Ananta release date estimate, gameplay, and latest news

When is the Ananta release date? Hoyoverse's influence is still going strong, as studios continue to capture its unique blend of open-world exploration, snappy combat, and ability to sink its hooks into you. The next developer dipping into the genre is NetEase Games, who are developing Ananta at their internal studio Naked Rain.

Described as an "urban open-world RPG" and originally titled, Project Mugen, Ananta can be summed up as a mix of Genshin Impact, Persona, Spider-Man, and Grand Theft Auto. If that sounds like an eclectic mix of big-budget titles, you'd be right. Not only is NetEase looking to build an immersive open-world game, there is a lot more going on under the hood that sets Ananta apart from its various influences. If you can't wait to hit those mean streets, we've got all the latest news surrounding the Ananta release date.

We expect the Ananta release date to arrive sometime in 2026. Although an official launch window hasn't been confirmed yet, it's likely that developer Naked Rain will host several beta tests ahead of the full release.

Ananta is coming to PC via its own dedicated launcher, as well as on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, iOS, and Android, with other platforms to be announced in future. Global pre-registration is currently open on the official website.

Ananta gameplay

The core of Ananta revolves around mobility and exploring the large cityscape using the '3C System.' This is effectively a selection of movement methods to allow you to explore the city, visit its urban ecosystems, and explore the landscape on the ground and from the air.

In the development diary for the game, the team doesn't really go into detail on what these systems are. However, we do see the ability to grapple around the city like Spider-Man, swinging from cranes and skyscrapers as your momentum carries you forward. In addition, we get a brief glimpse at swimming, riding on a motorbike, and driving along a road in a jeep, which has a full physics system.

That physics system extends to objects in the world too as the team says you can "interact with almost any object that you can see." That same development diary shows other objects reacting to the player's attacks or movements, like barrels flying away when hit, signs being knocked down, and scaffolding breaking apart dynamically. You can clearly see a lot of similarities to how The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's combat and physics works, but this time we have an urban backdrop to it.

As you explore the city, you will be able to peek inside buildings, play mini-games and arcade machines (like a claw machine and darts), take pictures, and even meet furry friends like a cat. This really reminds us of Persona, especially Persona 5 Royal; there are multiple districts to explore, each varied, and with its own activities.

Additionally, it looks like these locations in the world and each of the districts will be places you want to return to. NetEase Games 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," when the game was announced. Plus, the game will be fully free-to-play, similar to Hoyoverse's games which definitely suggests Ananta will be a live service in some form or another.

There are currently eight known playable characters, but the developers have confirmed more characters are going to be added to the game in future updates. NetEase also has yet to confirm if Ananta will adopt a gacha game model with limited-time banners - but if it does, this launch roster will continue to expand right along with it.

Ananta multiplayer

While Ananta supports up to four players online, it's still a single-player game at heart. PCGamesN caught up with lead producer Ash Qi, who "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 reminiscent of Earth, where "urban legends become reality and humans coexist with the supernatural". You play as Esper, a top investigator and someone known as the "Infinite Trigger". As you navigate Nova Inception Urbs, the first city in the game, you will confront anomalies and supernatural occurrences that threaten the balance of the "urban paradise", while recovering lost memories.

As you explore you will team up with other Espers, each with their own backstories that you will learn as you spend time with them taking down the Chaos endangering humanity. There are multiple cities in the game inspired by European and American cultures, however, they will become accessible in future updates.

That covers everything we know about the Ananta release date estimate so far. It has a strong chance to end up on our best RPG games list by the time it is released. While you wait for Ananta to come out, brush up on our list of the biggest upcoming PC games to add to your calendar.