Overview
Hethereau is an open-world city that players navigate using a wide range of movement options. The game loads seamlessly, meaning there are no loading screens when entering buildings, climbing skyscrapers, or switching between on-foot and vehicle travel. This applies to the full city, including interiors and underground areas.
On-foot movement
The base movement set includes walking, sprinting, jumping, climbing, and wall-running. Players can scale most buildings by climbing their surfaces directly. Wall-running allows horizontal movement along vertical surfaces, useful for crossing gaps and reaching otherwise inaccessible platforms.
A regenerating stamina bar governs climbing, wall-running, and swimming. Stamina depletes during these actions and regenerates when standing on flat ground. Sprinting is exempt from stamina consumption, so covering horizontal distance on foot is unrestricted. Managing stamina during long climbs is part of the exploration challenge.
Esper abilities for movement
Each character has an Esper ability that can be used for traversal outside of combat. These abilities are character-specific and provide unique ways to move through the city:
Anti-gravity Nanally's skill "Colucci Howling Technique" (20-second cooldown) grants "Ichi-daime's Authority" for 12 seconds, letting her walk on any surface while ignoring gravity. She can float over buildings and reach places that would normally require long climbing routes.
Speed boost Some characters have movement speed or dash abilities that cover ground faster than sprinting.
Gliding Certain characters can glide from high points, allowing controlled descent across the city.
Since Esper abilities are character-specific, the choice of party composition affects how you explore. Bringing characters with strong traversal abilities can make reaching certain collectibles and areas significantly easier.
Vehicles
Players can drive cars through the city. Vehicles support both third-person and first-person camera modes. Car customization includes parts that affect handling, color options, and decals. A damage system means crashes cause visible damage and eventually require repairs.
The traffic AI populates the streets with NPC-driven vehicles. Players can also "borrow" vehicles from NPCs, though this will attract police attention and raise the wanted level (see the Wanted System article).
Weather conditions affect driving physics. Rain makes roads slippery. See the Wanted System for consequences of reckless driving.
Public transit
Hethereau has an extensive train network and functioning public transit including trams and buses. Players can ride these to travel across the city without driving. This provides a passive way to move around while enjoying the city scenery.
Drone
A drone flying mechanic was introduced in the Co-Ex Test. It enables unrestricted aerial exploration, providing a bird's-eye view of Hethereau. The drone is primarily used for photography but also helps with scouting locations and finding collectibles from above.
Seamless loading
There are no loading screens during normal gameplay. Transitions between indoor and outdoor areas, climbing to rooftops, entering vehicles, and moving between city districts all happen without interruption. The city is one continuous space.
Related pages
Hethereau The city being explored.
Side Activities & Mini-Games Activities found while exploring.
Wanted System What happens when vehicle use gets reckless.
Platforms Technical specs for running the open world.