HoYoverse’s upcoming project, Honkai: Nexus Anima, has resurfaced in the spotlight after new app store images leaked online. The screenshots provide a clearer glimpse of its gameplay, hinting that the next entry in the Honkai series may adopt an autochess battle system as its core feature.
From Creature-Training RPG to Autochess Strategy
When first revealed earlier this year, Honkai: Nexus Anima was described as a “creature-training RPG with urban fantasy elements.” Early teasers and job listings suggested players would collect and nurture “Destined Spirits,” companions that could evolve, unlock special abilities, and even glide, fly, or surf across an explorable world.
However, the newly leaked images show a very different direction. The screenshots depict a grid-based board, where spirit-like creatures are placed strategically before engaging in automated battles. This shift places the focus more on tactical positioning and less on traditional combat, making the game resemble Riot Games’ Teamfight Tactics (TFT) more than a Pokémon-style RPG, as some fans had hoped.
Fan Reactions and Comparisons
Reactions to the leak have been mixed within the community. While some players are excited to see HoYoverse experiment with new genres, others were expecting a more action-oriented or Pokémon-inspired RPG experience. The comparison to existing autochess titles is already fueling debate about whether this move will benefit or dilute the Honkai franchise.
Honkai Nexus Anima app store images leaked, it's an autochess game#Nexusanima pic.twitter.com/5i4FSyeJRj
— Honkai : Nexus Anima (@NexusAnima) August 26, 2025
Interestingly, HoYoverse has previously experimented with similar mechanics. Mini autochess-like wargames appeared in Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero—which now seem like test runs leading up to a full-fledged release.
What We Know So Far
At the time of writing, HoYoverse has not confirmed a release date or platforms for Honkai: Nexus Anima. The leaked gameplay, however, strongly suggests that this project will lean heavily on strategic, auto-battle mechanics, marking a bold step into unexplored territory for the franchise.
For now, fans of Honkai and autochess alike will be watching closely to see how HoYoverse officially presents the game in the coming months.
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