When is the Ananta release date? The influence of Hoyoverse’s titles is unmistakable, inspiring studios to blend open-world exploration, dynamic combat, and compelling progression. The latest to embrace this genre is NetEase Games, with their internal studio Naked Rain developing Ananta.
Originally known as Project Mugen, Ananta is an “urban open-world RPG” that draws comparisons to Genshin Impact, Persona, Spider-Man, and Grand Theft Auto. This blend might sound ambitious, and it is! NetEase isn’t just crafting another expansive open-world; they’re implementing many features that distinguish Ananta from its inspirations. If you’re eager to hit its bustling streets, here’s everything we know about the Ananta release date.
Ananta release date estimate
We anticipate the Ananta release date will fall sometime in 2026. While an official launch window hasn’t been confirmed, it’s highly probable that developer Naked Rain will conduct multiple beta tests before the full release.
Ananta is slated for PC via its own dedicated launcher, as well as PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, iOS, and Android. Additional platforms are expected to be announced later. Global pre-registration is currently available on the official website.
Ananta gameplay
Ananta’s core gameplay emphasizes mobility and navigating its vast cityscape using the ‘3C System.’ This system encompasses various movement mechanics, allowing players to explore urban environments and landscapes both on the ground and from above.
While the development diary doesn’t fully detail these systems, we’ve seen glimpses of Spider-Man-like grappling, swinging from cranes and skyscrapers with impressive momentum. Additionally, the game features swimming, riding motorbikes, and driving a jeep with a robust physics system.
This physics system also applies to environmental objects. The team mentions that players can “interact with almost any object that you can see.” Development footage demonstrates objects reacting dynamically to player actions – barrels flying when struck, signs falling, and scaffolding breaking apart. This bears a resemblance to the combat and physics of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but within a vibrant urban setting.
Beyond combat, exploring the city offers plenty of activities: peering into buildings, playing mini-games (like claw machines and darts), taking photos, and even interacting with animals such as cats. This aspect evokes a strong Persona vibe, particularly Persona 5 Royal, with its distinct, explorable districts each offering unique engagements.
NetEase Games aims to make these locations appealing for repeated visits. They stated, “we wanted to create a world that players could relate to, yet find enough mysteries to keep them coming back. The city is alive, and every player will have their unique journey through it.” Being fully free-to-play, akin to Hoyoverse’s titles, strongly hints that Ananta will operate as a live-service game.
Currently, eight playable characters have been revealed, with developers confirming more additions in future updates. NetEase has not yet confirmed whether Ananta will adopt a gacha game model with limited-time banners, but if it does, the initial roster will surely expand considerably.
The latest gameplay trailer vividly portrays Ananta’s expansive world, showing players zipping through the city in a sleek red car and cruising through cherry blossom-lined parks on a motorbike. Extensive on-foot exploration is also highlighted, with scenes spanning from quaint bookshops and cozy restaurants to beaches and lively musical concerts.
Combat previews show encounters with masked adversaries in various settings, including a moving container and an abandoned parking garage. Players aren’t limited to fists; the trailer features characters wielding a racket, a large axe against a chainsaw-wielder, a golf club to launch an enemy off a crane, and a variety of guns, rocket launchers, flamethrowers, and grenades.
The main character also appears to utilize a web-like traversal system for city navigation and stealth missions, allowing for tactical advantages and intel gathering. On-the-fly character switching is another key feature, enabling players to adapt to situations by swapping to a different Esper to snipe enemies or deploy a drone for assistance.
Ananta multiplayer
While Ananta supports up to four players online, it fundamentally remains a single-player experience. Lead producer Ash Qi clarified that he “hopes that players can enjoy the game with their friends online, just like you can play Chinese mahjong with AI or with your friends in real life.”
Ananta story
Ananta is set in a world mirroring Earth, where “urban legends become reality and humans coexist with the supernatural.” Players embody Esper, a top investigator known as the “Infinite Trigger.” Your journey through Nova Inception Urbs, the game’s initial city, involves confronting anomalies and supernatural events that threaten this “urban paradise,” all while piecing together lost memories.
As you progress, you’ll form alliances with other Espers, delving into their unique backstories as you collaborate to counter the Chaos imperiling humanity. The game features multiple cities inspired by European and American cultures, which will become accessible in future updates.
That summarizes all current information regarding the Ananta release date estimate. This title shows great potential to join our list of the best RPG games upon its launch. While you await Ananta, be sure to check out our comprehensive list of the biggest upcoming PC games to keep your gaming calendar full.