Everything we know about ANANTA, NetEase’s brand-new urban stylized RPG

NetEase Games and Naked Rain have finally lifted the curtain on ANANTA, their highly anticipated free-to-play urban RPG. Originally announced as “Project MUGEN” at Gamescom 2023, the game has been generating massive buzz for its anime-inspired open world and its promise of limitless fun. With pre-registration already open and a new gameplay trailer released, fans now have a clearer picture of what to expect from this ambitious title. From its bustling cityscapes and whimsical chaos to its dynamic combat system and vibrant cast of characters, ANANTA is looking to be one of the most intriguing RPGs of its kind to release later down the line.
Welcome to NOVA City, An Urban Playground!
At its core, ANANTA is about immersing players in the sprawling, interconnected world of Nova City, an anime-style metropolis where the unexpected lurks around every corner. Formerly known as Project MUGEN, the game rebranded to ANANTA in November 2024, alongside its pre-registration launch and an offline test in China. The latest seven-minute trailer showcases a city brimming with life, neon-lit nightlife, and countless opportunities to explore.
Unlike traditional RPG hubs, Nova City isn’t just a backdrop for quests but a living, breathing environment. Players can move from sleek business districts to hidden alleyways, pet stray cats, snoop on NPCs’ phones, or even get caught up in spontaneous gang clashes. Every choice you make leaves a mark on the city and its inhabitants, adding a sense of consequence and interactivity rarely seen in open-world RPGs.
And Nova City is only the beginning. The trailer also teases interconnected areas, with glimpses of other unique districts like the Sonic Boom Club, the Whalebone Library, and the Eve Gallery, each promising new stories and gameplay experiences.
Play as an Elite Agent in the A.C.D
In ANANTA, you take on the role of an elite Agent of the A.C.D. (Anti-Chaos Directorate), tasked with restoring balance in a city beset by chaos. Paranormal phenomena run rampant, and you’ll encounter everything from eerie, supernatural anomalies to downright surreal events such as legged toilets sprinting through traffic. Your mission is to safeguard humanity, neutralize threats, and solve mysteries, all while carving out your own path in Nova City.
This dual focus on serious missions and offbeat humor sets ANANTA apart. It isn’t just about saving the world; it’s about living in it. You’re encouraged to step away from agent duties to enjoy weekend explorations, form bonds with NPCs, and experience the vibrant life the city has to offer at your own pace.
Gain Interactive Freedom with the Ultra-Free 3C System
One of ANANTA’s standout features is its ultra-free 3C system, which gives players unparalleled freedom to traverse the city. You can swing across rooftops like an action hero, zip through traffic on a motorcycle, or hop into buses, cars, and even helicopters to get around. Vehicles aren’t just for show; they’re also integrated into missions, letting you complete objectives in creative ways instead of the mundane travelling from point A to point B seen in similar open-world games.
The city is layered vertically, with accessible rooftops, mid-level interiors, and street-level areas. This multi-tiered design ensures exploration feels seamless and natural. Whether you’re scaling skyscrapers or diving into underground hideouts, Nova City rewards curiosity with new stories, characters, and encounters at every turn.
Dynamic Fast-paced Action Combat Awaits you!
Combat in ANANTA is as thrilling and unpredictable as the city itself. Drawing inspiration from martial arts and action films, battles are built around fluidity, creativity, and improvisation. Instead of relying solely on your character’s weapons, the environment becomes part of your arsenal. You can grab everyday objects from the likes of golf clubs to trash bins, and wield them against your enemies, or even pick up weapons dropped by foes mid-fight.
The system emphasizes dodges, blocks, and counterattacks, letting you adapt on the fly. In chaotic scenarios, you’ll need to quickly discern between neutral bystanders and actual threats, separating “order” from “chaos” to protect innocents while defeating enemies. This blend of high-stakes decision-making and improvisational combat makes each encounter feel cinematic and fresh.
Players can enjoy playing ANANTA on a bigger screen of their PC or Laptop via BlueStacks along with your keyboard and mouse.