Ananta has not yet launched globally. This page includes details from official posts, developer interviews, hands-on previews, and the January 2026 Closed Beta Test as of February 22, 2026.
Overview
Nova City is packed with interactive mini-games and casual activities scattered across its districts. These range from structured arcade-style challenges to ambient environmental interactions. They are part of a broader design philosophy where players can, as the developers put it, "enjoy life in the city" rather than focusing exclusively on combat and the main story. Mini-games are unlocked by engaging with map hotspots throughout the city.
Confirmed mini-games
The following structured mini-games have been shown in trailers, press demos, or the January 2026 Closed Beta Test:
Mini-Game | Description |
|---|---|
Claw machine (UFO catcher) | Classic arcade claw game found at various locations around the city. Players control the claw to grab prizes. |
Darts | A darts throwing mini-game, likely found in bars or recreational areas. |
Slap contest | A competitive slap challenge where timing and input determine the outcome. |
Percussion duel | A rhythm-based drumming mini-game. Players follow beat patterns in a musical face-off. |
Basketball courts | Interactive basketball hoops scattered across the city where players can shoot hoops. |
Lifestyle interactions
Beyond the structured mini-games with explicit win/lose conditions, Nova City offers a range of casual environmental interactions that add texture to the open world:
Petting cats in parks and public areas
Snooping on NPCs' phone screens (yes, really)
Sitting on benches, leaning against railings, and other contextual idle animations
Interacting with street vendors and shop fronts
These smaller touches do not have dedicated gameplay loops, but they contribute to the sense of being a resident of the city rather than just a player passing through. The developer has emphasized that these interactions exist to make Nova City feel lived-in.
Design philosophy
The abundance of mini-games and lifestyle activities ties directly into Ananta's identity as a game about urban life. Producer Ash Qi has spoken in multiple interviews about wanting the city to offer more than just missions and fights. The Day-Night Cycle and NPC daily schedules mean that different activities may be available at different times of day, though specific time-locked mini-game availability has not been confirmed.
For players coming from games like Yakuza (Like a Dragon), the mini-game density in Nova City will feel familiar. The key difference is scale: Ananta's city is roughly the size of Manhattan, so activities are spread across a much larger play space rather than concentrated in a few city blocks.
Relationship to other systems
Some mini-games and activities may connect to the Reputation System, where consistent engagement with city life could influence how NPCs perceive the player. The in-game social media mechanic could also play a role, with certain activities feeding into the player's public persona. These connections have been hinted at in interviews but not fully detailed.
Sources
Icy Veins, TGS 2025 interview details (accessed February 22, 2026)
MMORPG.com, Developer interview (accessed February 22, 2026)
Noobfeed, Ananta redefines freedom (accessed February 22, 2026)
Official gameplay trailer post (accessed February 22, 2026)