Once Human's Isles of Abyss: 10,000 Free Starchrom, Two Server Choices and One Very Expensive Mistake
Once Human's Isles of Abyss arrives after maintenance starting October 21 at 16:00 Pacific (01:00 CEST on October 22), with approximately three hours of downtime expected. Players can enter the regular PvE scenario or choose the considerably more dangerous RaidZone. There's also 10,000 free Starchrom, two legendary blueprints and additional rewards available for signing in before November 8. First, however, you need to choose the right server. Because apparently sailing into a pirate-infested ocean requires some administrative preparation.
Wondering what you'll actually do once you're aboard? Discover Isles of Abyss's shipbuilding, naval combat and piracy systems. Apparently, building a floating home is much more exciting when the neighbours can sink it.
PvE or RaidZone: Which server should you choose?
PvE is the sensible choice if you want to explore, build ships and tackle ocean challenges without other players deciding your vessel would look better at the bottom of the sea. RaidZone is for players who enjoy considerably less predictable neighbours. Resources are scarcer, encounters with other players are more frequent, and losing a naval battle can cost you your ship and its cargo. Destroyed ships can be rebuilt using saved blueprints, but supplies aboard a sunken vessel aren't refunded.
Imagine spending an evening gathering resources, loading your magnificent floating warehouse and proudly sailing into the sunset. Then somebody with cannons and the moral principles of a parking enforcement officer decides they fancy your belongings. Congratulations. You've invented maritime bankruptcy.
RaidZone also uses shared waters, whereas PvE servers contain 12 separate worlds.
How do you enter Isles of Abyss?
The procedure depends on your character:
New characters: Complete or skip the new-player experience where permitted, then select Other Scenarios → Isles of Abyss.
Existing characters: During an eligible scenario transition or Rest Period, open Menu → Scenario → Go to Sign Up.
RaidZone: Select RaidZone in the upper-left corner of the character login screen, then choose an Isles of Abyss: RaidZone server.
Playing with friends: Coordinate your server choice or use a Scenario Squad to enter together.
There's no advance registration. Existing characters should check the transfer conditions carefully. Entering a new scenario involves settlement and a progression restart. Character level and supplies are affected, although shared progression, including blueprint and mod levels, is retained under the applicable rules. If your friends are already on a full server, they may be able to invite you using a Special Invitation Code found under Player Info.
Once Human lets you rob NPC ships, but how far can you take that career? Caribbean Legend: Buccaneers lets you board vessels, steal cargo and make piracy an actual profession. Finally, a career where stealing the company car is part of the job description.
How to claim the 10,000 free Starchrom
Sign in after the update and before November 8, 2026, at 14:00 Pacific, then collect the celebration package from your in-game mailbox. You'll receive:
10,000 Starchrom
SOCR - Cosmic Visitor legendary weapon blueprint
Snowline Elite Vest legendary gear blueprint
30-day Meta Pass trial card
Limited Howler weapon skins for the DE.50, MP5 and EBR-14
There's also separate maintenance compensation, including another 1,000 Starchrom and additional items, subject to eligibility conditions. The announced login package doesn't require you to join RaidZone. Thankfully, nobody is forcing you to risk maritime bankruptcy just to collect your presents.
When will the servers actually open?
Maintenance begins October 21 at 16:00 Pacific, with servers expected back around 19:00 Pacific (04:00 CEST on October 22). That's an estimate, not a guaranteed opening time. PC players should prepare for a substantial download, too. The official announcement lists approximately 26.28 GB through the PC launcher, although the in-game update is much smaller.
For the actual shipbuilding, piracy and naval combat systems, read our original Isles of Abyss preview.
Had enough of other players sinking your livelihood? Explore CRIMENET's 10 Best Heist Games to play right now, including pirate crews, ship robberies and criminals with considerably better escape plans. Sometimes it's nice being the bastard who takes everything.
Once Human: Isles of Abyss FAQ
When does Isles of Abyss launch?
Maintenance begins October 21, 2026, at 16:00 Pacific, with servers expected to reopen around 19:00 Pacific (04:00 CEST on October 22). The timing may change if maintenance takes longer.
Should I choose PvE or RaidZone?
Choose PvE for exploration, shipbuilding and cooperative survival without unwanted player attacks. RaidZone introduces PvP, scarcer resources and the risk of losing your ship's cargo.
How do I join Isles of Abyss?
New characters can select Other Scenarios → Isles of Abyss after completing or skipping the introduction. Eligible existing characters can use Menu → Scenario → Go to Sign Up during a scenario transition or Rest Period. RaidZone is selected separately from the character login screen.
How do I claim the free 10,000 Starchrom?
Sign in after the update and before November 8, 2026, at 14:00 Pacific, then collect the celebration package from your in-game mailbox. It also includes two legendary blueprints, a 30-day Meta Pass trial and limited weapon skins.
Can I play Isles of Abyss with friends?
Yes. Coordinate your server choice or use a Scenario Squad to enter together. Players already on a full server may also be able to invite friends using a Special Invitation Code.
What happens if my ship sinks in RaidZone?
You can rebuild it using saved ship blueprints, but supplies carried aboard the destroyed vessel are not refunded.
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