update on 21 October Pacific Time.
The release arrived alongside version 3.1.1, which introduced several gameplay changes and additional content.
Players can access the expansion on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and supported mobile devices.
Moreover, the game supports cross-platform play and cross-progression, allowing players to continue their adventures across supported systems.
The update also requires a substantial download. Therefore, players should check their available storage before installing it.
New Ocean Exploration and Survival Gameplay
Ocean exploration is the central feature of Isles of Abyss. Players can travel between islands, explore beneath the waves and discover hidden resources.
However, survival becomes more demanding as players move into dangerous waters.
Explore New Islands and Underwater Locations
The expansion introduces five distinct oceanic regions with different environments and challenges.
Some islands feature tropical scenery, while others contain freezing landscapes and abandoned structures.
Below the surface, players can discover sunken ships, underwater laboratories and hidden treasures.
These locations offer useful resources for crafting and progression. However, deeper waters contain stronger enemies and higher environmental risks.
Players must also manage oxygen supplies and contamination while diving.
Survive Dangerous Haywire Zones
Haywire Zones introduce unusual environmental conditions that affect exploration.
For example, the Mist of Deceit reduces visibility and creates cold-related challenges. Meanwhile, Black Tide threatens players’ sanity.
Other hazards include Time Rain and Skyfire.
Each anomaly requires different protective equipment or consumables. Therefore, preparing for the environment becomes essential before travelling.
Players who ignore these conditions may lose valuable supplies or struggle to survive.
New Shipbuilding and Naval Combat Features
Shipbuilding is one of the most important additions to the expansion.
Players can create custom vessels using modular construction components. These ships function as transport, combat platforms and mobile territories.
Build and Customise Your Own Ship
Players can access Build Mode to construct their first vessel.
The system allows them to design hull structures, arrange decks and install useful facilities.
As players progress, they can improve their ships with additional equipment.
Furthermore, ship designs can be saved as layouts and shared with friends.
This feature makes group exploration more convenient because teammates can build vessels using shared designs.
Fight Enemies With Naval Weapons
Naval combat introduces ship-mounted cannons and other weapons.
Players can unlock different firing options as they advance through the technology system.
For example, some weapons support long-range attacks, while others work better during close encounters.
Ships can also use ramming equipment and naval mines.
As a result, naval battles require more than accurate shooting. Players must consider positioning, movement and weapon selection.
Working together can also improve survival when facing larger enemy vessels.
Underwater Diving, Fishing and New Survival Equipment
The expansion introduces specialised equipment for underwater exploration.
Players can use diving suits to improve protection against contamination. Meanwhile, oxygen tanks help extend underwater exploration.
New Diving Tools and Protection
The Basic Diving Suit provides initial protection against ocean contamination.
Later, players can unlock the Shark Diving Suit, which offers stronger protection and improves swimming speed.
Oxygen Tanks provide additional air when oxygen runs out. Furthermore, Inflatable Floats allow players to return quickly towards the surface.
The Spear Gun also provides a way to fight underwater enemies.
These tools become increasingly important when exploring deeper locations.
Fishing and Ocean Resource Collection
Fishing now offers additional opportunities to collect food and resources.
Players can use the Abyssal Sea Fishing Rod to catch larger marine creatures, including sharks and tuna.
Ships can also use trawl nets to collect fish while travelling.
In addition, specialised cages support fish breeding.
These features give players more ways to maintain supplies during long journeys.
New Bosses and Challenging Enemies
The Isles of Abyss expansion introduces several powerful enemies and major encounters.
Each challenge tests different survival and combat skills.
The Sunken Lord
The Sunken Lord is the expansion’s central threat.
This mysterious entity is connected to the ocean and its disturbing supernatural activity.
Players must work together to unlock the final confrontation.
Once server purification progress reaches 100%, the entrance to the Sunken Lord encounter becomes available.
The battle features dangerous tentacles, multiple combat areas and powerful attacks.
Therefore, teamwork, upgraded equipment and careful movement are essential.
Calamity Tower and Other Encounters
Calamity Tower introduces naval challenges that become more difficult as players progress.
Players must target weak points, avoid attacks and coordinate their ship weapons.
Meanwhile, Calamity Nest features the Calamity Owl, a dangerous enemy that summons additional threats.
Other encounters include hostile Voyager ships, Sea Calamity Zones and drifting greenhouses.
Together, these challenges provide different combat experiences across land and sea.
How Progression Works in Isles of Abyss
The new scenario uses a technology-based progression system.
Characters begin at maximum level, but equipment strength depends on technology development.
Players unlock new crafting options by exploring, collecting resources and completing challenges.
