miHoYo, the creators of the popular titles Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero, have sparked considerable anticipation regarding their next project. Initial speculation, fueled by leaks and rumors, suggested a survival game akin to Animal Crossing or a grand-scale RPG comparable to Baldur's Gate 3.
However, recent information gleaned from job listings and online discussions points towards a different direction. Instead of a completely new IP, miHoYo's upcoming game appears to be a significant addition to the Honkai franchise. This new title will offer:
- An expansive open world: Set in a vibrant coastal entertainment town, players will explore a richly detailed environment.
- Spirit collection and development: Similar to Pokémon, players will collect and develop spirits from various dimensions. This includes evolution and team-building mechanics for strategic battles.
- Unique traversal methods: Spirits will grant players the ability to fly and surf, adding a dynamic layer to exploration.
- Autobattler/Auto Chess gameplay: The core gameplay loop will revolve around the auto-battler or auto-chess genre.
This intriguing blend of Pokémon's creature collection, Baldur's Gate 3's RPG elements, and the established Honkai universe promises a fresh and innovative experience. The development timeline remains uncertain, but this project represents a bold and unexpected expansion of the Honkai franchise.