1. Technical Test Dates Confirmed
Hotta Studio has officially announced that the first closed technical test for Neverness to Everness (NTE) will begin later this month, finally answering the prayers of gacha fans who have been eagerly awaiting more news since the game's initial flashy reveal. This marks a monumental milestone: the first time players outside of China will get their hands on this highly ambitious urban open-world RPG.
For those who might be out of the loop, Hotta Studio—the team behind Tower of Fantasy—is looking to raise the bar for the anime open-world genre. By blending high-octane action combat with a fully explorable, GTA-style modern metropolis, Neverness to Everness is positioning itself to be a heavy hitter in an increasingly crowded market, going toe-to-toe with giants like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves.
The test will primarily focus on server stability, combat mechanics, and the driving system within the bustling, neon-lit city of Hethereau. Unlike traditional closed betas that might feature extensive story content, technical tests are generally more constrained. The developers are looking to gather raw data on how the game performs across various hardware configurations and network conditions. Expect a few bugs and glitches—that's exactly what this phase is meant to iron out!
2. How to Sign Up
Players can register for the technical test directly on the official NTE website. The process is relatively straightforward but does require a bit of patience. You will need to fill out a comprehensive survey regarding your gaming habits, preferred genres, and most importantly, your PC specifications and mobile device models.
Given the graphical fidelity we've seen in the trailers—featuring real-time ray tracing and complex urban density—it's highly likely that Hotta Studio is looking for a wide variance in hardware. Don't be discouraged if you aren't rocking an RTX 4090; developers often need testers with mid-range and lower-end setups to ensure optimization is on track.
Pro Tip: Make sure to double-check the email address you link to your application. Beta invitations are notoriously easy to miss if they get routed to your spam folder. Also, be wary of phishing scams—Hotta Studio will never ask for payment to access a beta test.
3. What Content is Included?
While this is just a technical test, Hotta Studio isn't leaving players empty-handed. According to the developers, the beta will include a surprisingly robust slice of the game. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to experience in Hethereau:
- The first chapter of the main storyline: This will serve as our introduction to the anomalous occurrences happening in the city and establish the primary conflict.
- Four playable characters (Espers): We don't have the exact roster yet, but expect a mix of melee and ranged fighters to test out the game's dynamic combo system and elemental interactions.
- Three fully customizable vehicles: Driving is a massive part of the NTE experience. You'll be able to navigate the city streets seamlessly, and yes, vehicle customization is confirmed. Whether you want a sleek sports car or a rugged off-roader, the tuning shop will be open for business.
- The basic Tycoon business system: This is arguably the most unique feature of NTE. Players will be able to buy, customize, and manage their first shop in the city. It acts as both a housing system and a passive income generator, adding a life-simulation layer to the standard gacha grind.
4. Community Reaction and Speculation
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the gacha community. Over on the official Discord and various subreddits, players are already theorycrafting how the Tycoon system will tie into the game's stamina economy. Will running a successful business provide premium currency, or just materials to upgrade your Espers?
Furthermore, many are curious to see how Hotta Studio has learned from the launch of Tower of Fantasy. The transition from a traditional fantasy sci-fi setting to an urban fantasy world is a massive shift, and all eyes are on the combat fluidity. If the parry mechanics and dodging feel as responsive as they look in the trailers, Neverness to Everness could easily become a daily driver for many action RPG fans.
5. What This Means For Players
The start of global technical testing is a strong indicator that the game is further along in development than many anticipated. While a full release date is likely still a ways off—potentially late 2027—this beta will provide crucial hands-on impressions that will shape the final product.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your inbox next week, as the invitations will be sent out in waves. If you don't make it into this round, don't worry! Hotta Studio has already confirmed that there will be multiple beta phases leading up to the official launch, including larger-scale tests that will accommodate more players and regions.
Good luck to everyone applying, and we hope to see you cruising the streets of Hethereau very soon!