Reported by 4 sources

The short version

  • HoYoverse announced Nodusfall as its new fantasy action project during Gamescom, marking a significant shift in genre for the studio known for gacha titles.
  • The game will be free-to-play but explicitly excludes character gacha mechanics, distinguishing it from the developer's previous commercial models.
  • Early reporting and visual analysis suggest the title combines open-world exploration reminiscent of Elden Ring with combat systems similar to Monster Hunter.

HoYoverse, the studio responsible for global hits like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, has officially revealed its next major project, titled Nodusfall. The announcement took place during Gamescom, one of the industry's largest trade shows, where the developer presented initial footage and details about the upcoming title. This reveal marks a notable departure from the studio's established portfolio, moving away from the gacha-based mobile gaming model that has defined its recent commercial success toward a traditional fantasy action experience.

The most significant detail emerging from the announcement concerns the game's monetization strategy. While Nodusfall will be free-to-play, HoYoverse has confirmed that it will not utilize character gacha mechanics. This decision represents a substantial pivot for the company, which has built its reputation on randomized loot systems for acquiring characters and weapons. By removing this element, the developer appears to be targeting a different segment of the gaming market, one that may have been previously hesitant to engage with HoYoverse titles due to concerns over pay-to-win structures or excessive spending requirements.

News Journal

Visuals released during the Gamescom presentation have drawn immediate comparisons to two of the most influential action RPGs in recent years: Elden Ring and Monster Hunter. Industry observers and gaming publications have noted that the aesthetic and gameplay loops appear to blend the open-world exploration and atmospheric design of FromSoftware's Elden Ring with the large-scale monster combat found in Capcom's Monster Hunter series. This hybrid approach suggests HoYoverse is attempting to merge its strengths in character design and world-building with more traditional, skill-based action mechanics.

The reception to the reveal has been characterized by surprise, given HoYoverse's historical focus on mobile-first, narrative-driven gacha games. Game Informer described Nodusfall as a "surprising new fantasy action project," highlighting the unexpected nature of the genre shift. Similarly, Polygon noted that the reveal stood out as one of the most surprising moments at Gamescom, underscoring the contrast between this title and the developer's previous offerings. The visual fidelity and scope of the game appear to rival high-end console titles, indicating a significant investment in graphics and engine technology.

PC Gamer offered a more specific critique of the visual style, suggesting that the game looks as though someone had placed Elden Ring's aesthetic onto Monster Hunter's framework. This observation points to a deliberate design choice to combine the environmental storytelling and boss rush elements of one genre with the loot-driven progression and cooperative combat of another. The comparison serves to contextualize Nodusfall for players who may be unfamiliar with HoYoverse's broader ambitions, anchoring the new title in familiar gaming terminology.

GameSpot further emphasized the multiplayer aspect of the game, describing it as resembling a "multiplayer Elden Ring." This characterization highlights the social component of Nodusfall, which likely involves cooperative play or shared world experiences rather than the solitary journey typical of many FromSoftware titles. The integration of multiplayer elements into a fantasy action setting could broaden the game's appeal, attracting players who prefer collaborative challenges over single-player isolation.

The announcement has generated considerable interest among fans and industry analysts alike, particularly regarding how HoYoverse plans to sustain engagement without gacha mechanics. Traditional free-to-play models often rely on microtransactions tied to character acquisition or cosmetic items. Without the former, the developer will need to innovate in other areas, such as battle passes, cosmetic sales, or expansion packs. The success of Nodusfall could redefine HoYoverse's position in the gaming market, potentially establishing it as a versatile studio capable of competing in both mobile and console spaces.

As details continue to emerge, questions remain about the release timeline and platform availability. While the game is confirmed to be free-to-play, it is unclear whether it will launch simultaneously on PC and consoles or if there will be staggered releases. The absence of gacha mechanics also raises questions about progression systems; players may wonder how character development and equipment upgrades will function without randomized rewards. These unresolved issues will likely dominate discussions in the coming months as more information is released.

The reveal of Nodusfall signals a bold strategic move by HoYoverse to diversify its portfolio and appeal to a wider audience. By stepping away from gacha mechanics and embracing action RPG conventions, the developer is testing new waters in an increasingly competitive market. Whether this shift will resonate with fans of traditional action games or alienate existing supporters remains to be seen, but the initial response suggests strong curiosity and anticipation for what HoYoverse can achieve outside its comfort zone.

In the broader context of the gaming industry, Nodusfall represents a trend toward hybridization, where developers blend elements from successful genres to create unique experiences. As players become more discerning about monetization practices, titles that offer substantial content without predatory mechanics may gain an advantage. HoYoverse's decision to pursue this path could influence other studios to reconsider their own business models, potentially leading to a shift in how free-to-play games are designed and marketed in the future.

Sources behind this briefing

Go to the original reporting

  • Game Informer↗Nodusfall Is Hoyoverse's Surprising New Fantasy Action Project
  • PC Gamer↗The next game from Hoyoverse sure looks like someone put Elden Ring's clothes on Monster Hunter
  • Polygon.com↗Elden Ring Meets Monster Hunter In Gamescom's Most Surprising Reveal
  • GosuGamers↗Nodusfall is free-to-play, but HoYoverse says it won't be a character gacha game