Honkai: Nexus Anima Evolution Test — Gacha & Summoning Guide

Beta Is Free but Previews Live Service Economy

HoYoverse runs the Evolution Test as a free closed beta with no monetization and mandatory July 27, 2026 data wipe. GameLook reporting from July 13, 2026 nonetheless confirms the client exposes two live-service banner types—character (Animaster) and Anima—demonstrating how global release may monetize without weapon gacha common in other HoYoverse titles.

Treat banner UI as a preview of future economy rather than something testers must spend on during July 2026. Supply drops from live server status and story rewards cover most roster experimentation needs.

Character Banner vs Anima Banner

Character banners recruit playable Animasters and story companions who grant team-wide passives plus active skills documented in Animaster active skills. Anima banners target creature companions filling your nine-grid Nexus Battle formation—pair pulls with Aspect synergy builds planning.

July 2026 beta opens two concurrent banner pools according to Chinese press. Nanafey, Bai Mei, and Olympia marketing aligns with character-focused storytelling while flagship species like Noctumbra and Moneytree appear on Anima-focused promotion. Profiles: Noctumbra, Moneytree, Beebee.

No Weapon Banner

GameLook explicitly notes the absence of a weapon banner—combat power flows from Anima roster quality, Animaster selection, duplicate-collection Nexus bond tiers, and Mindscape routes instead of gear gacha. This matches the removal of equipment bond frameworks covered in single Aspect synergy changes.

Deck buff cards remain a pre-battle strategic layer separate from gacha—see deck building guide for mid-fight card selection without paid pulls.

Free Collection Paths During Beta

Story progression, Apex Club challenges, street encounters, and exploration still grant Anima without banners. Chromatic variants, disposition rolls, and duplicate bond tiers add horizontal collection goals explained in Chroma Anima & bonding and disposition & Nexus bond.

17173 mid-test community feedback mentions stronger commercial presence than some prior HoYoverse betas—use the free window to map which systems feel essential before judging final launch generosity.

Spending Guidance for Future Release

Document which Aspect clusters you naturally assemble from free pulls before considering paid duplicates after global launch. Animaster-first planning from Animaster bond skills reduces wasted banner currency on units that do not match your roster.

All gacha progress wipes when Evolution Test servers close—never treat July banner investments as permanent.