Overview
Honkai: Nexus Anima uses a free-to-play model with gacha elements, following the same general approach as HoYoverse's other titles (Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail). The primary currency is Aspect Gems, which can be earned through in-game activities like story quests. All information below comes from the first beta test (Nexus Bond Test) and may change before launch.
Gacha system
The gacha operates through Kardia-limited pools. 5-star Kardia characters and their destined 5-star Anima are available through these pulls. Pulling duplicates of a 5-star Anima allows evolution up to 6 times, increasing stats and capabilities. Limited Heartscape pools may also yield 5-star Kardia and destined 5-star Spirits.
Free acquisition
Not everything requires gacha. Several paths exist for getting Anima and equipment without spending:
Item | Description |
|---|---|
3-star and below Anima | Captured through open-world Bond Encounters for free |
4-star Anima | Purchasable once with accumulated in-game rewards |
Gold-tier Anima | Earned through quest completion |
Early Kardia equipment | Free equipment for Maple, Cassio Rollex, and Jalily at Level 21 |
5 starting Anima | Puddlipup, Pupanoo, Nomnom, Vulberry, and Rimechime given during tutorial |
Aspect Gem store
The Aspect Gem store unlocks at Level 14. It offers direct purchase options for specific 5-star Anima and Kardia equipment at set Aspect Gem prices. This provides a non-gacha path to specific units, though the prices are steep enough that it takes significant playtime to accumulate the Gems.
Store offerings during the beta (items unlock at different levels):
Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
Hamburgoof (5-star Anima) | 800 Aspect Gems, available at Level 18 |
Pomparrot (5-star Anima) | 800 Aspect Gems, available at Level 21 |
Lumehart (5-star Anima) | 800 Aspect Gems, available at Level 24 |
Mesmerith (5-star Anima, Parayaya's companion) | 800 Aspect Gems, available at Level 24 |
Exclusive Kardia equipment (e.g., Parayaya) | 1,250 Aspect Gems, requires Level 21-24 content completion |
5-star Kardia
The highest-rarity Kardia characters are obtained through gacha or, in some cases, the Aspect Gem store. Known 5-star Kardia include Blade, Parayaya (available in two forms. Novarch and Sovereign), and Armand. These characters have the strongest Exclusive Principles and highest base stats.
Cosmetics
Fashion skins for the protagonist were available during the beta at the following prices:
"Destiny" outfit: 650 Aspect Gems
"Beef Noodles" outfit: 360 Aspect Gems
Cosmetic skins appear to be a major part of the monetization strategy. The DevTalk mentioned expanded clothing and accessory options coming for launch, suggesting a larger cosmetic store is planned.
PVE-only model
The game has no competitive PVP. This matters for monetization because there's no meta race, no arena leaderboard to climb, and no pressure to pull for the strongest units to stay competitive. The PVE-only structure means the gacha is closer to a collection incentive than a power chase. You want new Anima and Kardia because they're interesting or fun, not because you'll lose to other players without them.