HoYoverse’s Nodusfall is free to play but isn’t a typical gacha game: ‘Characters are not obtained through random draws’
HoYoverse has announced Nodusfall, a new free-to-play game that represents a significant departure from the studio’s typical business model. Showcased at Gamescom’s Opening Night Live, Nodusfall combines an Elden Ring-inspired aesthetic with Monster Hunter-style combat, marking a visual shift from HoYoverse’s signature vibrant anime style toward a darker, grittier visual direction.
The most notable difference lies in its monetization structure. Unlike HoYoverse’s flagship titles that rely heavily on gacha mechanics, characters in Nodusfall are not obtained through randomized draws. This represents a fundamental restructuring of how the studio approaches player progression and monetization in a free-to-play offering. The developers have confirmed the game will operate as a long-term, ongoing service, though specifics about alternative character acquisition or monetization methods were not detailed in the initial announcement.
This shift carries industry significance, as gacha mechanics have become the dominant monetization model for free-to-play games, particularly in HoYoverse’s ecosystem of titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. The absence of gacha-based character progression could appeal to players previously hesitant about the studio’s monetization practices, while potentially offering a model that balances commercial viability with player accessibility.