HoYoverse announces Petit Planet life sim with farming, space exploration and social features

HoYoverse reveals Petit Planet, a cosmic Animal Crossing-like life sim including farming and multiplayer interaction.

HoYoverse, the studio behind Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, has revealed its latest project, Petit Planet, a new life simulation game that expands the company’s growing portfolio.

Described as a “cosmic life sim,” Petit Planet allows players to build, farm and befriend unusual neighbours across a variety of star-themed worlds.

The official description notes that players can “plan and build, plant and harvest, befriend quirky fuzzy neighbours and infuse your world with the magical essence of Luca.”

Gameplay footage shows activities such as capturing butterflies, mining ore, laying paths and having tea with animal companions.

The worlds feature unique fantastical elements, including glowing trees that transform after absorbing mysterious orbs. Beyond land development, players can also decorate skies and coastlines.

Each neighbour has a distinct speciality, such as cultivation, creature training, plushie design or mystic research. The game’s scope extends further with space travel, where players can drive vehicles across mini-planets.

The state of each planet changes depending on friendship levels with its inhabitants, unlocking new activities as relationships grow.

Multiplayer features include a social hub where players can gather, share coffee and celebrate festivals. Footage also hints at romance, with a scene showing a player offering a flower to a human character.

HoYoverse confirmed that Petit Planet will be free-to-play and available on PC and mobile, with other platforms in development. A closed beta is planned, requiring a HoYoverse account for registration.

The announcement follows HoYoverse’s expansion into multiple genres, including a recently revealed monster-collecting game.

With its mix of farming, exploration and multiplayer elements, Petit Planet has already drawn comparisons to Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon, though set against a galactic backdrop.