Release Date and Launch

Overview

Neverness to Everness launches on April 23, 2026 in China and April 29, 2026 worldwide. The game is a free-to-play open-world action RPG developed by Hotta Studio (a subsidiary of Perfect World Games) and published by Perfect World Games. The release date was officially announced on February 25, 2026, via the "Hethereau Calling" press release. The game was first revealed in July 2024, and the nearly two-year development timeline included three rounds of beta testing and appearances at major gaming events including Tokyo Game Show and Gamescom.

Launch Platforms

NTE launches simultaneously across five platforms with full cross-platform play and cross-progression support:

Players can move seamlessly between supported platforms and continue their progress across devices.

Developer and Publisher

The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, with an upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.7 planned for launch.

Announcement and Event Timeline

Beta Test History

Chinese CBT1 (November 2024)

The first closed beta was a limited-scale test available only to players in China (with additional registration for Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau). It ran on PC and mobile platforms and included three chapters of the main storyline, multiple side quests, new characters (Adler and Edgar), new bosses, driving mechanics with vehicle damage, and Unreal Engine 5 visuals.

Containment Test / CBT2 (July 2025)

The global Containment Test was a two-week PC-only beta running from July 3 to July 16, 2025. It supported English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. Key features tested included a major combat overhaul introducing the Parry Attack mechanic (interrupting enemy attacks and adding energy for Fade In or Entry attacks), Critical Dodge counterattacks with unique versions for every character, ranged character improvements, and expanded open world content. DLSS 4 support was introduced during this test.

After the Containment Test concluded, the development team identified four focus areas for improvement: Audiovisual Enhancements, Gameplay, System and Performance Improvements, and Future Content Planning.

Co-Ex Test / CBT3 (February 2026)

The Cooperative Existence Test was the first multi-platform beta, running from February 6 to February 20, 2026 on PlayStation 5, PS5 Pro, PC, iOS, and Android. Language support expanded to nine text languages (English, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Russian) and four voice languages.

Major additions over the Containment Test included the platform expansion to console and mobile, a graphics overhaul described as "true Anime realistic visuals," the Detention Center prison system, a drone flying system for aerial exploration, enhanced Traffic AI, eight new teased characters, vehicle customization, and expanded Hethereau Hobbies including fishing, taxi driving, racing, Mahjong, and rhythm games.

Pre-Registration Milestones

Pre-registration opened in early February 2026 on PS5, iOS, Android, and the official website. As of late February 2026, NTE has surpassed 25 million pre-registrations.

A social media bonus unlocks the "Officer Whisker" glider livery when official channels reach 5 million total followers globally.

PC System Requirements

Minimum

Recommended

Mobile System Requirements

The Hethereau Calling Announcement

The release date was revealed through the "Hethereau Calling" press release, distributed via GlobeNewswire by Perfect World Games on February 25-26, 2026. The announcement confirmed April 29 as the global launch date, all platforms with cross-play support, and highlighted pre-registration milestones. The press release described how over the past 18 months, NTE had invited players onto the streets of Hethereau through two global beta tests and appearances at major events like Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show.

Before the official announcement, an Apple App Store listing had shown an expected release date of May 15, 2026, and a Discord moderator had claimed the same date. The official April 29 date effectively moved the launch earlier than these unofficial sources had indicated.

Day-One Content

For a full breakdown of all improvements and new content planned for the April 29 launch, see the Launch Roadmap article. Key highlights include the Unreal Engine 5.7 upgrade, DLSS 4 with ray tracing, overhauled UI systems, expanded companion interactions, improved driving mechanics, new bosses, multiplayer Pink Paws Heist, and the new A-Class character Aurelia.