Last updated on November 20, 2025
HoYoverse, the studio behind hits like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, is diving into a fresh genre with the announcement of Petit Planet, a cozy life simulator with a cosmic twist. Moving away from swords and battles, Petit Planet invites players to cultivate peaceful life and social connections – all on a miniature planet of their own design.
A Small World in a Vast Universe
Petit Planet lets players create and customize their own tiny corner of the galaxy. Each player receives a mini-planet to plant, decorate, and transform into a personal paradise. Adorable animal-like neighbors will join this planet over time, bringing unique stories, activities, and friendships.
The game offers a variety of relaxing activities familiar to cozy sim fans, including gardening, crafting, fishing, home decorating, and even interstellar exploration via the innovative Starsea Voyage. This blend promises a calming yet dynamic experience where creativity and social interaction bloom.
Beta Launch: The “Coziness Test” Begins November 2025
Petit Planet enters closed beta testing on November 7, 2025, called the “Coziness Test.” Players can sign up on the official website using their HoYoverse account for a chance to explore the Galactic Bazaar – a bustling social hub where explorers meet, trade resources, and share stories.
HoYoverse promises ongoing beta rounds with random access selection, so hopeful players have multiple opportunities to join and test the game’s evolving world.
Meet Your Cosmic Neighbors
Unlike traditional “villagers,” Petit Planet’s residents are known as “neighbors,” each with a distinct personality. Confirmed characters include:
- Yunguo, an enthusiastic cultivator
- Isaki, a battle bee trainer
- Medowlyn, a plush toy designer
- Frostia, a mystic scholar
Building relationships through daily interactions, conversations, and gift-giving is central to the experience, echoing cherished cozy sim mechanics with a fresh, interstellar spin.
Beyond socializing, players will engage in diverse creative pursuits:
- Planting, fishing, cooking, and crafting
- Decorating interiors and exteriors – “decorate the sky, shore, and land as you wish”
- Embarking on space explorations with Starsea Voyage
- Collecting themed furniture and participating in community events
The level of customization and detail promises to captivate fans who love personalizing their virtual homes and worlds, as showcased in the captivating Tokyo Game Show 2025 trailer.
From Astaweave Haven to Petit Planet
The project was initially known as Astaweave Haven in early 2024 through social media footprints but underwent a rebranding before its official reveal as Petit Planet. This shift confirmed HoYoverse’s commitment to delivering a polished, innovative cozy life sim.
Platforms and Release Model
Petit Planet will launch as a Free-to-Play title on PC and iOS devices. While no Nintendo Switch or console versions have been confirmed yet, the game’s gentle, social nature and charming aesthetic make it a natural fit for platforms popular with casual gamers.
A New Challenger to Animal Crossing
Since the enduring success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons in 2020, the cozy life simulation genre has blossomed. Petit Planet offers a new cosmic take – calm, stylish, and community-driven – poised to capture players seeking a serene escape among the stars.
While it may not immediately dethrone beloved franchises, HoYoverse’s Petit Planet is well-positioned to become a standout cozy sim hit for the next generation of gamers who appreciate creativity, friendship, and a touch of starlight.
