HoYoverse announced the new Beta Test for Petit Planet, the Stardrift Test. This new game is a sandbox-style life simulation RPG where players take on the role of a “Planet Tender,” managing their own world while exploring the vast Starsea. The test introduces new Neighbors, enhanced Starsea Voyage mechanics, and expanded activities at the Galactic Bazaar, offering a blend of farming, fishing, cooking, and social interaction. Unlike traditional RPGs, the focus is on community-driven experiences, creativity, and companionship, with players able to decorate planets, invite Neighbors, and forge bonds that shape evolving landscapes.
The game supports English, Japanese, French, Russian, Thai, Indonesian, and Simplified Chinese text, alongside English, Japanese, and Chinese voice-overs. The closed test also includes social hubs like the Galactic Bazaar, where players can gather for coffee, fortune-telling, auctions, and dancing, reinforcing the cozy MMO-style atmosphere.
Petit Planet: Stardrift reflects HoYoverse’s push into the cozy simulation genre, a departure from its usual action RPG formula. Personally, the appeal lies in its fusion of life simulation with multiplayer exploration, which could resonate with fans of Animal Crossing or Sky: Children of the Light. However, the challenge will be sustaining engagement through regular updates and balancing monetization with creative freedom.
The Stardrift Test began on April 21, 2026, at 09:00 (UTC+8), with no announced end date yet. Access is limited to players aged 18 and above, bound to a single device per account. While the test is restricted, global pre-registration is open in the official website, ensuring eventual worldwide accessibility.
