NetEase Games has opened recruitment for Floatopia's first closed beta test, nicknamed the Bubbling Test, which is scheduled to run in China starting July 24, 2026. The cozy, sky-bound life-sim will be testable on Android, iOS, and PC, giving players in the region an early look at its floating island world before a wider release.
What Is Floatopia's Bubbling Test?
First revealed during gamescom 2024's Opening Night Live, Floatopia has kept a fairly low profile since its announcement, so this beta marks the first real chance for players to get hands-on time with it. The Bubbling Test is described as a limited-time, data-wipe trial, meaning any progress made during the beta will not carry over once the servers close. What makes it stand out, though, is that it supports full cross-platform play between mobile and PC, letting testers hop between devices without losing their spot in the world.
Build Your Dream Island in the Sky
At its core, Floatopia is about claiming a patch of sky and turning it into a home. Players can shape their own floating island, filling it with buildings and furniture arranged however they like. The decorating system appears to lean heavily into personal expression, so no two islands are likely to look the same once players get creative with layouts and themes.
A World of Farming, Fishing, and Magic
Daily life on the island revolves around familiar life-sim activities with a fantastical twist. Players can grow crops, cast a line into the sea of clouds for fish, mine for ores, and gather pigments used in crafting and decorating. There is also a lighter, whimsical side to the mechanics: if the in-game weather turns gloomy, players can simply purchase a sunny day from a weather company, and certain superpowers let them reshape parts of their island on demand.
Explore Diverse Floating Kingdoms
Beyond the home island, Floatopia promises a variety of distinct regions to travel through, each with its own look and secrets to uncover.
- Icy caves with hidden passages and cold-weather creatures
- Star-filled skies suited for nighttime exploration
- Vast deserts with their own resources and mysteries
- Additional fantasy kingdoms, each with unique scenery
Social features also play a meaningful role in the experience. Players can chat with neighbors, react to their posts, joke around, lend a hand with tasks, and throw parties together, giving the game a community-driven layer on top of its solo island-building.
How to Sign Up for Floatopia's Closed Beta
Recruitment for the Bubbling Test is open now, and the sign-up process only takes a few minutes. Players based in China who want a shot at early access can follow these steps:
- 1 Visit the official Floatopia website.
- 2 Tap on "Test Recruitment" from the menu on the left side of the page.
- 3 You'll be redirected to the Test Recruitment Questionnaire.
- 4 Fill out the form with the requested details, including your phone number and WeChat ID.
- 5 Tap Submit to complete your application.
What Happens After You Apply?
If your application is selected, NetEase is expected to notify you through SMS or email using the contact details submitted in the questionnaire, so double-check that information before hitting submit.
With the July 24, 2026 start date approaching, interested players shouldn't wait too long to apply, since beta slots for tests like this are typically limited. Stay tuned for further updates as the Bubbling Test approaches.
