Everything You Need to Know About HoYo’s Co-Op Monster Slayer, Nodusfall

Nodusfall might initially seem like a blend of Monster Hunter with an Elden Ring aesthetic, but there’s a unique HoYo twist hidden among the intense battles and dark fantasy settings showcased in its reveal trailer.

While details about the game are still sparse, I’ve gathered all the gameplay clips and interviews available to shed light on what this new direction for HoYo entails. From beta testing to gameplay mechanics and story elements, here’s what we know about Nodusfall so far.

As a fan of HoYo’s work, I’ve been aware for some time that they were developing a fantasy title using Unreal Engine 5. However, it’s still a bit surreal to see the creators of Genshin Impact venture beyond their signature anime style. Where are the quirky fashion choices and over-the-top accessories? If I don’t spot a single character with a fringe covering one eye, it’s hard to believe this is a HoYo game.

Currently, Nodusfall lacks a definitive release date or even a release year, which is typical for HoYo. They usually hold off on announcing release dates until the final beta testing phase is approaching.

Despite the absence of a release window, HoYo’s consistent pattern of three open betas before launch suggests that we might see Nodusfall drop sometime in 2028. This is especially likely since their next title, Petit Planet, is set to release this winter, and Honkai: Nexus Anima appears to be on track for a 2027 launch after completing its second open beta.

One factor that could complicate things is that Nodusfall isn’t your standard character or creature collector that HoYo is known for, which may lead to a different approach to beta testing.

If you’re interested in participating in future betas, you can head to the official Nodusfall site to pre-register and complete a questionnaire for potential selection. Keep in mind that this is for upcoming betas, not the one currently in progress, so you won’t be battling Nodusfall’s bosses just yet, no matter how often you check your inbox.

For a glimpse of its stunning dark fantasy visuals and otherworldly boss designs that could make even Elden Ring and Diablo envious, check out the reveal trailer. While it doesn’t showcase much gameplay, the co-op combat elements certainly draw comparisons to the Monster Hunter series.

The narrative of Nodusfall takes place on a dark fantasy “mythic continent” filled with corrupted legendary creatures inspired by both Eastern and Western mythologies, including manticores, dragons, and colossal bears. You play as a “Weaver,” a being “enlightened by the divine,” tasked with sacred missions to restore order to a land tainted by the “Dreadnodi.” Essentially, you’re a powerful hero wielding divine magic and hefty weapons, on a quest to vanquish terrifying monsters and acquire new gear to save the world.

As you embark on your journey to defeat ethereal beasts and face unspeakable horrors, you’ll traverse diverse regions influenced by various real-world cultures and mythologies, with additional areas planned for post-launch. Fans of Genshin Impact will recognize this familiar formula.

The reveal trailer hints at a variety of landscapes in Nodusfall, including golden hills, fiery skies, gloomy moors, misty forests, arid deserts, and massive canyons. While it may evoke memories of Elden Ring, it seems there’s even more diversity on the horizon.

What intrigues me most is how dark the narrative of Nodusfall will ultimately be. The reveal trailer suggests a mature storyline, which isn’t unprecedented for HoYo—Genshin has its share of dark lore—but it would be a departure if the game avoids shifting to lighthearted or absurd moments immediately after.

Breaking away from the single-player team-building format that HoYo is known for, Nodusfall is a free-to-play co-op action game that pits you and your squad against mythical creatures. You can choose a character, customize your loadout, and team up with up to three other players to take down challenging bosses and gather resources to unlock new skills and craft new weapons.

Yes, it bears a striking resemblance to Monster Hunter, but there are notable differences. For instance, Nodusfall’s official site mentions that players can “switch roles and loadouts at will,” suggesting you won’t be confined to a single character or build for your account.

From the limited gameplay and early impressions, Nodusfall appears to blend elements of Elden Ring, MMO mechanics, and Monster Hunter—making it more than just a simple clone. While it may sound like it’s drawing inspiration from multiple sources, my experience with HoYo games has taught me to never underestimate their ability to innovate and create a compelling combat experience.

After its reveal, a player shared their impressions of Nodusfall, noting that it doesn’t resemble a soulslike game at all. Instead, it feels more akin to Monster Hunter, where solo players and groups can select contracts and venture out to hunt formidable beasts. These encounters are lengthy, intricate battles with multiple phases, set in expansive outdoor environments.

One standout feature is the clash mechanic, where you can charge a powerful attack and release it just as a monster strikes, countering their move. It’s visually impressive, especially when wielding a massive sword that transforms into a glowing weapon of mass destruction.

Nodusfall does not include a character gacha system, meaning you won’t need to rely on luck or spending money to unlock new characters—they’re all accessible through gameplay. While there’s no official word on whether other aspects will involve gacha mechanics, HoYo has indicated that cosmetic monetization will be a consideration for Nodusfall.

So, while Nodusfall isn’t a gacha game in the traditional sense, it might incorporate some random elements elsewhere, perhaps for exclusive cosmetics or unique gear. Or, we could be in for the best surprise of all: a completely gacha-free experience! (Here’s hoping!)