Petit Planet: HoYo’s Animal Crossing-Style Game Explained

▼ Summary
– HoYoverse has announced Petit Planet, a cute, Animal Crossing-inspired life simulation game set in space.
– The game involves decorating a personal planet, gardening, crafting, and building friendships with neighbors who influence the world’s growth.
– No release date has been announced, but based on past HoYoverse games, the wait could be around two years from the initial reveal.
– A beta test sign-up is available as of September 25, 2025, and pre-registration is open with potential in-game rewards for early sign-ups.
– Gameplay features include activities like planting and fishing, interior and exterior decorating, and a social hub called the Galactic Bazaar.
The gaming world is buzzing with the latest reveal from HoYoverse: Petit Planet, a charming life simulation game that draws clear inspiration from the beloved Animal Crossing series. This new title invites players to cultivate their own personal corner of the cosmos, focusing on decoration, community, and the gentle rhythm of daily activities. As the developer continues to expand its portfolio beyond action-RPGs, this cozy space-faring adventure promises a fresh, relaxing experience for fans of the genre.
Currently, there is no official release date for Petit Planet. HoYoverse has not provided even a general launch window, leaving fans to look at the company’s past patterns for clues. Titles like Honkai: Star Rail and Zenless Zone Zero typically saw about two years pass between their initial announcement and final release. While this isn’t a guarantee, it offers a plausible timeline for when players might expect to embark on their galactic homesteading journey.
You might have heard whispers of a game called “Astaweave Haven” prior to this announcement. That name was never officially confirmed by HoYoverse, but reports and keen-eyed fans noted social media accounts initially using that title before they were renamed to Petit Planet. It appears Astaweave Haven was a temporary or working title that has since been fully replaced by the current name.
For players eager to get an early look, a beta test for Petit Planet was announced, with sign-ups opening on September 25, 2025. The registration period for recent HoYoverse betas has remained open for roughly two weeks, though an exact closing date for this one has not been confirmed. To apply, you need to visit the official website, log in with your HoYoverse account, and complete a detailed questionnaire. It’s important to note that this beta sign-up is separate from pre-registration. Gaining access isn’t guaranteed through the form, as some test slots may also be distributed through future community events. There is no start date for the beta yet, so hopeful testers should keep a close watch on their email.
Pre-registration for Petit Planet is already live on the game’s official site. While the specific rewards for signing up early haven’t been detailed, HoYoverse typically offers incentives like in-game currency or special items. These bonuses are usually exclusive to those who pre-register, so waiting until the game’s launch will likely mean missing out.
The game’s first trailer, titled “Cozy Cosmos,” debuted during the 2025 Tokyo Game Show. The influence of Animal Crossing is immediately apparent, from the adorable animal neighbors to the core activities of gathering resources and customizing your environment. The footage showcases friendly woodland creatures, decorating both indoor and outdoor spaces, and social elements. One particularly promising scene around the 1:50 mark hints at extensive home customization, a feature that will undoubtedly appeal to creative players.
In this celestial life sim, the adorable inhabitants are referred to as “neighbors.” As you develop your planet, these characters can connect their own home planets to yours, allowing your friendship to grow through daily interactions like gift-giving and conversations. The initial roster of neighbors includes distinct personalities such as Yunguo the Cultivator, Isaki the Battle Bee Trainer, Medowlyn the Plushie Designer, and Frostia the Mystic Scholar. These characters likely function as a mix of permanent NPCs and potential residents who can move in.
Beyond building relationships, Petit Planet is packed with familiar life-sim activities. Players can look forward to planting, fishing, mining, cooking, crafting, and beachcombing. A major focus is on decorating your personal space, both inside your home and across your planet’s landscape, with the ability to collect themed furniture sets. The game also introduces unique features like the “Starsea Voyage” for exploration and discovering collectibles, and the “Galactic Bazaar,” a social hub where you can meet and interact with other players.
(Source: PC Gamer)
