Pokémon Fans Can Play New Open-World Sci-Fi RPG This November

Pokémon Winds and Waves is still a year away from arriving on the Nintendo Switch 2, but a promising sci-fi open-world alternative will let fans play this November on mobile and PC.

HoYoverse, the global gaming publisher behind Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero and Honkai: Star Rail, has opened registration for the final closed beta test of its upcoming free-to-play title, Honkai: Nexus Anima. The open-world creature-catching adventure RPG will kick off its "Final Closed Beta" on Nov. 25, 2026, for PC, Android and iOS, ahead of its spring 2027 launch. Players can sign up through the official Honkai: Nexus Anima website, although participation is limited to selected applicants. More details about what to expect from the final beta are available below.

Honkai: Nexus Anima Reveals New Features Ahead of November 25 Closed Beta

"In the Final Closed Beta, players take on the role of an Animaster and set out from the town of Iia on a brand-new adventure," HoYoverse explains.

"This test features more captivating stories, distinctive gameplay, and richer exploration than any before it, painting a fuller picture of the world of Honkai: Nexus Anima. Players will not only unlock new chapters of the adventure, but also meet new faces along the way -- some companions, others formidable rivals. Each brings a past and a stance of their own, adding more unknowns and possibilities to the journey ahead."

Iia, a small town on the continent of Lusciell in the Plane of Reality, serves as the starting point for players in Honkai: Nexus Anima. Players can explore this brand-new setting and experience its distinct civilization, taking in architectural sights such as banks, office buildings and lighthouses, while enjoying its warm, summery atmosphere. The beta test will also let players enjoy a little R&R in their own RVs and build unique habitats for their Anima creatures as they explore the map.

Honkai: Nexus Anima Introduces New Creature Interactions and Competitive Arena Mode

Players can encounter Anima with Chromatic forms in the wilderness. Juvenile Anima will also travel alongside players, showcasing their growth from "fledgling to formidable" throughout the adventure. Additionally, the Eidos Event Bond and Anima Event Bond systems are being adjusted: the first 5-star Eidos or Anima a player obtains is guaranteed to be the currently featured limited one. Players who obtain the featured limited Eidos can also claim its matching Anima Companion for free.

The Nov. 25 beta test further enhances how Anima interact with players, introducing affectionate gestures such as holding hands, hugging and even lifting players high into the air. These interactions and more will gradually unlock as players progress through their adventures.

Lastly, the game's combat system is also receiving an upgrade. The brand-new Nexus Arena mode will debut in the upcoming beta, allowing players to assemble their preferred lineups, compete against opponents and climb the rankings. The open world and various challenge stages will also feature tougher enemies for those seeking a more demanding combat experience.

• Pokémon TV-Y7 Animation Adventure Anime Fantasy Release Date 1997 - 2023-00-00 Network TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC

  Cast

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  • Rica Matsumoto Satoshi (voice)
  • Ikue Otani Pikachu (voice)

  Ash Ketchum, his yellow pet Pikachu, and his human friends explore a world of powerful creatures.

• Genshin Impact RPG Action Adventure Gacha Open-World Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 81/100 Critics Rec: 87% Released September 28, 2020 ESRB Teen / Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact Developer(s) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo) Publisher(s) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo) Engine Unity Multiplayer Online Co-Op Cross-Platform Play All platforms FX Wiki Wiki

  Set in the fantasy world of Teyvat, each of the seven nations is tied to a different element and ruled by a different god. Following an interstellar adventurer known as the Traveler, the character is separated from their twin sibling and sets out across Teyvat to reconnect with them. 

  Genre(s) RPG, Action, Adventure, Gacha, Open-World

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