Expanding the Universe: HoYoverse Unveils ‘Honkai: Nexus Anima’, a New Creature-Collector with a Strategic Twist

HoYoverse, the powerhouse studio behind global sensations Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, has officially revealed its latest venture: a spin-off title in the Honkai series called Honkai: Nexus Anima. The announcement, which follows months of leaks and speculation, marks a significant shift in HoYoverse’s traditional game design, trading high-octane action for a charming creature-collection adventure infused with auto-chess strategy elements.

First teased in a cryptic preview during the Honkai: Star Rail anniversary concert in May 2025, the new game promises a fresh, genre-bending experience. Honkai: Nexus Anima is not a character-action RPG in the vein of Genshin Impact or Honkai Impact 3rd, but rather an adventure strategy game where the primary focus is on collecting, bonding with, and battling adorable creatures known as Anima. This bold new direction signals HoYoverse’s ambition to expand its creative horizons and capture a new audience with a different kind of gameplay loop.

The game’s premise is rooted in a cosmic rupture that shattered the “Nexus”—the invisible connections between opposing forces like light and dark, life and death. The energy from this rupture gave rise to the Anima, each a living embodiment of a lost bond. Players assume the role of a traveler who must forge bonds with these creatures, utilizing their unique traits and powers in both open-world exploration and strategic, grid-based combat.

Gameplay and Features: A Blend of Exploration and Auto-Chess

Based on the official trailer and early details, Honkai: Nexus Anima appears to be a genre hybrid. The overworld exploration features a vibrant, colorful art style and allows for various traversal methods, including gliding and flying with the help of your Anima companions. The human characters, referred to as “Animasters,” seem to act as the player’s avatar and are not directly used in battle, a major departure from the studio’s other titles.

The core combat system is built around an auto-chess format, where players strategically place their Anima on a grid-based board. Success hinges on creating powerful synergies between the creatures, utilizing their “Aspects” (akin to elemental types) and “Traits” to outmaneuver opponents. This focus on strategic depth over twitch-based combat is a bold move that sets the game apart from its predecessors. It suggests that while the game is approachable and visually charming, it will also offer a layer of complexity for dedicated players.

HoYoverse has also confirmed the inclusion of a first-ever character creator, allowing players to customize their own in-game avatar. This adds a level of personalization that has been a long-requested feature in previous HoYoverse titles. The game will also include various casual activities and mini-games, suggesting a more laid-back, community-focused experience akin to titles like Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley.

The announcement of Honkai: Nexus Anima has also been accompanied by the opening of registration for a closed beta test called the “Nexus Bond Test.” This limited-time test is currently open for sign-ups for PC and iOS users, giving a select group of players the first hands-on experience with the game’s unique mechanics and charming world. The beta is scheduled to run until September 12, 2025, and all player progress will be wiped afterward.

Market Positioning and Future Prospects

The reveal of Honkai: Nexus Anima has sparked immediate comparison to Nintendo’s iconic Pokémon series, a parallel that HoYoverse seems to be leaning into with its focus on cute creatures and exploration. However, the use of an auto-chess battle system differentiates it significantly, moving it away from a direct clone and into a more unique strategic niche. The game is likely to appeal to a wide audience, from existing Honkai and Genshin Impact fans to players looking for a more relaxed, cozy gaming experience with a strategic twist.

The game’s initial trailer showcases some familiar faces from the Honkai universe, including Kiana and Blade, a move designed to draw in longtime fans and connect the new title to the broader franchise lore. The inclusion of these characters, along with the promise of a deep, gacha-based collection system, positions Honkai: Nexus Anima as a major new entry in the lucrative gacha market. With its distinctive art style, innovative gameplay, and the backing of one of the most successful game studios in the world, the game is poised to make a significant impact upon its official release, which is expected to be announced following the beta test’s conclusion.