Everything You Need to Know Before the Evolution Test

Two Games in One Package

Community beta overview footage embedded above frames Honkai: Nexus Anima as two stitched experiences: a bright coastal open world (Iia on the Reality Plane) and tactical auto-chess Nexus Battles. HoYoverse positions the Evolution Test as the first time both halves run together in a public build—collection, bonding, exploration, and formation planning form one loop rather than isolated modes.

Use this guide as a trailer companion before diving into written references: how to play, Evolution Test what's new, and official trailers for HoYoverse-first footage.

Visual Overhaul Since First Beta

Early Nexus Bond Test builds drew criticism for flat lighting and placeholder urban detail. Evolution Test marketing and hands-on previews from Kakuchopurei and GameSpace document substantial shader, texture, and character model upgrades—Nanafey costume layering, Bai Mei's Chinese-fantasy silhouette, and shop-street prop density all improved between tests.

Expect continued polish before global release. Wiki combat numbers and Anima stats reflect July 2026 beta tuning only.

Combat: TFT-Inspired but PVE-Focused

Nexus Battles borrow Teamfight Tactics structure—draft Anima, position them, then watch automated combat resolve—but HoYoverse removes economy timers and ranked ladder pressure in favor of story-driven PVE. Evolution Test adds Animaster active skills, bond skills, companion buffs, Mindscapes, and optional friend PVP documented across our Animaster bond skills and friend PVP guides.

Collection, Bonding, and Ecology

Anima are captured through battles, missions, street RNG, and Apex Club challenges. Evolution introduces evolution transformations, Chromatic variants, disposition personalities, duplicate-collection Nexus bond tiers, photography, naming, shop delegation, and environmental puzzle species covered in Anima ecology guide.

Remaining Server Window

As of July 17, 2026, Evolution Test servers remain live until July 27 at 18:00 UTC+8 with mandatory data wipe. Recruitment closed July 3—only selected testers may access clients. Track supply drops and troubleshooting on live server status.