There’s never been a better time to squad-up.
Meta’s popular VR battle royale experience POPULATION: ONE will be available free-to-play next month as part of a new update for Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro headsets. According to an official release from developer BigBox VR, the F2P update will include several new features, from new player lobbies and Sandbox rooms to various other gameplay balance changes.
Beginning March 9th, 2023, at 10:00 am PT, Quest 2 or Quest Pro players can download and play POPULATION: ONE 100% free of charge. Those who already own a copy of the game—or purchase a copy before the deadline listed above—will receive the Original Banana Bundle, a new in-game pack featuring several cosmetics that will never again be available as paid or earned rewards.
This includes the legendary “PJ Potassium” character skin, the rare “Prestige” full gun set, 1,000 in Bureau Gold, and more. To access the Original Banana Bundle, simply purchase and log in to the game anytime before the March 9th, 2023 deadline. An in-game pop-up will appear, instructing you to accept the bundle. See the image below for a full list of rewards.
In addition to the aforementioned bundle, BigBox VR will be releasing a number of game-wide updates next month. Not only will a Sandbox map be introduced to the Squads Evolving Map (replacing Outpost Hill), but the developer is also bringing back the game’s original battle royale map from Season One for some “Classic Squads” action.
Other changes include a new Single Player mode with dynamic artificial intelligence (AI) enemies, new player lobbies catering to beginner players, 12 or 23 Sandbox rooms, and various other graphical updates and gameplay balance changes. And this is just what you can expect on March 9th. BigBox VR has provided a more detailed 2023 roadmap teasing everything from new Sandbox features and modes to additional weapons. See the image below for more details.
As previously mentioned, POPULATION: ONE will be available free-to-play on Quest 2 and Quest Pro VR headsets beginning on March 9th, 2023 at 10:00 am PT. The game will also be available on Meta Rift and PC VR headsets via Steam for a discounted price of $19.99. Those who purchase the game on either of the platforms listed above after 10:00 am PT on March 9th, 2023 will automatically receive 1,200 ($20) worth of Bureau Gold.
For more information check out the developer blog update here.
Feature Image Credit: Meta, BigBox VR
