- Honkai Nexus Anima beta details are officially live with the launch of the second closed beta, known as the Evolution Test, running from July 9 to July 27, 2026.
- Supported platforms for this test phase include PC, iOS, and Android, featuring full cross-platform testing with a complete account data wipe afterward.
- Tester recruitment was officially open from June 22 to July 3, 2026, with official selection notifications rolling out via email starting July 8, 2026.
- Core gameplay features introduced in this beta highlight the expanded Anima Synergy System, multi-stage Anima Evolution, and rare Chroma Anima variants.
Honkai Nexus Anima Beta Schedule and Platforms
The Honkai Nexus Anima beta milestone has officially arrived. Known as the Evolution Test, this closed beta phase serves as HoYoverse's second major testing window for its highly anticipated creature-collector adventure strategy game. Following the initial "Nexus Bond Test" held in September 2025, the Evolution Test introduces significantly expanded gameplay systems, giving players their first look at the deep mechanical progression of their Anima companions.
Video Highlights:
- Creature Collection: A look at the diverse, whimsical designs of the companion roster.
- Nexus Battles: Semi-autonomous combat showing team positioning and Aspect combinations.
- Exploration Loop: Journeying through Iia Village and interacting with local factions.
This testing phase is designed as a limited, free-to-play closed beta with no in-game monetization, and all player account progress will be wiped once the test concludes. To understand the timeline, platform availability, and operational details of this beta, review the comprehensive reference table below.
| Test Attribute | Specification | Player Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Test Name | Evolution Test (Second Closed Beta) | Focuses on progression, evolution, and combat systems. |
| Start Date | July 9, 2026, at 11:00 KST | Servers officially open for selected accounts. |
| End Date | July 27, 2026, at 19:00 KST | Approximately three weeks of continuous server uptime. |
| Platforms | PC, iOS, Android | Cross-platform testing; platforms assigned via survey. |
| Data Policy | Account Wipe | All progress, bonds, and collected Anima will be deleted. |
| Monetization | Completely Free | No real-money transactions are active during this test. |
Test access for the Evolution Test is strictly bound to the first device you use to log in on each platform. Attempting to switch devices or share your account will result in an automatic, permanent ban of your test access.
How to Register and Check Beta Access
Securing a spot in the Honkai Nexus Anima beta requires players to complete a structured registration process through official HoYoverse channels. While the recruitment window for the July 2026 Evolution Test has concluded, understanding these steps is essential for gaining entry into future public and confidential test phases.
Log In to HoYoverse Account
Visit the official Honkai: Nexus Anima website and log in using your active HoYoverse Account credentials.
Complete Pre-Registration
Click the pre-registration button on the main landing page to officially link your account to the game's upcoming release roster.
Submit the Recruitment Questionnaire
Fill out the detailed survey, specifying your gaming hardware, preferred platform (PC, iOS, or Android), and past experience with creature-collector games.
Verify Your Discord Account
Join the official Honkai: Nexus Anima Discord server and complete the account verification process to receive real-time access updates.
For players who registered during the recruitment period (June 22 to July 3, 2026), access can be verified using two primary methods.
Email Notification Check
Official selection emails are dispatched from notifications@official.hoyoverse.com starting July 8, 2026. Ensure you inspect your promotional, spam, and junk folders for the official setup instructions and installation package links.
Official Website Verification
Navigate to the official homepage and log in to your account. Click on the Check Test Access button to instantly view your selection status and download the appropriate client for your assigned platform.
HoYoverse does not charge for beta access, nor does it allow the transfer or trading of test accounts. Avoid third-party sellers offering test activation codes or unofficial installation packages.
New Gameplay Features in the Evolution Test
The Evolution Test introduces a massive leap in content compared to previous builds, shifting the gameplay loop toward deep emotional bonds and tactical depth. Players explore the starting town of Iia in the Reality Plane, interacting with local merchants and major factions such as the Nexus Association and the True Nexus Syndicate.
