Friday, 31 July 2026
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HoYoverse

HoYoverse is running multiple closed beta tests for upcoming games Honkai: Nexus Anima and Varsapura, while releasing live-service updates for Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero, including a Steam launch for the latter.

Synthesized from 10 Yomimono stories · updated 2d ago

HoYoverse is advancing several projects across its portfolio. The second closed beta test for Honkai: Nexus Anima, the Evolution Test, ran from July 9 to July 27, adding Anima evolution mechanics, new characters including Bai Mei, and returning series characters Blade and Kiana. The game is a creature-collection auto-chess title with exploration and branching narrative, a departure from the action-RPG focus of earlier Honkai entries. A separate confidentiality test for the new title Varsapura began recruiting testers in China on July 2, marking the first concrete development update since its November 2025 reveal; the test period has not been disclosed, and platforms and release date remain unannounced.

Alongside new game development, HoYoverse continues to update its live-service titles. The Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 preview program aired on July 3, detailing the new 5-star character Himeko・Departure and the Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration. A character PV for Himeko: Departure released on July 14 showed her leaving the Astral Express and continued the mystery with Motoko. Genshin Impact's Luna VIII update, released on July 1, introduced new outfits for Citlali and Charlotte, the Fatui Harbinger Sandrone as a playable character, and aerial exploration via a spaceship. Zenless Zone Zero launched on Steam on June 17, supporting cross-play and cross-save, and recorded a peak concurrent player count of approximately 13,000 shortly after release, with Very Positive user reviews.

Key facts

Honkai: Nexus Anima Evolution Test
Second closed beta test, the Evolution Test, ran July 9-27, adding Anima evolution and new characters Bai Mei, Blade, and Kiana. ↗
Honkai: Nexus Anima genre
Creature-collection auto-chess game with exploration and branching narrative, a shift from the Honkai series' action-RPG focus. ↗
Varsapura confidentiality test
HoYoverse began recruiting testers for a confidentiality test of Varsapura in China on July 2; test period not yet disclosed. ↗
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 preview
Preview program aired July 3, detailing Himeko・Departure and the Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration. ↗
Genshin Impact Luna VIII update
Released July 1, adding outfits for Citlali and Charlotte, Sandrone as a playable character, and aerial exploration. ↗
Zenless Zone Zero Steam launch
Released on Steam on June 17 with cross-play and cross-save; peaked at about 13,000 concurrent players shortly after launch. ↗

Timeline

Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every fact links the story it came from.

Facts

Announced
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 preview program broadcast on July 3 at 20:30 JST · 2026-06-29

Connections

Produces
honkai star rail, varsapura, honkai nexus anima, genshin impact, zenless zone zero

Structured graph also available as JSON at /public/entities/hoyoverse. CC BY 4.0.

Claim activity

When a claim about HoYoverse was confirmed, debunked, or disputed against open-web sources. The record stays even after a claim drops off the facts list.

  • Confirmed HoYoverse produces Genshin Impact Jun 19 · source

All coverage

2d ago

Zenless Zone Zero and ZOZOTOWN Reveal Full Collaboration Visual With Four Characters

HoYoverse and the Japanese fashion e-commerce platform ZOZOTOWN have released the full collaboration visual for Zenless Zone Zero, following a silhouette teaser the previous day. The newly drawn image, published on July 28, 2026, features four characters from the action RPG: Hoshimi Miyabi, Asaba Harumasa, Vivian, and Hugo, all dressed in matching black outfits. The collaboration period is scheduled from July 31 to August 31, 2026. ZOZOTOWN's official X account had been posting silhouette images daily leading up to the full reveal; the first silhouette, released on July 27, showed two characters whose identities were not immediately clear. Product details for the collaboration have not yet been announced, and further information is expected via the ZOZOTOWN official account. The collaboration marks a cross-promotion between HoYoverse's popular gacha game and a major online retailer, expanding the game's merchandise reach beyond in-game content.

