HoYoverse's new Anima-raising adventure strategy game, 'Honkai: Nexus Anima,' launched its second closed beta test, the 'Evolution Test,' on July 9.

'Honkai: Nexus Anima' is HoYoverse's first foray into the Anima-raising adventure strategy genre, with 'bonds' as its core theme. In the game's lore, bonds were once the force connecting contrasting concepts like love and hate, light and darkness, and reality and illusion. However, after the 'Honkai' event shattered these connections, unique creatures known as 'Nexus Anima'—imbued with primal energy—emerged across the world. Players take on the role of a dimensional traveler who has escaped confinement, embarking on a journey that begins in Iya Village to forge bonds with Anima and harness the power of the primal forces.

This Evolution Test follows the first closed beta, the 'Bond Test,' which took place from September 17 to 23, 2025. It is being conducted as a data-wiping test across PC, Android, and iOS platforms. Focusing on the 'bond between humans and Anima,' the test enhances emotional connections and interactions, introduces a new Anima evolution system, and expands the methods for forging bonds. New characters, regions, and content have also been added.

A key highlight of this test is the expanded 'Anima Synergy System.' Players can encounter Anima through various paths: forging bonds after winning battles, finding them by chance through missions or street encounters, or completing challenges in content like the 'Apex Club' to bond with unique Anima. Upon forming a bond, players can take commemorative photos and give their Anima a custom name; under certain conditions, they may even have the chance to bond with rare 'Chroma Anima.' Furthermore, the Anima evolution system allows certain Anima to transform into more powerful forms through challenge completion, synergy enhancement, and leveling up, unlocking new combat styles.

Player choices influence the progression and outcome of the story. As the adventure unfolds, players visit iconic locations such as the Bond Hall and the True Nexus Group building, building relationships with key characters from different factions, which gradually reveals the hidden layers of the world. In combat, companions can transform into 'Mindscapes' to support strategy, allowing players to construct different strategic routes even with the same Anima team depending on the Mindscape combination.

Iya Village, the starting point of the adventure, is also revealed in a more complete form during this test. From the bustling streets of the Newtown district to unique commercial spaces and landmark buildings, the village is intricately realized. Various factions, such as the 'Nexus Association' and the 'True Nexus Group,' are stationed in the village, waiting for players to explore. Many shop owners in Iya Village also use Anima as cooperative partners; players can dispatch their Anima to help run shops, explore the continent together, solve mysteries, and cooperate in battle.

The 'Honkai: Nexus Anima' Evolution Test runs for approximately three weeks, with servers opening on July 9 at 11:00 (KST) and closing on July 27 at 19:00 (KST). More detailed information about the game can be found on the official website.