HoYoverse’s ‘Elden Ring Meets Monster Hunter’ Actually Plays More Like Final Fantasy 16
HoYoverse, the international gacha powerhouse renowned for anime-styled games like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero, is expanding beyond its signature mobile-friendly aesthetic with a slate of upcoming titles. One of the most unexpected reveals at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 was Nodosfall, a monster-slaying action game that marks a significant departure from the studio’s established visual identity.
Unlike HoYoverse’s typical anime-inspired presentation, Nodosfall employs photorealistic graphics anchored by a gothic visual language reminiscent of FromSoftware’s dour aesthetic. Initial descriptions likened the game to a fusion of Elden Ring and Monster Hunter, though early impressions suggest its gameplay systems are more closely aligned with Final Fantasy 16’s action-combat approach.
The reveal signals HoYoverse’s strategic diversification into new artistic directions and gameplay styles, broadening its portfolio beyond its established strengths in mobile gaming and anime-inspired titles.