5d ago

Honkai: Star Rail Launches Fate UBW Collaboration Phase 2 With Rin, Gilgamesh

HoYoverse began the second phase of the Honkai: Star Rail and Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration on July 24. The update adds the collaboration-exclusive 5-star characters Rin Tohsaka (voiced by Kana Ueda) and Gilgamesh (voiced by Tomokazu Seki), each available in their own event warps with increased drop rates. Players can also choose one free 5-star character from Gilgamesh or Archer (voiced by Junichi Suwabe) until the end of Version 4.6. The collaboration event story, titled "Phantom Creation: Holy Grail War," casts players as mages from another world who enter a Phantom Holy Grail War alongside Rin Tohsaka. The collaboration PV, titled "A Long-Awaited Reunion," includes visual references to Fate/Grand Order, Fate/Zero, and Fate/strange Fake. The project was produced with the cooperation of Fate series creator Kinoko Nasu and illustrator Takashi Takeuchi, who oversaw story composition and character skill design.

Jul 17

Zenless Zone Zero Ver.3.1 Launches July 29 With New Lumin Attribute Agent Remiere

HoYoverse announced during a July 17 preview program that Zenless Zone Zero version 3.1, titled "Long Goodbye," will release on July 29. The update introduces the first agent of the new Lumin attribute: Remiere, an S-rank anomaly agent voiced by Saori Ōnishi. She is joined by Sigrid, an S-rank Ice attack agent. A new permanent content mode, "Mystery of the Lost Path: Bagel Plan," will also be added. The Xbox PC version of the game will launch alongside the update, with cross-platform play between Xbox console and PC versions and temporarily increased XGP rewards. To celebrate the game's second anniversary, players will be able to freely choose and recruit one of five limited S-rank agents during the distribution period. Other additions include new costumes for Lucy, Vivian, Sigrid, and Remiere; a "Custom Modulation" feature that lets players pre-select up to six agents from limited or permanent S-rank agents; and adjustments to beginner guidance and inventory functions.

Jul 17

Pom From Honkai: Star Rail Appears in Zenless Zone Zero

On July 17, 2026, Pom, the mascot character from HoYoverse's Honkai: Star Rail, appeared in the company's other action RPG, Zenless Zone Zero. The official announcement framed the occurrence as a bug report, stating that residents of Sixth Street had reported seeing an unfamiliar Bangboo. The team said it was investigating and asked players to report any other sightings. Pom was found in three locations: the Video Store, Live House 404, and near the statue next to the Hobby Shop. Players can interact with her, and the dialogue includes keywords from Honkai: Star Rail such as "Two-Phase Paradise" and "fan creation." HoYoverse has scheduled a Ver.3.1 "Long Goodbye" preview program for July 17 at 20:30 JST, where details about the incident may be announced. The crossover has sparked speculation of a self-collaboration between HoYoverse's own titles. Zenless Zone Zero is available as a free-to-play title on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and mobile devices.

Jul 16

Honkai: Nexus Anima Evolution Test Introduces Anima Evolution and New Characters

HoYoverse held the second closed beta test for Honkai: Nexus Anima, called the Evolution Test. The test adds Anima evolution, where creatures can evolve into stronger forms with new elements. A new evolution challenge system requires players to complete tasks to unlock evolved Anima. New characters include Bai Mei with her partner Anima Meiyiryu. Returning series characters Blade from Honkai: Star Rail and Kiana from Honkai Impact 3rd also appear.

Jul 14

Honkai: Nexus Anima Preview Reveals Creature Collection and Auto-Chess Battles

HoYoverse's closed beta test for Honkai: Nexus Anima, a new Honkai series game, features creature collection, exploration in Iatown, and auto-chess style battles. Players bond with Nexus Anima creatures, use their skills for traversal, and deploy them in strategic auto-battles. The branching main quest changes based on choices. Honkai series characters appear as Mirror Heart supports. The Evolution Test runs July 9-27.

Jul 14

Himeko: Departure PV Shows Himeko Leaving the Astral Express

HoYoverse released the character PV 'Tonight, the Morning Star Falls' for Himeko: Departure (CV: Rie Tanaka) on July 14, 2026, ahead of the character's implementation on July 15. The PV opens with Himeko telling the Trailblazer she is leaving the Astral Express. It also depicts an exchange between Himeko and Motoko (also Rie Tanaka), continuing the mystery from the short anime 'Your End, My Beginning' released July 12. The PV includes battle scenes, the train crew, and the voice of Star Pioneer (CV: Takayuki Ishii). The BGM is an arrangement of 'Nightglow' from Honkai Impact 3rd.

Jul 3

HoYoverse's New Title Varsapura Quietly Moves Forward With Confidentiality Test in China

HoYoverse has begun recruiting testers for a confidentiality test of its upcoming game Varsapura in China. The test was announced on the Chinese game distribution platform TapTap, with recruitment starting July 2. The test period has not yet been disclosed. Varsapura was first announced in November 2025 with a 31-minute gameplay demo. The game features a female protagonist who belongs to an organization called SEAL and investigates supernatural phenomena. Its visual style blends anime aesthetics with a more realistic look, set in a modern city with offices and buildings. Gameplay footage showed driving through the city, suggesting an open world, and action combat against humanoid and jellyfish-like monsters. The protagonist wields a plastic umbrella as a weapon, which can be swung, thrown like a blade, and used to spray water for supernatural attacks. Players can switch between team members, including a senior SEAL member who fights with document files and a punk-styled girl who uses an iron ball. Platforms and a release date have not been announced. An official X account has been opened.

Jun 29

Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 Preview Program Set for July 3

HoYoverse will broadcast the Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 preview program on July 3 at 20:30 JST. The stream will detail the new 5-star character Himeko・Departure, voiced by Rie Tanaka, and the Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration update.

Jun 22

HoYoverse Opens Second Beta Test for Honkai: Nexus Anima

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.

Jun 18

Genshin Impact Luna VIII Adds Citlali and Charlotte Outfits

HoYoverse announced new outfits for Citlali and Charlotte in the Luna VIII update of Genshin Impact, set for release on July 1, 2026. Citlali's outfit, "Star and Smoke Night Talk," shows her in casual pajamas, while Charlotte's outfit, "Harlock Variation," is a detective-style look. Citlali's outfit will be sold in the in-game shop, and Charlotte's outfit will be a free reward from the new "Spirit Shadow Festival" event, where players can also obtain the 4-star character Charlotte herself. The Luna VIII update, titled "Return to Summer! Shadows? Spirit Festival!," also introduces the Fatui Harbinger Sandrone as a playable 5-star Cryo character, alongside a rerun for Citlali. New gameplay features include a spaceship for aerial exploration across Teyvat and a floor display function for maps. The update will be available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

Jun 16

Zenless Zone Zero Steam Version Launches Today

HoYoverse released the Steam version of its urban fantasy action RPG Zenless Zone Zero on June 17, 2026. The game is free-to-play with item-based monetization. It was previously available on PlayStation 5, PC via HoYoPlay and Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, Android, and iOS. The Steam version supports cross-play and cross-save, allowing players to transfer their existing account data. The launch coincides with Version 3.0, titled "Confessions of a Dream Player," which introduces two new S-rank agents: wind-element Verina and fire-element Normu. The PC version received a visual upgrade including ray tracing, DLSS super resolution, and frame generation. Shortly after release, the Steam version recorded a peak concurrent player count of approximately 13,000, according to SteamDB. User reviews on Steam are "Very Positive" with about 900 reviews and 90% positive rating. Many reviews come from players who previously played on other platforms and expressed satisfaction with the Steam release.

Jun 16

Genshin Impact Luna VIII Preview Program Airs June 18 With Mariko Honda and Lynn

HoYoverse announced on June 16 that it will stream the "Genshin Impact Luna VIII Preview Program" on June 18 at 21:00 JST. The program will feature voice actors Mariko Honda, who voices Sandrone, and Lynn, who voices Columbina, as guests. The announcement thumbnail shows Sandrone and Columbina against a background that appears to be Fontaine, and also previews new costumes for the characters Charlotte and Citlali. The broadcast will air on Thursday, a departure from the usual Friday schedule for these preview programs. The Luna VIII update is the next major version before a significant update, and past previews before major updates have introduced limited-time maps such as the Golden Apple Archipelago and Veluriyam Mirage, as well as new costumes. The program will be streamed on the official Genshin Impact YouTube channel and official X account. Genshin Impact is available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, and Android as a free-to-play title with in-app purchases.