Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join: From the character screen, open Scenario Selection, choose Isles of Abyss (PvE), select an open server and complete registration. New characters must finish the introduction first; existing characters can register from another scenario. Returning players can use an existing character; new players first need to finish the introduction.
Isles of Abyss works differently from a normal Once Human scenario. Tech replaces ordinary character levelling, Cradle is unavailable and the strength of your existing Blueprints and Mods depends on the Tech you’ve unlocked. Stock up on food and repair materials, then open Build Mode to make a seaworthy ship before exploring distant islands.
Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join: October 21 servers
NC’s October 21 opening schedule names four initial Isles of Abyss PvE servers for North America and Europe, Isles_Abyss-X0001 to X0004, with 12 worlds on each server. There is no advance sign-up; the scenario registration option opens after the patch and its server maintenance are complete. The October 21 patch notes expect the Permanent Server on November 18, 2026 (PT), replacing the November 12 date given in the October 16 preview.
For PvE, select Isles of Abyss from the scenario selection interface after the maintenance. New characters must first finish character creation and the new-player experience; existing characters may use scenario sign-up subject to the usual participation rules. The first European and North American servers are scheduled to appear immediately after the update, with additional servers opened if capacity requires it.
Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join RaidZone
If you’re looking for the PvP ocean map instead, select RaidZone in the upper-left corner of the character sign-in screen, then choose a server named RaidZone_Isles_Abyss-A0001. NA and Europe are scheduled to receive a standard RaidZone server plus a server labelled [Console] RaidZone_Isles_Abyss-A0001, restricted to console players. RaidZone uses a biweekly server reopening cycle and does not divide its map into PvE-style worlds.
This distinction matters when choosing a server: the standard Isles of Abyss scenario is PvE, while the RaidZone version is PvP. Use the official server opening schedule for the launch list and any later capacity additions.
Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join after maintenance
Isles of Abyss launches after Once Human’s October 21 maintenance in Pacific time. For UK players this may fall on October 22 depending on the maintenance completion time. The official announcement gives the launch window but does not assign a universal clock time for every server.
The Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join process is available to players on PC, console and mobile. It is built as a PvE experience and contains 12 worlds per server. The separate Isles of Abyss RaidZone mode is a PvP option, so choose the scenario carefully if you want to avoid player-versus-player combat.
Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join with an existing character
- Launch Once Human after the October 21 Pacific-time maintenance finishes.
- Choose your existing character, or complete the introductory experience on a new one.
- Open Scenario Selection and find Isles of Abyss under the PvE scenarios.
- Select an eligible server from the available list and follow the sign-up prompts.
- Once you’re inside, head into Fragrant Cape, collect supplies and begin your Tech progression.
These Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join steps follow the developer’s published entry rules. Your game may show extra prompts depending on your character’s current scenario commitment.
You can sign up with an existing character, although the character’s current scenario commitment can affect when a move is possible. Check its registration status before choosing a server. You won’t need to create another account.
Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join when the option is locked
If the Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join option isn’t visible, check whether the October 21 Pacific-time maintenance is finished. Then check your tutorial progress, existing scenario commitment and the available server list. The announcement gives a launch window, not a guaranteed opening hour for every platform.
If you’re a new player, confirm you’ve completed the tutorial and unlocked scenario sign-ups. Existing players should check the server list and whether their character is already committed to another scenario. The announcement confirms access after maintenance, not an unrestricted transfer from any point in an ongoing scenario.
Isles of Abyss server phases and duration
After following the Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join steps, you’ll enter a scenario lasting roughly 21 days. Phase I takes around five to ten days, with its length influenced by server purification progress. Phase II runs for 11 days and leads into the Sunken Lord endgame encounter as the server completes the required progression.
After the two main phases, the scenario enters a rest stage. A Permanent Server is planned before the first batch closes, with the developer expecting that option on November 18 Pacific time. Players should not confuse that later server opening with the initial October 21 scenario launch.
How progression and Tech work
Characters begin at maximum level, so there is no ordinary levelling grind on arrival. Instead, Tech progression unlocks higher-rarity equipment, ship parts, ocean facilities and other survival options. You advance by gathering, exploring and clearing scenario challenges, starting with the resources needed to build a workable ship.
Cradle is disabled. Gather basic materials first and use Tech to unlock crafting, better ship equipment and survival tools. Craftable item rarity and additional Mod attributes also depend on Tech progress.
Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join: what carries over?
You can bring existing Blueprints and Mods into Isles of Abyss. Their full strength isn’t available immediately, though: craftable rarity is tied to your Tech progress, and additional Mod attributes unlock as your Tech level increases.
That means veterans can arrive with familiar equipment options while still working through the scenario’s progression. Do not expect every advanced loadout to work at maximum strength on your first day. Gathering materials and clearing scenario challenges remain necessary even when your character starts at max level.
What should you do first?
After entering, start in Fragrant Cape. Collect materials along the coast, search nearby wrecks and establish a basic supply loop before building a ship. The Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join steps get you onto a server; getting off your starting island takes materials, food and a seaworthy vessel.
Once your ship is ready, explore nearby islands before venturing into deeper water. Consult our ship-building guide for navigation and upgrades, and our Haywire Zones guide for environmental hazards. Deep dives require appropriate protection and oxygen planning.
Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join covers getting into a server, while other guides cover what you’ll find after entry. See Voyager ship encounters, Calamity Towers and Xbox availability for those specific questions.
Related Guides
The October launch also includes free account rewards and Halloween activities. Claim the 10,000 Starchrom mailbox package by November 8, 2026 at 2 PM PT. The separate Halloween Wonder Night event runs from October 22 to November 11, with Candy Bait and other seasonal rewards. Those events do not change the Once Human Isles of Abyss how to join requirements.
Official source: Once Human version 3.1.1 release notes.
