Honkai: Nexus Anima just confirmed the existence of Chromatic Anima, the game’s version of "Shiny" creatures. The preview also briefly talked about how bonds and evolution work in the game.
Honkai: Nexus Anima Evolution Test Preview Details Chromatic Anima, Bonding, and Evolution
Obtainable "With a Little Bit of Luck"
Honkai: Nexus Anima has confirmed the existence of Chromatic Anima, which appears to be the game’s equivalent of Shiny Pokémon. The rare variants were revealed as part of HoYoverse’s latest "Bond and Evolve" preview for the upcoming Evolution Test this July 9.
The announcement comes as HoYoverse continues outlining the systems that will be available in the game's next closed beta. Here, the developers mentioned that players may encounter a rare Chromatic Anima "with a little bit of luck" after forming a bond with one of the game’s many creatures.
Chromatic Anima were among the smallest reveals in the preview, yet they are also one of the easiest to understand. Like Shiny Pokémon, they represent rare versions of existing Anima that players can encounter through normal gameplay.
That is only one part of a larger update focused on the relationship between players and their companions. In Honkai: Nexus Anima’s world, beings known as Nexus Anima are manifestations of fractured "Nexus" bonds following an event called the Sundering. HoYoverse said it wants every encounter to feel "more like getting to know a real companion," with players expected to "earn their trust, spend time together, and build a bond that lasts."
Anima are creatures that live alongside people across the continent, working with residents in their daily lives while accompanying players on their journey. Wild Anima can be challenged through Nexus Battles, and winning those encounters gives players the opportunity to befriend them. After joining the team, Anima can be given a custom name, photographed to commemorate the moment they were recruited, and raised over the course of the adventure.
Bonding plays a role in evolution, as some Anima can grow into stronger forms after players complete specific challenges and increase their bond level. HoYoverse said these objectives are separate from simply raising an Anima’s level.
Not every companion is found in the wild. According to HoYoverse, some Anima are recruited through quests that begin by speaking with people around town. One example shown during the preview follows a &qout;falling star" that looks eerily similar to the summoning animations commonly found in the studio’s other games. The developers, however, have yet to confirm whether it is linked to the game’s gacha.
Other human characters share similar relationships with their own Anima. Rivals and other allies fight alongside their companions during battles, while friendly characters can assist players through a system called Eidos, joining the fight to unleash Ultimate-esque attacks.
Outside of battle, though, Anima can be used to explore the world. Different companions help players travel across town or solve environmental puzzles using their unique abilities. Players can even assign their collection to help local businesses manage their stores. HoYoverse has not yet detailed how this feature works or what rewards players can expect from it during the beta.
The Honkai: Nexus Anima Evolution Test begins on July 9 for PC, iOS, and Android. Although many of the newly revealed features remain subject to change, the latest preview at least shows the most detailed look yet at how HoYoverse plans to distinguish the game within the increasingly crowded creature-collecting RPG genre by placing as much emphasis on companionship as on collection.
Sources:
Honkai Nexus Anima | Bond and Evolve! Evolution Test Preview
