miHoYo, the creators of the hugely popular Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero, have kept fans guessing about their next big project. Initial speculation ranged wildly, from whispers of an Animal Crossing-esque survival game (later seemingly confirmed by leaks) to a sprawling RPG in the vein of Baldur's Gate 3.
However, recent rumors and job postings suggest a different direction entirely. Instead of a standalone title, miHoYo's new game appears to be a significant expansion within the Honkai universe. This new entry will offer:
- An Open World: Explore a vibrant coastal entertainment town.
- Spirit Collection: Gather spirits from diverse dimensions, reminiscent of Pokémon.
- Spirit Development: Develop and evolve your spirits, building teams for strategic battles.
- Unique Abilities: Utilize spirits for unique traversal options, such as flying and surfing.
- Autobattler/Auto Chess Genre: The core gameplay loop will center around this popular genre.
This intriguing blend of familiar mechanics – Pokémon-style creature collection, team-building reminiscent of RPGs, and the established Honkai lore – promises a fresh take on the auto-battler format. While the development timeline remains uncertain, this project clearly aims to expand the Honkai universe in unexpected and exciting ways.