Honkai: Nexus Anima Is HoYoverse’s Pokémon RPG

HoYoverse has officially unveiled Honkai: Nexus Anima, a brand-new free-to-play RPG that combines creature collecting with open-world exploration. The upcoming title mixes the familiar monster-catching formula made popular by Pokémon with the expansive world design and live-service features of Genshin Impact, creating one of the most anticipated RPGs of 2026.
As the newest entry in the Honkai franchise, Nexus Anima introduces players to a world filled with collectible creatures known as Anima, alongside a cast of unique playable characters, diverse environments, and action-focused combat. With a closed beta launching in July, excitement is already building among RPG fans.

Honkai: Nexus Anima Combines Creature Collecting With Open-World Exploration

Unlike traditional Pokémon-inspired games, Honkai: Nexus Anima places players inside a fully explorable open world where collecting creatures is only part of the adventure. Players can travel across multiple biomes, discover hidden areas, complete quests, and battle alongside their captured Anima.
The game adopts HoYoverse’s signature anime-inspired visual style seen in Honkai: Star Rail while introducing an entirely new cast of collectible companions. Rather than closely resembling Pokémon, the Anima feature original designs, helping the game establish its own identity within the growing creature-collecting genre.
Alongside the Anima, players can recruit human characters that provide passive buffs and strategic advantages during exploration and combat. Like previous HoYoverse titles, Nexus Anima will feature gacha mechanics, allowing players to unlock stronger characters and creatures through its summoning system.

Closed Beta Begins In July Ahead Of Full Release

Players won’t have to wait long to experience Honkai: Nexus Anima. HoYoverse has confirmed that the game’s closed beta begins on July 9, 2026, across PC, iOS, and Android. Registration is already available through the official website, giving fans an opportunity to test core gameplay systems before launch.
The beta will showcase exploration, creature collection, combat, and several multiplayer features, although all player progress will be reset once testing concludes. The beta also allows developers to gather community feedback before the full release.
HoYoverse has built a strong reputation with successful live-service games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, leading many players to expect another polished RPG experience. By combining open-world exploration with monster collecting, Honkai: Nexus Anima could become one of the biggest free-to-play releases for RPG fans.