During the second anniversary concert of Honkai: Star Rail, HoYoverse gave fans a surprise glimpse into the future of the Honkai universe. The studio officially teased a brand-new title—currently referred to as Honkai: Nexus Anima—a fresh installment in the beloved franchise.

While not much has been confirmed just yet, the teaser showed returning faces like Kiana and Blade, along with hints of new characters and their pet-like spirit companions. A subtle shift in focus suggests this entry will lean into creature-based combat, set in a modern, urban-fantasy world.

A New Kind of Honkai Experience

Nexus Anima diverges from prior games with its core gameplay. Eschewing conventional real-time or turn-based combat with central characters, the game is said to introduce auto-battling “Destined Spirits.” Players will gather, nurture, and evolve these companions, who possess the ability to glide, surf, and fly, thus incorporating exploration elements alongside combat.

Though still early in development, the game is said to be built in Unity, with several open roles listed across animation, level design, and systems. Leaks from trademark registrations and social media handles strongly point toward Nexus Anima being the official title.

Familiar Faces, New Setting

The teaser didn’t just debut new characters—it also tied in icons from both Honkai Impact 3rd and Honkai: Star Rail. Kiana was seen introducing herself in a new setting, and Blade made a brief appearance, linking the timeline with existing Honkai lore. This suggests the story may be set in an alternate timeline or dimension, allowing familiar characters to crossover in unexpected ways.

From what’s been shown, the setting will include a peaceful seaside town and more urban areas, creating a fresh contrast to the high-intensity sci-fi vibes of previous games. It’s a change in tone, but one that could bring even more depth to the Honkai universe.

While Honkai: Nexus Anima is still in its early stages, the concept has already captured the attention of longtime fans. With creature-based battles, open-world exploration, and the return of familiar characters, this new title has all the potential to be another hit from HoYoverse.

When it finally launches, you’ll be able to experience it all on PC with BlueStacks for the best possible performance and controls. Stay tuned for more updates as development continues.