Honkai Nexus Anima: Gameplay, Story, Gacha and more
Honkai: Nexus Anima has stirred excitement across the gacha and creature‑collector gaming communities since its unveiling. As the next entry in the Honkai franchise, it brings a fresh mix of auto‑battler mechanics, exploration, and the signature gacha elements fans expect. In this article for UltimateGacha.com, we break down everything you need to know: gameplay, story, gacha systems, and more.
What Is Honkai: Nexus Anima?
Honkai: Nexus Anima (often abbreviated HNA) is an upcoming creature‑collector adventure strategy game developed and published by miHoYo (HoYoverse). It officially sits within the Honkai universe, borrowing lore threads and even characters from Honkai: Star Rail and Honkai Impact 3rd.
Key high‑level features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Genre | Creature collection + adventure + auto‑battler / auto‑chess strategy |
| Platforms | iOS and PC (Windows) for the planned closed beta, possibly expanding later |
| Release status | Not yet released, currently in recruitment for “Nexus Bond Test” (closed beta) |
| Core loop | Explore the world, collect Anima, engage in Nexus Battles (auto chess), build synergies |
Gameplay Mechanics & Systems
Auto‑Chess Style Nexus Battles
The heart of HNA’s combat is an auto‑battler or auto‑chess format. Players, referred to as “Animasters,” place their Anima units on a grid or board, set up their formation and synergies, and then the confrontation plays out automatically.
You must decide when to upgrade units, when to recruit new ones, and balance resource management versus board strength, much like in Teamfight Tactics or other auto‑chess games.
Exploration, Mounts & Side Modes
Beyond battles, HNA also offers exploration in an open world. The Anima creatures can serve as mounts to traverse the map more swiftly.
The trailer and early footage also hint at various mini‑games, racing, target shooting, and more, that break up combat loops.
Traits, Aspects & Synergies
Anima units have Traits and Aspects, two systems that influence how they interact and deliver bonuses:
- Traits function like class or role affinities (e.g. Striker, Protector, Gladiator) giving baseline synergy and combat roles.
- Aspects are akin to elemental or thematic attributes (Light, Dark, War, Love, Pride, etc.) that can trigger bonus effects if matched or countered properly.
Matching Aspects and combining complementary traits can unlock powerful synergies on the board.
Story & Setting
The core narrative of Honkai: Nexus Anima centers around the concept of Nexus, the invisible bonds connecting paired concepts (for example, Love & Hate, Light & Dark, Life & Death). A mysterious rupture breaks these bonds, scattering their remnant power into the world as Anima creatures.
Players take on the role of a dimension‑hopping traveler who escapes captivity and begins exploring from a tranquil home town into uncharted realms. Along the way, they collect Anima, rebuild bonds, and uncover hidden truths about the world and the protagonist’s past.
The game will also include Eidolons or special characters drawn through gacha mechanics who act as leaders or extra support.
Gacha, Monetization & Collection
Gacha Mechanics & Pulls
HNA is expected to use gacha systems likely in two ways:
- Anima collection: While many Anima may be collectible through exploration and gameplay, rare or elite Anima will likely be locked behind banner draws.
- Stellar characters / Eidolons: Some powerful leader units or character skins may require gacha pulls.
Early beta reports mention paid acquisition of gold‑tier Anima and character skins in a store.
Speculation suggests there may be guarantees (e.g. 90‑draw minor guarantee, 180‑draw major guarantee), though this is unconfirmed.
Collection Goals & Progression
One of the long‑term draws is collection, “catch them all” style. Reports suggest there could be over 100 different Anima with evolutions.
Players will level up, upgrade, and evolve Anima to adapt to tougher Nexus Battles.
Cosmetics and skins may play a major role in monetization, allowing aesthetic customization without necessarily affecting power balancing.
Prospects, Risks & What to Watch
Honkai: Nexus Anima has a lot going for it, cute creature designs, a fresh genre shift for Honkai, and the promise of deep strategic layers. However, the reliance on gacha monetization and balancing free vs paying players remains a risk.
Because the game is still in closed testing, many features and mechanics are subject to change. Stay tuned for official announcements, test updates, and community feedback once the Nexus Bond Test launches.
