Your new Pokemon replacement will be free on July 9th

Pokémon has become pretty all-consuming in the creature-collecting RPG genre, largely because it has gone without competition in the AAA space. Sure, plenty of indie and even AA developers have tried to dethrone Pokémonand some have even come close, but no one has really managed to topple it. Even after countless controversies and divisive posts, Pokémon remains one of the most profitable video game franchises of all time and a huge hit with fans.

However, the series has become a little stale, the length between entries can be troublesome for some, and the lack of meaningful improvements has proven divisive. Fortunately among the many play as Pokémona new competitor emerges that promises to truly dethrone the legendary series and take its place as the pinnacle of the creature-collecting RPG genre. Although its long-term success remains to be seen, it still appears to be the perfect replacement for Pokémon.

Honkai: Nexus Animathe third entry in Honkai game series and the latest title from developer HoYoverse, is an upcoming RPG that brings together creatures in a vibrant open world. Much like its predecessors, Nexus Anima is a gacha game that draws from the rich lore and world building Honkai series to deliver an experience familiar to fans and ideal for newcomers looking for their next Pokémon-like game to become fully immersed in. Although it feels derivative to call this Genshin impact meetings Pokémonit is very much the experience Nexus Anima seems to aim for.

IN Honkai: Nexus Animayou explore a vast open world of sprawling neon-lit cities, picturesque beaches and dense forests as you battle and capture the titular Anima. There are of course big differences between Pokémon and Nexus Animanamely in the ongoing live service driven narrative and Genshin impact-ish visuals, but it’s shaping up to be a suitable replacement for Pokémon for those who need something new.

A character riding a water Anima in Honkai: Nexus Anima.

The best thing is that on July 9, 2026, Honkai: Nexus Anima will be completely free to play for those who managed to get into the closed beta. Entitled “Evolution test“, this closed beta will give players access to everything the game currently has to offer, see new story beats, meet new characters, catch new Anima, and so much more. Naturally, there will be a data wipe at the end, so players are encouraged to make the most of it without worrying about progression being carried over. This is purely for the HoYoverse to get feedback on the available systems.

To access the closed beta, fans can sign up via the official one Honkai: Nexus Anima website. This doesn’t guarantee any access to the closed beta, but it does give a chance to get in. Also, HoYoverse has yet to announce an end date for the closed beta or an official release date for the full game. Still, for those who have played most unclear Pokémon game and beat all the indie alternatives, Honkai: Nexus Anima may be the last option, and this closed beta is a great way to test if it’s a worthwhile investment.