Scenario Phases and Technology Progression
The main scenario lasts approximately 21 days before entering its rest period.
Phase I generally lasts between five and ten days, depending on server purification progress.
Phase II lasts 11 days and introduces more difficult challenges.
During these phases, players improve their ships, production facilities and combat equipment.
Existing weapon blueprints and Mods remain useful. However, their full potential depends on technology progression.
The Cradle system is not available in this scenario.
This approach encourages players to explore rather than relying only on previously developed equipment.
Once Human Isles of Abyss RaidZone PvP Mode
The expansion also introduces Isles of Abyss: RaidZone, a separate ocean-based PvP experience.
Unlike the main PvE scenario, RaidZone focuses on competition between players.
Participants fight for limited resources while navigating dangerous waters.
There are no separate World divisions within the RaidZone scenario. Consequently, players share the same competitive environment.
Ships play a major role because they act as mobile territories during combat.
Protecting ship durability becomes essential, especially when facing organised enemy groups.
Players can access this experience by selecting RaidZone mode from the character sign-in interface and choosing an appropriate server.
New Weapons, Armour and Update Rewards
Version 3.1.1 introduces additional weapons, armour and equipment modifications.
These additions provide new options for different combat styles.
For example, Precision Load supports sustained long-range fighting. Meanwhile, Turret Enhancement improves damage from facilities used by players.
The update also includes a limited-time launch celebration.
Players who sign in before the reward deadline can claim a special package through their in-game mailbox.
The package includes 10,000 Starchrom, a Legendary SOCR – Cosmic Visitor weapon blueprint and a Legendary Snowline Elite Vest blueprint.
Additional rewards include a 30-day Meta Pass trial and limited Howler weapon skins.
The update also introduces the Halloween Wonder Night event and new cosmetic content.
Players should claim available rewards before their stated deadlines.
How to Start Playing Isles of Abyss
Players can access Isles of Abyss through the game’s scenario selection system.
New players must first create a character and complete or skip the relevant introductory experience.
They can then open Scenario Selection, choose Other Scenarios and select an available Isles of Abyss server.
Existing players can also transfer eligible characters through the scenario sign-up system.
However, changing scenarios can reset certain character progression and supplies. Therefore, players should review the transfer rules beforehand.
Those planning to play with friends should select the same server.
Alternatively, eligible groups can use the scenario squad system to arrange a shared entry.
Conclusion
The Once Human Isles of Abyss Update brings a major change to the game’s survival experience. Its ocean environments, customisable ships, underwater locations and challenging bosses offer new ways to explore and fight.
The free expansion also adds competitive naval combat, technology-based progression and useful launch rewards.
For returning players, building a reliable ship and improving survival equipment are sensible starting points. Meanwhile, newcomers can explore the new scenario and gradually unlock its more demanding challenges.
FAQs
Is the Once Human Isles of Abyss Update free?
Yes, the Once Human Isles of Abyss Update is free for players on supported platforms. It introduces a new ocean survival scenario, shipbuilding, underwater exploration and additional challenges without requiring a separate expansion purchase. However, optional cosmetic items and other paid content may still be available through the game.
When did Once Human Isles of Abyss release in the UK?
Once Human Isles of Abyss launched globally on 22 October 2026. The official update began on 21 October in Pacific Time, which explains the different dates shown in announcements. UK players received the expansion as part of the same global rollout, subject to platform updates and server availability.
Can you build your own ships in Once Human Isles of Abyss?
Yes, players can build and customise ships using the new modular construction system. They can adjust hull designs, add facilities and install naval weapons. Ships also function as mobile territories. Furthermore, players can save their designs and share layouts with teammates for group exploration.
Does Isles of Abyss support multiplayer and cross-play?
Yes, Isles of Abyss supports multiplayer gameplay and cross-play across supported platforms. Players can explore islands, fight enemies and complete challenges together. However, friends should join the same scenario server to play together. Server capacity and character transfer rules may also affect how groups enter the expansion.
What happens when the Isles of Abyss scenario ends?
After the main scenario phases finish, the server enters a rest period. Players can then prepare for their next scenario or follow the available server transition options. The developers have also announced a permanent server system for Isles of Abyss, allowing players to continue the scenario experience beyond its initial cycle.
What is the difference between Isles of Abyss PvE and RaidZone?
The standard Isles of Abyss scenario focuses on PvE survival, exploration and cooperative challenges. Players gather resources, build ships and fight environmental enemies. RaidZone offers a separate PvP experience where players compete for supplies and fight other survivors. Naval combat and ship protection are particularly important in RaidZone.
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