If you thought the gacha landscape was already packed, HoYoverse is making sure 2026 is one for the history books. As they gear up for their massive 660-square-meter exhibition at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, the studio is bringing major updates to their established “Big Three”—while debuting two entirely new games that step outside their traditional action-RPG formula.
Here is a breakdown of everything happening in the HoYoverse ecosystem right now.
Genshin Impact: The Arrival of Snezhnaya
After six long years of buildup, the Tsaritsa’s domain is finally here. Genshin Impact Version 7.0 launched on August 12, officially opening the borders to Snezhnaya, the Nation of Cryo.
This is the culmination of plot threads that have been running since the game first launched in 2020. With the fate of the six Gnoses in the balance, players are bracing themselves for what might be the climax of Genshin Impact‘s main storyline. At Gamescom, the Snezhnaya zone will feature recreations of the region’s railway system and its icy Statue of The Seven.
Honkai: Star Rail Meets Zenless Zone Zero
Honkai: Star Rail is gearing up for Version 4.5, “To Roll the Stars in Astropolis,” launching on August 26, 2026. The Trailblazer is heading to Astropolis, an Interastral Peace Corporation stronghold, to seek aid for disaster-stricken Planarcadia.
But the biggest news for HoYoverse fans? An official crossover between Honkai: Star Rail and Zenless Zone Zero has been confirmed for Winter 2026. First teased by an in-game “bug” that placed Star Rail‘s beloved mascot Pom-Pom in New Eridu, developers have now confirmed that characters from the world of ZZZ will be joining the Trailblaze on a cosmic adventure.
The New Frontier: HoYoverse Expands Its Horizons
Perhaps the most exciting news out of HoYoverse this year is their expansion into entirely new genres. Both of these titles will have their first-ever public hands-on demos at Gamescom 2026:
1. Honkai: Nexus Anima
Stepping away from traditional turn-based or action combat, Honkai: Nexus Anima is a creature-collecting adventure strategy game. Set in a vibrant town where humans co-exist with creatures called “Anima,” the game leans into an auto-battler strategy format (think Teamfight Tactics) rather than standard turn-based duels.
2. Petit Planet
Taking a hard left turn from the fast-paced action of Zenless Zone Zero, Petit Planet is HoYoverse’s first “cozy galactic life sim”. Players take on the role of a Planet Tender, where they can build, farm, explore the Starsea, and hang out with fuzzy Neighbors. It is shaping up to be a relaxing, cross-platform experience that blends the vibe of Animal Crossing with a sci-fi universe.
The Takeaway: HoYoverse is no longer just the “Genshin company.” By venturing into life simulators and auto-battling creature collectors, they are actively trying to capture every corner of the gaming market.
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