Ananta (formerly Project Mugen) — Action Gacha from NetEase

Ananta, previously known under its development codename Project Mugen, is an ambitious open-world action gacha game developed by NetEase. Announced with a striking visual identity and high gameplay ambitions, the title is set to combine fast-paced combat, dynamic exploration, and collectible character mechanics. As of 2025, the project has entered an advanced stage of development, with new gameplay showcases, closed beta testing phases, and extensive community feedback shaping its final form. With a focus on rich storytelling and cross-platform integration, Ananta is positioning itself as a strong contender in the global gaming market, especially among fans of anime-inspired action titles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Core Features

Ananta’s core gameplay revolves around high-speed combat, parkour-style traversal, and unique character abilities that blend melee, ranged, and elemental attacks. The combat system is designed to feel fluid and responsive, with combo chains, aerial combat, and reactive enemy AI. The cityscape is fully explorable, with vertical movement playing a significant role — players can scale buildings, run along walls, and use special movement abilities to navigate complex environments.

The game follows a gacha system for character acquisition, where each hero has distinct skills, weapon specialisations, and synergy effects when paired with specific teammates. While this monetisation model is common in similar games, NetEase has confirmed that there will be multiple ways to earn premium currency through gameplay, ensuring accessibility for both free-to-play and paying users.

Environmental interaction is another highlight — weather changes, day-night cycles, and destructible elements are integrated into gameplay. Certain characters will have abilities that react to the environment, opening up strategic possibilities in combat scenarios.

Character Progression and Customisation

Progression in Ananta is not limited to simple level increases. Characters can be enhanced through multi-tier skill trees, weapon upgrades, and unique passive traits unlocked via story progression. Cosmetic customisation is also present, allowing players to alter outfits, colour schemes, and accessory designs.

The gacha system is tied closely to seasonal events, introducing new limited-time characters and weapons with thematic relevance to ongoing story arcs. This approach keeps the gameplay fresh while encouraging players to engage with each update.

Additionally, a reputation system within the game world rewards players for completing faction-specific quests, influencing NPC interactions and unlocking exclusive shops, missions, and lore content.

Story and Worldbuilding

The narrative of Ananta is set in a sprawling futuristic city where humans and supernatural entities coexist. Players take on the role of a unique protagonist known as an “Esper,” possessing rare abilities tied to the city’s mysterious energy sources. The plot blends science fiction, urban fantasy, and mystery, with each character having their own backstory intertwined with the overarching storyline.

Quests are designed to balance action with narrative depth. While the main story progresses through cinematic missions, side quests often reveal hidden details about the world, factions, and rival characters. Dialogues feature branching choices that can affect relationships with certain NPCs, potentially altering future mission outcomes.

NetEase has invested heavily in environmental storytelling, with the city itself serving as a living, breathing entity. Billboards change according to in-game events, NPCs react dynamically to the player’s actions, and subtle visual cues hint at deeper mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

Multiplayer and Social Features

While Ananta is primarily a single-player story-driven experience, it includes optional cooperative modes where up to four players can tackle special missions, boss encounters, and event challenges together. These co-op missions are balanced to encourage teamwork without making solo play feel disadvantaged.

Social hubs within the game allow players to meet, trade cosmetics, and participate in community-driven events. Seasonal festivals, competitive leaderboards, and time-limited challenges ensure that the world feels active and evolving.

Cross-platform functionality means that progress can be shared between PC, consoles, and mobile devices, allowing players to continue their journey seamlessly regardless of platform preference.

Development Timeline and Future Outlook

Ananta’s development officially began under the name Project Mugen in 2021, with early concept art and gameplay prototypes drawing comparisons to titles like Genshin Impact and Scarlet Nexus. NetEase has since clarified that the game will feature its own distinct identity, focusing on urban environments and fluid combat over traditional fantasy landscapes.

Throughout 2024 and into 2025, multiple closed beta phases have refined gameplay balance, adjusted gacha rates, and improved performance across supported devices. Feedback from testers has led to changes in stamina systems, enemy scaling, and drop rates for rare items.

The official release date is anticipated for late 2025, with a global launch planned across major regions. NetEase has confirmed post-launch support including story expansions, new playable areas, and continuous quality-of-life updates to keep the player base engaged long-term.

Community Reception and Expectations

The gaming community has responded positively to Ananta’s artistic style, fast-paced combat, and ambitious open-world design. Pre-release footage has generated significant anticipation, with social media discussions highlighting the game’s unique traversal system and urban setting as standout features.

Some cautious optimism remains regarding the monetisation model, with players hoping for a fair balance between gacha incentives and free content accessibility. NetEase’s public commitment to player feedback has helped reassure potential fans.

If the final product delivers on its current promises, Ananta could become one of the defining action gacha titles of the decade, influencing the direction of similar games and setting a new benchmark for narrative-driven open-world experiences.