miHoYo is back with another major project, and this time it is diving into a new open world experience powered by Unreal Engine 5. The studio behind global hits like Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail has officially revealed Varsapura, its next big title currently in development. While it has not shared a release date or confirmed platforms yet, the first gameplay showcase makes it clear that this is shaping up to be one of the company’s most ambitious games to date.
Image Credit: miHoYo
Below is a full breakdown of everything we know so far.
A New World Under SEAL
Varsapura introduces players to SEAL, short for Shadow Emergency Alliance, a mysterious bureau operating across both the real world and what appears to be a shadow realm. miHoYo presented the reveal as an “Internal Directive 047 EX”, adding a layer of in-universe secrecy and intrigue.
According to the studio, everything shown in the announcement trailer was captured from “live operational environments” using a setup codenamed RTX4090, hinting at the technical horsepower behind the project.
One standout detail is the protagonist’s appearance, which reportedly shifts depending on each viewer’s preferences. miHoYo describes this as a parapsychological effect, with its origins still unknown. The reveal also warns players to remain calm and avoid speculation to prevent something called Cognosea disruption events, leaning heavily into the game’s thematic mystery.
Gameplay: Action, Stealth, and Mind Bending Environments
The 31 minute gameplay demo gives a broad look at what Varsapura is aiming to be. The game blends high octane action, environmental manipulation, and even stealth segments. Early impressions compare its tone to Control, with shifting corridors, surreal architecture, and overlapping realities.
Combat looks fast and stylish, using Zenless Zone Zero style character switching, with each character having a distinct fighting style. Some attack with floating sheets of paper, others use parasols or more traditional weapons. Fans of miHoYo’s signature flashy animations will feel right at home.
The art direction is also notable. Varsapura maintains the studio’s iconic anime inspired characters, but places them in more realistic environments. This mix of styles is something miHoYo has not experimented with on this scale before.
A Recruitment Push Disguised as a Reveal?
While the gameplay is surprisingly polished for such an early announcement, it is clear that Varsapura’s debut is doubling as a recruitment campaign. miHoYo is currently hiring for multiple game development roles in both Shanghai and Singapore.
The reveal states that only the English voice over version is being released for now, as personnel are focused on core research initiatives. Additional languages will come later once “system stability is confirmed”.
The company even adds a final pitch: “Join SEAL. Make a difference.”
With no release window in sight, it is likely we will not see major updates for a while. Still, judging from the extended gameplay footage, the creative direction appears firmly locked in, and fans will be keeping a close eye on its development.
Watch the Full Varsapura Gameplay Showcase
miHoYo has released a 31 minute gameplay demo showing combat, exploration, narrative scenes, and world design. It offers the best look yet at the studio’s next evolution in action RPG design.