New Free RPG Once Human Launches: Release Date & Steam Details
| Release Date | Platforms | Price |
|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | PC (Steam) | Free-to-Play |
Steam has always been the Wild West of the PC gaming world, but lately, the platform is doubling down on high-concept mashups that actually sound too good to pass up. The latest heavy hitter to cross our desks is a new, free open-world RPG that attempts to bridge the gap between two of the most influential titles of the last decade. We are looking at a project that effectively blends the grim, oppressive atmosphere of The Last of Us with the brutal, player-driven survival systems found in Rust.
For those of us who have spent hundreds of hours getting raided in Rust or weeping through Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic stories, this pitch is a major deal. It’s a bold move to offer an experience of this scale without a price tag, especially when you consider the sheer depth usually required for an open-world RPG to succeed in today's crowded market.
The Survival RPG Hook: Why TLOU and Rust?
On paper, the "Last of Us meets Rust" descriptor tells us exactly what kind of pain we’re in for. From the Rust side of the family tree, we expect the hardcore survival loops—the "naked with a rock" starts, the base building, and the constant threat of other players looking to loot your hard-earned stash. But it’s the Last of Us influence that really has our team interested. Adding a layer of RPG depth and a world that feels lived-in (and died-in) suggests a focus on environmental storytelling that most survival games completely ignore.
Most survival titles fail because they lack a "soul"—they are just systems piled on top of systems. If this new RPG can nail the desperate, fungal-infested vibe of a world gone wrong while giving us the freedom to build fortified compounds, it could become a massive staple on the Steam charts. We’ve seen plenty of clones over the years, but a free-to-play entry that doesn't skimp on the RPG elements is a rare find.
The "Free to Keep" Trend on Steam
One of the biggest takeaways from this news is the sheer volume of free content hitting Valve’s storefront right now. This new RPG isn’t alone; the word from the latest reports indicates there are currently five other major titles you can download for free and keep forever. This isn't just a weekend trial or a demo—it's a full addition to your library. For gamers on a budget or those tired of the $70 price tag on half-baked AAA releases, this shift toward high-quality free-to-play RPGs is a game-changer.
Our take? Steam is becoming a sanctuary for these experimental hybrids. While big publishers are playing it safe with sequels, indie and mid-tier developers are using the free-to-play model to build massive player bases quickly. It’s a strategy that worked for Rust in its early days, and seeing it applied to a narrative-heavy RPG setting is something we’ve been wanting for years.
What This Means for the Open-World Meta
The open-world genre has been feeling a bit stale lately. We’re tired of following icons on a map. By mixing the unpredictable nature of survival games with the progression of an RPG, this new title has the potential to shake up the current meta. Imagine a game where the "endgame" isn't just better gear, but a fully functional settlement that has to survive both AI threats and human raids. That’s the dream this hybrid is selling.
However, we have to stay grounded. "Free" often comes with strings attached, usually in the form of microtransactions or a heavy grind. But if the core gameplay loop—the actual minute-to-minute scavenge and build cycle—is solid, the community will likely overlook the usual F2P hurdles. Unlike some of the busted patches we’ve seen in other survival titles recently, a fresh start in a new world is exactly what the PC community needs right now.
Wider Industry Context: Steam and Beyond
This release comes at a busy time for PC players. While we’re looking at this new survival RPG, the industry at large is seeing major moves. Valve itself is currently in the middle of legal drama over loot box mechanics, which makes the release of "truly free" games even more interesting. Meanwhile, MMO fans are gearing up for the World of Warcraft: Midnight expansion. In a week where big-budget expansions and legal battles are dominating the headlines, a free-to-play RPG that promises to scratch that Last of Us itch is a welcome distraction.
If you’re a fan of Red Dead Redemption 2, there’s even more to look at on Steam right now with various limited-time freebies like Way of the Hunter. But for our money, the real story is this TLOU/Rust hybrid. It’s an ambitious swing at a time when gamers are looking for something new that doesn't break the bank.
A new and free open-world RPG blends The Last of Us with Rust, and if you’re a fan of either, you may have just found a new game to throw yourself into.
Final Thoughts for PC Players
Whether this new RPG lives up to the hype or falls into the "janky survival" trap remains to be seen, but the price of entry makes it impossible to ignore. We recommend clearing some drive space and giving this one a shot. In a world where we’re often nickel-and-dimed for every skin and season pass, getting a "huge" open-world experience for zero dollars is a win in our book. Stay tuned as we monitor how the player base settles in and if the developers can keep the servers running under what is sure to be a massive day-one load.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the release date for Once Human?
- Once Human is scheduled to launch as a free-to-play title on PC via Steam in February 2026.
- Is Once Human really a mashup of The Last of Us and Rust?
- Yes, the developers describe the game as blending the atmospheric, post-apocalyptic storytelling of The Last of Us with the hardcore survival and base-building mechanics of Rust.
- On which platforms can I play Once Human?
- As of February 2026, Once Human is confirmed for release on PC specifically through the Steam platform.
- Will Once Human be free to play?
- Yes, Once Human is listed as a free-to-play open-world RPG, allowing players to join the survival experience without an upfront cost.