Honkai: Nexus Anima Evolution Test launches July 9

miHoYo has confirmed that the Honkai: Nexus Anima Evolution Test will officially begin on July 9, spanning PC, iOS, and Android platforms. While no end date has been disclosed, players can now register their interest through the game’s official website.

This latest installment in the Honkai series expands its signature blend of creature collection and strategic adventure. During the Evolution Test, miHoYo promises a deeper dive into core mechanics and narrative, introducing fresh characters, new Anima creatures, unexplored regions, and additional gameplay systems designed to enrich the overall experience.

The world of Honkai: Nexus Anima is built around the concept of Nexus,the invisible bonds between paired Aspects like Love and Hate, Light and Dark, and Reality and Illusion. After a cataclysmic event known as the Sundering, these connections were broken, scattering their power across the globe as Anima. Players assume the role of a traveler who must forge bonds with these creatures, harnessing their Aspect-driven abilities not only for combat but also to navigate puzzles, explore the overworld, and overcome challenges. The game’s environments,from quiet town benches and tree-lined paths to warmly lit windows,serve as backdrops for the bonds formed between player and Anima. As players venture into uncharted territories, they engage in thrilling Nexus Battles, with each step strengthening their connection and slowly revealing secrets buried within the protagonist’s past.

In the Evolution Test, the journey begins in Iia, a serene town located in the Reality Plane. Players take on the role of a plane-hopping escapee, and from this starting point, the world opens up to reveal new stories, unique gameplay, and expanded exploration routes. A central feature is Anima evolution, one of the world’s most remarkable phenomena. These transformations are not merely physical changes,they symbolize the deepening bond between player and creature, as Anima grow stronger to protect the moment they first met. Players can preserve these memories through a dedicated photo feature, giving each Anima a personal name. On rare occasions, they may encounter a Chromatic Anima, turning an ordinary discovery into an unforgettable event.

Iia itself becomes more fully realized during the test. Its New Quarter buzzes with life, featuring distinct commercial spaces and architectural landmarks that invite exploration and quiet reflection. Beyond the surface, locations like Nexus Hall and the True Nexus Building introduce key figures from various factions, each with their own ideals and hidden agendas. Every encounter and choice adds depth to the narrative, drawing players closer to the world’s truths. New characters,including Nanafey, Bai Mei, and Olympia,will join the traveler, venturing deeper into forgotten histories and seeking answers to long-buried mysteries.

The Evolution Test is a limited, free closed beta that includes a data wipe. Access will be granted to a select group of players who have pre-registered and successfully submitted the recruitment survey. Additional details about the test are expected in future announcements. To accompany the announcement, miHoYo released an Evolution Teaser titled “Until We Meet” and a Gameplay Showcase, both available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Traditional Chinese. A new set of screenshots has also been added to the gallery.