The primary additions tested during this beta phase focus heavily on how players collect, raise, and fight alongside their companion creatures.
The Anima Evolution System
For the first time, players can witness the wondrous phenomenon of Anima transformation. Evolving an Anima goes beyond a simple visual change; it alters their combat capabilities, upgrades their skills, and represents the strengthening bond between the companion and the traveler.
| Evolution Stage | Form Example | Gameplay Impact | Visual Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 (Base) | Inkifoal | High mobility, basic utility skills, small field presence | Compact, companion-style |
| Stage 2 (Mid) | Inkicorn | Balanced stats, enhanced elemental synergy, moderate damage | Medium, riding-ready |
| Stage 3 (Final) | Atragasus | Ultimate combat passive unlocked, massive battlefield impact | Large, mount-capable |
Rare Chroma Anima Variants
A major highlight of this beta is the introduction of Chroma Anima. These are exceptionally rare color variants of standard creatures that feature unique visual sparkle effects. Encountering them is highly chance-based during overworld exploration, street encounters, or special challenges in the Apex Club.
Once bonded, players can commemorate the encounter by renaming their companion and taking custom photos to share with the community.
In Iia Village, many shop owners use Anima as cooperative partners. During the beta, you can dispatch your collected Anima to help run local shops, earning you valuable in-game resources and Sciellings (the world's currency) while you are offline.
Anima Battle Roles and Team Synergy
Combat in Honkai: Nexus Anima, known as Nexus Battles, centers around strategic, auto-battler-style arena encounters. Instead of direct turn-based commands, players arrange their team based on their companions' combat roles, elemental Aspects, and natural synergy.
To help you build an effective team during the Honkai Nexus Anima beta, the following grid outlines the core roles and standout companions revealed during the test.
Frontline Protectors
- Fyrklor: A greatsword-wielding powerhouse built around raw strength and party protection.
- Scorscythe: A sharp, melee-focused companion that uses its bladed tail to apply constant pressure.
Backline Utility
- Umpurrella: A cat-like umbrella companion that provides defensive shields and elemental crowd control.
- Moneytree: A Prosperity Aspect companion that sheds currency and boosts team energy regeneration.
Exploration & Support
- Camcorgi: A camera-themed dog companion that excels in finding hidden items and capturing exploration memories.
- Hoggit: A Satiation-based companion that provides passive out-of-combat healing and comfort buffs.
To optimize your team's performance, match your active roster against the core elemental Aspects of the world. Utilizing contrasting concepts like Reality and Illusion or Light and Dark activates powerful team-wide synergy buffs.
Beta Progression Checklist
Maximize your time in the three-week Evolution Test by completing these essential milestones before the servers close on July 27, 2026.
Evolution Test Key Milestones:
- Complete the main storyline starting from Iia Village in the Reality Plane
- Successfully evolve at least one Anima to its final Stage 3 form
- Encounter and bond with a rare Chroma Anima variant
- Reach the maximum reputation rank with the Nexus Association faction
- Unlock and complete an advanced challenge run in the Apex Club arena
Honkai Nexus Anima Beta FAQ
Q: When does the Honkai Nexus Anima beta start and end?
The Evolution Test beta officially starts on July 9, 2026, at 11:00 KST and runs until July 27, 2026, at 19:00 KST.
Q: Will my progress carry over to the official launch?
No. The Evolution Test is a limited closed beta with a complete data wipe. All character levels, items, and bonded Anima will be deleted when the test ends.
Q: What platforms are supported during the Evolution Test?
The test is fully playable on PC, iOS, and Android devices. Your specific platform access is determined by the hardware you listed in your recruitment questionnaire.
Q: Can I share my beta account or change my test platform?
No. Test access is bound strictly to the first device you use to log in. Account sharing, trading, or selling is strictly prohibited and will result in an immediate ban.