Honkai Nexus Anima Unveils Open-World Auto Battles

The official website for Honkai: Nexus Anima is now live, unveiling fresh details about HoYoverse’s latest autobattler adventure. Dive in to discover gameplay features, character insights, and how to join the upcoming closed beta.

Honkai: Nexus Anima Official Site Launches

Key Gameplay Details

After months of anticipation, HoYoverse unveiled Honkai Nexus Anima (HNA) with the launch of its official website. Initially teased during Honkai Star Rail’s May 4 concert livestream, the 20-second preview led fans to speculate a Pokémon-inspired experience.

The website confirms HNA as an auto-battler, requiring players to tactically position characters on a grid-based battlefield for automated combat. The genre includes hits like Teamfight Tactics and Auto Chess, but HNA expands beyond battles with expansive world exploration alongside collectible companions called "Anima"—units central to both combat and adventure.

Gameplay Trailer Highlights Auto-Battles, Exploration, and Social Features

A four-minute gameplay trailer debuted on HNA’s Twitter/X following the website launch, showcasing auto-battles, open-world traversal, mini-games, and multiplayer interactions. The exploration mechanics resemble Genshin Impact, with gliding and sprinting, but introduce rideable Animas for aerial and ground travel. While the footage focused on a coastal zone, the full scale of the world remains unknown.

Mini-games range from Anima races to target-shooting challenges, while character customization lets players modify hairstyles, attire, and more. The trailer also hinted at shared worlds where players can socialize.

The auto-battler system emphasizes team synergies via Anima traits, with power-ups unlocked during matches—similar to HoYoverse’s past Genshin Impact event, "Battle of Imagined Arrays." How this hybrid design stacks against genre staples remains to be seen.

Nexus Bond Test Registration Now Live

The Nexus Bond Test, HNA’s closed beta, opens August 29–September 12, 2025 (UTC+8) for PC and iOS. Applicants can sign up via the official website or Twitter/X post, with selections notified via email. A testing schedule will follow.

Giveaways include 150 beta slots, $100 gift cards, and Anima merchandise. To enter, participants must follow HNA’s Twitter/X, share their HoYoverse ID with hashtags #HonkaiNexusAnima and #NexusBondTest, and complete the application. Additional prizes require liking posts or tagging friends. Deadlines end September 3, 2025.

Meet the Animas

The website introduces Animas like Puddlipup (a playful pudding-themed pup) and Bunmareen (a bioluminescent beach dweller), each classified by Aspects (e.g., Satiation, War) and Traits (e.g., Gladiator, Mastermind). Of the 32 revealed Animas, 34 silhouettes hint at more to come.

Characters: Sovereigns, Novarchs, and Cameos

HNA’s roster includes Sovereigns (guardians of the Old World), Novarchs like Honkai Star Rail’s Blade (rulers of 81 New World planes), and crossover characters such as Kiana from Honkai Impact 3rd. Their roles deepen the game’s lore-driven narrative.

With beta recruitment underway and gameplay details emerging, HNA promises a fresh twist on HoYoverse’s portfolio. The title launches on iOS, Android, PC (Steam/Epic), with updates expected soon.