Ethan Crossfield 
HoYoverse has built its reputation on colorful, anime-styled free-to-play games, but its next major project is moving in a far darker direction. Revealed during Gamescom 2026, Nodus Fall is a co-op action RPG developed in Unreal Engine 5, with a grim fantasy setting, large-scale monster encounters, and visual influences that bring Elden Ring and Monster Hunter to mind.
A Major Departure From Genshin Impact
The announcement marks a clear change in tone for the developer behind Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero, and Honkai: Star Rail. Those games are known for bright anime-inspired worlds, while Nodus Fall presents a harsher landscape shaped by destruction and supernatural threats.
The game takes place after divine authority has collapsed and the structures that once maintained order have failed. Players become Weavers, figures who must confront powerful mythic beings ruling over the remains of a ravaged world. That setup has an immediately recognizable dark-fantasy character, although the game’s identity will ultimately depend on how its story and combat develop beyond the reveal trailer.
Co-Op Battles Against Massive Creatures
Nodus Fall is confirmed as a cooperative action RPG, and its first gameplay footage focused on teamwork rather than solo exploration. One showcased encounter featured a group of players battling a giant dragon, with the party using different weapon types, including bows and heavy greatswords.
The scale of those fights suggests that HoYoverse is looking beyond its established action-RPG formula. The trailer also evokes Monster Hunter through its focus on confronting enormous beasts, while the dark setting and ruined world may appeal to players familiar with FromSoftware’s games. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is another relevant comparison because of the footage’s emphasis on fighting oversized enemies in expansive encounters.
It remains unclear whether Nodus Fall will lean more heavily into soulslike combat or monster-hunting systems. The confirmed co-op structure gives it room to develop a distinct approach instead of directly replicating either influence.
Release Details Are Still Limited
HoYoverse has not announced a release date or release window for Nodus Fall. Platforms have also not been confirmed in the available announcement details, so the Unreal Engine 5 project remains at an early information stage for prospective players.
That leaves the trailer as the main source of information for now. Further reveals will need to clarify how the Weaver system works, how many players can join a session, what progression looks like, and whether the large monster battles are the central loop or only one part of a broader adventure.
In the meantime, HoYoverse’s existing games continue to provide activity for its audience. Zenless Zone Zero is set to receive a special program covering Version 3.2, while Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 is scheduled to bring new story content, a new planet, and featured character updates.
Key points
- Nodus Fall is HoYoverse’s newly revealed co-op action RPG.
- The game is being developed in Unreal Engine 5.
- Its dark fantasy setting and presentation draw comparisons to Elden Ring.
- The reveal did not include a release date, release window, or confirmed platforms.
Expert View
Nodus Fall signals that HoYoverse may be willing to broaden its portfolio beyond the colorful character-driven games that established its global presence. A darker co-op RPG could help the company reach players who are less interested in traditional gacha presentation but still value persistent progression and live-service engagement. The challenge will be differentiation: Elden Ring, Monster Hunter, and Dragon’s Dogma 2 set strong expectations for combat and creature design, so Nodus Fall will need a clear identity when HoYoverse shares more concrete gameplay details.
