Overview
- HoYoverse announced on June 22 that the Evolution Test will begin July 9 and has opened sign-ups on the official site with entry granted to applicants selected via a recruitment survey.
- The Evolution Test is a limited, free closed beta that will run on PC, iOS and Android, will wipe player data at its end, and currently has no announced end date or full release window.
- HoYoverse says the trial adds new regions and NPCs around the starting town of Iia, introduces characters such as Nanafey, Bai Mei and Olympia, and expands worldbuilding at locations like Nexus Hall and the True Nexus Building.
- Core gameplay changes on show include expanded Anima mechanics—evolution tied to Nexus bonds, the ability to name and photograph companions, and rare Chromatic Anima variants—alongside new systems and story content.
- Published PC and mobile system requirements suggest the game will need relatively powerful devices to run and the test follows a testing cadence that began in 2025, a process that will shape development and could affect how players split time and spending across HoYoverse’s games.