HoYoverse is testing something very different with Honkai: Nexus Anima. With the new closed beta, we have a bit more information about the game and how everything works.
Instead of fast-paced action combat like Genshin Impact or turn-based strategy like Honkai: Star Rail, this new project experiments with an auto-battler system that reminds heavily of Teamfight Tactics (TFT). The big question is, is this more casual, PvE-focused approach enough to keep players engaged?
Auto-Battles in Nexus Anima
Combat plays out on a simple hex grid where you drop your Anima onto the field and let them battle. They fight on their own, using special skills once their energy bar fills up. The trick comes from mixing and matching creatures with the right traits, since putting the right ones together unlocks bonus effects. You can also hand out items to boost stats or add extra perks.
Each team also has a Leader character, called “Kardia“, who brings a unique ability to the fight, almost like a commander backing up the squad. Overall, it is clearly inspired by auto-chess, but with the HoYoverse style! It is more about building up your favorite companions than chasing hardcore strategy.
A Softer Take on Auto-Battlers
Where Nexus Anima diverges from TFT is in its casual focus. There is no economy system, no stressful timers, and no PvP ladder. Instead, progression is tied to the overworld. You complete quests, explore with your Anima companions, and collect new units.
PvP might be added later, for now at least it is not in the current closed beta.
This makes it feel closer to a creature-collecting RPG with auto-battler elements than a hardcore competitive strategy game. For players who find TFT’s pressure overwhelming, Nexus Anima’s slower pace and story integration could be appealing.
Early Beta Feedback
Feedback from closed beta testers, however, has been mixed. The core system is easy to pick up, but battles are often described as too simple. Early fights rarely challenge players, with most losses coming from being underleveled rather than from bad strategy. Without deeper tactical hooks, some testers feel the game risks being “TFT Lite.”
At the same time, the casual nature could be exactly what HoYoverse is aiming for. It is a more approachable version of auto-battlers that mixes with its usual story-first philosophy. And a lot of players do love that.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
The timing here is pretty wild, since Riot’s Teamfight Tactics is about to roll out its own PvE mode. That means comparisons are pretty much guaranteed. The big difference is that TFT is built for competition, and Nexus Anima feels aimed at players who care more about story and exploration but still want a bit of strategy on the side.
The question is, will this lighter system keep people hooked over the long run. Right now, testers say it needs a bit deeper tactics, and fights that feel more rewarding. If HoYoverse can nail that, Nexus Anima could land as a fun mix of auto-battler, creature collecting, and narrative RPG, and that is something that does not really exist elsewhere.