Image Credit: MiHoyo / HoYoverse


HoYoverse, the developer behind Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero, and Honkai: Star Rail, has officially revealed its next major title: Honkai: Nexus Anima. First teased during Star Rail’s anniversary concert, the game is described as a “creature-collecting adventure strategy game” that mixes exploration with auto-battler combat. 

Alongside the announcement, HoYoverse launched the game’s official website, which showcases its cast of characters and the mysterious beings known as Anima—companions that fight alongside players and play a key role in both combat and exploration. The site features character bios, companion profiles, and details on Anima types, highlighting their unique abilities and personalities. Early examples include whimsical designs like Puddlipup, a pudding-inspired pup, and Taileep, a mischievous rabbit-like creature.

Image Credit: MiHoyo / HoYoverse

The story of Nexus Anima centers on a traveler who awakens in a new world where fractured “Nexus” bonds—concepts like Light and Dark, or Life and Death—manifest as Anima. Players will team up with various human characters, such as Sovereigns and Novarchs, to uncover the secrets of this realm. Familiar faces from past Honkai titles, including Kiana from Honkai Impact 3rd and Blade from Star Rail, are also confirmed to appear, hinting at deeper ties across HoYoverse’s expanding multiverse.

To mark the reveal, HoYoverse released a new gameplay trailer, offering a first look at open-world traversal, strategic Anima battles, and companion-based exploration.

New Characters, Creatures, and First Look at Gameplay

Alongside the official announcement, HoYoverse introduced the first lineup of characters in Honkai: Nexus Anima, each bringing unique combat styles and personalities to the battlefield. Fans also got a glimpse of the game’s mystical new creatures—ethereal beings that play a central role in the world of Nexus Anima.

HoYoverse revealed the first lineup of characters and mystical creatures in Honkai: Nexus Anima. Each character wields distinct combat styles and abilities, while the creatures—known as Anima—play a central role in both story and gameplay. Together, they form a bond system that enhances battles and exploration.

Image Credit: MiHoyo / HoYoverse



To showcase these additions, HoYoverse dropped a new cinematic trailer and a preview gameplay video, offering players a closer look at the game’s combat mechanics, immersive environments, and the synergy between characters and their creature companions. 

In addition to the trailer, HoYoverse released a first look gameplay video, giving fans a closer look at combat, exploration, and the synergy between characters and Anima companions. The footage highlights fluid action mechanics, cinematic combat animations, and the game’s rich environments.

Both the character reveals and gameplay showcases set the stage for what could become HoYoverse’s next major hit, blending narrative depth with high-energy battles in a fantastical setting.


Closed Beta Sign-Ups Open

HoYoverse has opened pre-registrations for the game’s first closed beta, officially titled the “Nexus Bond Test.”

Image Credit: MiHoyo / HoYoverse

Image Credit: MiHoyo / HoYoverse (from Hoyolab)

  • Platforms: PC and iOS
  • Registration Period: August 29 – September 12, 2025 (UTC+8)
  • Languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese
  • Progress Reset: All test data will be wiped after the beta ends

No release date has been confirmed, but with the website, trailer, and beta sign-ups now live, Honkai: Nexus Anima is shaping up to be HoYoverse’s next major franchise entry.


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Source: Honkai: Nexus Anima Official