HoYoverse Opens Second Beta Test for Honkai: Nexus Anima
This second test signals HoYoverse is moving Honkai: Nexus Anima closer to a full release, and the inclusion of familiar characters like Kiana and Blade confirms it will tie directly into the broader Honkai universe.
Reporting from 2 sources: Game Spark, Inside.
HoYoverse will run a second closed beta test for its new auto-chess strategy game Honkai: Nexus Anima, called the Evolution Test, from July 9 on PC, iOS, and Android. Participant recruitment runs from June 22 to July 4, with selection by lottery from applicants who complete pre-registration and a survey. The test deletes all data after it ends. Alongside the announcement, HoYoverse released a new trailer titled Evolution PV 'Until the Day We Meet' and gameplay footage. The video shows multiple new characters, including Kiana and Blade, who are returning from earlier Honkai series entries. Honkai: Nexus Anima is the latest game in the Honkai franchise, following Honkai Impact 3rd and Honkai: Star Rail. It is an auto-chess-style title where players collect and battle creatures called Anima. The Evolution Test is meant to expand on the core systems and story, adding new characters, Anima, areas, and game design elements.
The Evolution Test is a data-deleting closed beta, meaning all progress will be wiped after the test period ends. HoYoverse has not announced a final release date for Honkai: Nexus Anima. The game was first revealed in 2025 and held its first closed test earlier this year. The new trailer and gameplay footage are available on the official website. Both Inside and Game Spark reported the same details about the test dates, platform availability, and the recruitment process. Neither source mentioned any changes to the game's monetization model or a planned launch window. The auto-chess genre is a departure from HoYoverse's usual action RPG and turn-based formats, making this test a key indicator of how the studio handles a strategy-focused title within its established franchise.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.