Once Human’s next scenario sends survivors to sea. Starry Studio has confirmed that Isles of Abyss, a PvE ocean survival scenario, goes live after the maintenance update on October 21, 2026 (PT) across PC, console, and mobile.
The scenario runs on an approximate 21-day cycle split into two game-mode phases and a rest stage. Phase I lasts roughly five to ten days and shortens as a server’s purification progress advances. Phase II runs 11 days and unlocks The Sunken Lord endgame challenge as purification continues. Each server carries 12 worlds, and a permanent server is expected to open before the first batch closes on November 12, 2026 (PT). At launch the scenario has no Vision Tag; a Vision World opens later alongside the S5 Vision release.
Exploration is shaped by four Haywire Zones that rewrite local rules. Mist of Deceit in Reefshadow Bay lowers temperature and visibility, shrinking your field of view as health drops. Black Tide in Misty Marsh deepens Stardust contamination while adding Stardust Ore. Time Rain in Spring Valley drains Energy and Hydration faster and wears down gear, but speeds up crop and animal growth. Skyfire turns Falling Ember into a live volcano where meteors damage players and buildings and larger impacts spawn Deviant enemies.
The water is no safer than the land. A Giant Squid can latch onto your ship until its tentacles are severed, Sharks track targets between attacks, and Jellyfish discharge electricity. More useful are the Anglerfish, whose glow shields nearby units from sea-water contamination, and the Bubble Fish, whose bubbles refill oxygen while diving. Players can also capture and raise a Bay Crocodile with the Tranquilizer Throwing Needle, then mount it on the water for damage reduction.
The scenario also leans into ship building. Players assemble vessels from hull, deck, and bow components in Build Mode, save designs for later, and move between sail, fuel, and electric propulsion, with cannons that range from harpoon and rapid-fire guns to freezing shells.
New resources range from Barnacle, Crab, and Oyster to Ocean Trash that can be processed into plastic, plus Pirate Coin and Ambergris for trading. The story opens with a shipwreck, with captain Malla sensing the drowned through her communion with the deep while investigator Ran handles environmental threats. The launch brings sign-in gifts including legendary and gear blueprints, a double rebate on first purchase, a free commemorative weapon skin, and simultaneous Halloween events.
Sources
- Reporting source: GamerHeadlines
- Official announcement: Starry Studio / Steam
