Developer miHoYo, known for its anime-inspired live-service games, has officially revealed its next project: Nodusfall. Described as a dark fantasy adventure, the game takes inspiration from titles such as Elden Ring and Monster Hunter. While a concrete release date remains unannounced, details have emerged following its reveal at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026, shedding light on its gameplay, monetization, and narrative.
Gameplay and Combat
Nodusfall is envisioned as a cooperative action game where players select characters, customize their loadouts, and team up to defeat formidable bosses and acquire valuable loot. The gameplay aims to blend elements of Elden Ring and Monster Hunter, introducing unique mechanics such as the ability to "switch roles and loadouts at will," suggesting that squad composition and adaptability will be crucial for overcoming challenges. Combat is characterized by an aggressive style, requiring players to consistently pressure enemies, exploit their weaknesses, and execute decisive attacks to weaken them for stylish finishers. Defeated foes will yield resources that can be used to enhance weapons and abilities, enabling players to tackle increasingly difficult encounters.
Story and Setting
The game is set on a continent where magic is prevalent and mythical creatures inhabit the land. The world of Nodusfall has been fractured by mysterious entities known as the Dreadnodi, who have spread corruption, mutating local beasts into dangerous adversaries. Players assume the role of a Weaver, tasked with hunting these corrupted beasts, uncovering the source of the Dreadnodi, and recovering remnants of divinity to restore stability to the world.
Lore provided for the game describes a celestial origin of creation that was tainted by an unknown calamity. The divine beings, seeking to address this, shaped a messenger to act on their behalf. However, this messenger inadvertently fell to the mortal realm, initiating a journey for the "lost ones."
Monetization and Availability
Consistent with miHoYo's previous titles, Nodusfall will be a free-to-play game. The developer is still considering specific monetization strategies but has indicated that new characters can be earned through gameplay rather than randomized draws. Instead, the primary monetization focus appears to be on cosmetic items, allowing players to personalize their characters.
Platforms and Beta
Platforms for Nodusfall have not yet been officially announced. However, given miHoYo's usual release patterns, it is anticipated that the game will launch on PC and PlayStation 5, with potential releases on Xbox Series X|S and the Nintendo Switch 2 to follow. A beta test for Nodusfall is planned, and interested players can currently pre-register to participate in future testing phases.