HoYoverse is opening the gates to another round of creature-collecting chaos, as Honkai: Nexus Anima has confirmed its next closed beta test.
The Honkai: Nexus Anima Evolution Test kicks off on 9th July 2026 across PC, iOS, and Android. Recruitment is now live via the official website, with players invited to complete a survey for a chance to join the test.
As per the press release, this new beta will expand the Honkai series’ first creature-collecting adventure strategy game with fresh stories, new Anima, additional regions, and more gameplay systems. So yes, there are more mysterious little bond-powered beings to meet. Naturally.
A New Honkai Adventure Built Around Bonds
In Honkai: Nexus Anima, the world is shaped by invisible connections known as the Nexus. These bonds link paired Aspects, such as Love and Hate, Light and Dark, and Reality and Illusion.
After an event known as the Sundering, those connections were shattered. Their remaining power scattered across the world as creatures called Anima.
Players will form bonds with Anima and use the power of Aspects through them. These powers shape battles, exploration, puzzles, and the wider overworld. So your companions are not just cute travel buddies. They are also the key to surviving whatever weirdness the Planes decide to throw at you.
The latest trailer and gameplay showcase are also available now, giving players a closer look at the adventure ahead.
What’s New in the Evolution Test?
The Evolution Test puts players in the role of a plane-hopping traveller who has escaped captivity. Their journey begins in Iia, a quiet town in the Reality Plane.
From there, Honkai: Nexus Anima opens up with new stories, distinctive gameplay, and broader paths of exploration across multiple Planes.
A major focus of this test is Anima evolution. Each transformation reflects the growing bond between player and companion, giving Anima new strength while preserving the memory of their first meeting.
Players can also capture that moment with a unique photo and give each Anima its own name. On luckier days, they may even encounter a rare Chromatic Anima, because apparently even creature collecting needs its shiny-hunting equivalent.
Iia Opens Up With New Faces and Hidden Truths
The town of Iia will also get more room to breathe during the Evolution Test. Players can explore the New Quarter, commercial spaces, architectural landmarks, and quieter corners that help flesh out the town’s atmosphere.
Key locations like Nexus Hall and the True Nexus Building will introduce figures from different factions. Their goals and actions will reveal more of the world’s hidden complexity.
New characters, including Nanafey, Bai Mei, and Olympia, will also join the traveller’s path. Together, they will dig into forgotten histories and chase answers buried deep within the world.
The Evolution Test will be a limited, free closed beta test with a data wipe. It will be available on PC, iOS, and Android, with access granted to selected players who pre-register and complete the recruitment survey.
Further details will be shared in future announcements. For now, keen travellers can register via the official website and follow @HonkaiNA on YouTube, X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates.