Honkai: Nexus Anima's final closed beta begins November 25, 2026, on PC, Android, and iOS, with sign-ups open now. HoYoverse, the developer behind Honkai: Star Rail, plans to launch the open-world creature-catching adventure RPG in spring 2027.
The test expands the adventure with new story chapters, more areas of the starting town, additional Anima encounters, and the debut of Nexus Arena. Its adjusted Event Bonds also guarantee that the first 5-star Eidos or Anima obtained is the current limited one.
Iia opens more of its town to explore
Players take the role of an Animaster and begin their journey in Iia. New story chapters introduce companions and rivals, each with their own background and position in the unfolding adventure.
The town's expanded exploration includes three named settings:
- A traditional bank with grand halls.
- The floors of a high-rise office building.
- A lighthouse island.
Beyond the town's new locations, the test adds two activities alongside the exploration familiar to adventure games. Players can rest in their own RV at any time and build habitats for their Anima while exploring the map.
Anima encounters are expanding, too. Players can find creatures in their Chromatic forms, while more juvenile Anima will accompany them through challenges as they grow. HoYoverse is also adding interactions that include holding hands, hugging, and being lifted into the air by an Anima. Further interactions unlock progressively during the adventure.
Event Bonds get new guarantees
The final beta adjusts both the Eidos Event Bond and the Anima Event Bond. The changes cover the first 5-star result and an additional reward for obtaining a limited Eidos:
- First 5-star guarantee: The first 5-star Eidos or Anima obtained is guaranteed to be the current limited one.
- Matching companion reward: Obtaining the current limited Eidos also lets the player claim its matching Anima Companion for free.
These changes are part of the final closed beta's rules. They accompany the expanded creature roster and story content being introduced for this test.
Nexus Arena adds ranked combat
Nexus Arena makes its debut in the final closed beta. Players can assemble a lineup, get matched against opponents, and work toward higher ranks.
Combat changes also extend beyond the new mode. The open world and challenge stages will feature tougher enemies, adding more demanding encounters to exploration and staged battles.
HoYoverse will announce further details of the test schedule in later updates.
