Nodusfall: HoYoverse reveals Unreal Engine 5 dark fantasy RPG

HoYoverse unveiled its next major project, Nodusfall, at Gamescom 2026 Opening Night Live on August 25. The game swaps the studio's bright anime style, familiar from Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero, for a realistic dark fantasy world built from mythologies around the globe.

The premiere trailer, titled "Wield Divinity, Sever the Dreadnodus," is set after divine authority and order have collapsed. Players take on the role of Weavers, forming squads to hunt down corrupted mythic beings called the Dreadnodi and reclaim what divinity remains. HoYoverse has not explained where the Dreadnodi come from beyond what the trailer shows.

Squad combat and divine skills

Combat centers on squads taking down massive bosses together. Per the official Nodusfall site, defeating enemies lets Weavers reap divine power and unlock Divine Skills, turning a fallen foe's strength into their own. Players can also switch roles and loadouts between fights to adjust their builds. Some outlets covering the reveal have suggested squads of up to four players, but HoYoverse has not confirmed an official party size.

Footage from the reveal shows Weavers fighting with medieval-style weapons, including greatswords, swords, and bows, alongside thread-like abilities that let them close distances fast and grapple onto enemies mid-fight. Multiple outlets report Nodusfall runs on Unreal Engine 5, a departure from the Unity engine behind Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero and a first for the studio.

Multi-mythology world, platforms still unconfirmed

HoYoverse describes Nodusfall's world as a blend of legendary creatures and architectural styles pulled from mythologies worldwide rather than one culture. Distinct regions, each with their own ecosystems, cultures, and history, will be revealed over time as the story unfolds. The trailer shows creatures rooted in Eastern folklore and colossal dragons.

The project isn't a total surprise. Cognosphere Pte. Ltd., HoYoverse's parent entity, filed a trademark for Nodusfall in the US back in April, and gameplay footage reportedly leaked online earlier this month ahead of the official reveal.

No release date or platforms have been confirmed. Pre-registration is open now on the official Nodusfall website, where HoYoverse says it will post future development updates.