HoYoverse, the studio behind hits like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, has dropped a surprising teaser for what appears to be the next installment in the Honkai franchise. Unveiled during Star Rail’s second anniversary concert livestream on May 4, 2025, the teaser has sparked intense speculation—and a lot of excitement.
Familiar Faces Return in a Strange New World
The short teaser features two familiar characters from the Honkai universe: Kiana Kaslana, the iconic heroine of Honkai Impact 3rd, and Blade, a powerful figure from Honkai: Star Rail. But this isn’t just another crossover. The two engage in a stylized duel, each joined by unique, creature-like companions—one resembling a dessert-themed dog, the other a dark, wolf-like spirit.
A key line from the Kiana lookalike: “Here I am, in a new Plane!” strongly hints that this could be a multiversal adventure or even a soft reboot of the Honkai timeline.
What Is Honkai: Nexus Anima?
While HoYoverse has yet to officially confirm the title, all signs point to Honkai: Nexus Anima. Just days before the teaser, HoYoverse filed multiple international trademarks under this name, and social media handles for Nexus Anima have quietly gone live.
In March, job postings hinted at a creature-collection auto chess RPG—with gameplay involving the training and evolution of “Destined Spirits” in a seaside setting. These details line up closely with what was shown in the teaser.
Auto Chess Meets Pokémon?
This new Honkai game might be HoYoverse’s boldest genre blend yet. The teaser’s companion creatures suggest Pokémon-like mechanics, while recent leaks and hiring info suggest an auto battler framework—where players position units on a grid and battles play out automatically.
The combination could mark a fresh evolution for the franchise—merging the storytelling of Honkai, the strategy of Teamfight Tactics, and the creature-bonding charm of Pokémon.
When Is It Coming?
There’s no official release date yet, and the teaser was more tone-setting than informative. However, the trademark filings and early marketing efforts indicate that Nexus Anima is well into development.
Given HoYoverse’s typical release cadence, players can likely expect more details later in 2025, possibly at gamescom, G-Star, or a dedicated HoYoverse Direct-style event.
What Were the Job Openings?
Back in March 2025, HoYoverse posted several job openings that align closely with what was teased in Nexus Anima. Key roles included:
- Gameplay Designer (Auto Battler Mechanics) — Focused on grid-based combat and real-time simulation systems.
- Creature Concept Artist — Responsible for designing “evolvable” companions inspired by mythology and everyday objects.
- Narrative Designer (Multiverse Storytelling) — Hinting at a setting that spans multiple timelines or planes of existence.
- Live Operations Manager — Suggesting that the game may feature ongoing seasonal content, battle passes, or limited-time events.
These roles strongly support the theory that Nexus Anima blends creature-collection mechanics with strategic auto chess gameplay, delivered through a persistent online model.
Expected Release Window
Considering the current stage of teaser marketing, trademark activity, and hiring, a closed beta or technical test could launch as early as late 2025, with a global release likely in 2026.
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