Top 10 Anime-Style Games to Watch in Late 2026

The first half of 2026 has been a whirlwind for anime-style mobile games (often called "anime games" or "gacha games"). Titles like Arknights: Endfield raked in over 1.2 billion RMB in just two weeks, while Lock Kingdom: World shot to the top of the sales charts. But the real heavy hitters are landing in the second half of the year. After combing through player feedback, developer announcements, and industry buzz, we've identified the ten most anticipated anime-style games that are set to define the season. Here's what you need to know.

Key Highlights

• Lord of Mysteries (诡秘之主) — Kuaishou invested a staggering 1 billion RMB and a 624-person team spent four and a half years building this Unreal Engine 5 title. Despite the hype, the second beta test drew criticism from fans of the original novel, who felt the game's adaptation missed the essence of the "acting method" that made the story so compelling. However, the game's recreation of the Victorian-style city of Tingen is widely praised, with testers noting the atmosphere shifts dramatically when the red moon rises.

• Wangyue (望月) — Developed by a Guangzhou-based team, this open-world game uses Guangzhou as its real-world map prototype, featuring landmarks like Canton Tower and traditional arcade buildings. After a 15-month overhaul driven by player feedback, the team refocused on three core themes: "China," "Moon Spirits," and "Urban Life." With over 5.54 million pre-registrations, it's a dark horse candidate for the season.

• Silver City (白银之城) — From the makers of the popular match-3 game Happy Eliminate (Happy Elements), this title takes a detective-focused approach with an English aesthetic. The second beta test expanded the game from 5-6 hours to 40 hours of content, adding new story chapters and side quests. Its combat system separates dodge and parry into distinct buttons, and each character has unique execution moves, delivering a satisfying "anime-style violence" aesthetic.

• Blue Star: Travels (蓝色星原：旅谣) — The first 3D open-world game from Manjuu Network (known for Azur Lane), this title focuses on monster collection, with over 180 creatures called "Qibos" that can battle, solve puzzles, and work in your home base. Pre-registrations have exceeded 15 million, but the game faces stiff competition in the monster-collection genre, where players may feel fatigued by similar mechanics.

• Infinite (无限大) — First revealed in 2025, this urban open-world game wowed audiences with its "GTA meets Spider-Man" traversal. However, after a year of silence, with no public gameplay reveals, speculation is rife. Morgan Stanley predicts a Q3 launch, while others suggest it could slip to 2027. The biggest concern is whether the world will feel "hollow"—beautiful but empty.

• Green Dream: Echoes of Time (绿梦：时空之声) — A side-scrolling action game with Metroidvania elements, this title differentiates itself from the open-world crowd. Its combat is praised for fluid dodge mechanics and a time-slow effect on perfect dodges. It's a niche but polished option for players seeking tight gameplay over massive worlds.

Other Notable Mentions — Imo (伊莫), another monster-collection game with a gentle art style, enters its third beta in July. Return to the Ring (归环) from Tencent explores a time-loop open world with a "42-day apocalypse cycle." The Promised Day (约定之日) is a witch-themed strategy card game set for Q3.

In-Depth Analysis

The anime-style game market in China is undergoing a significant contraction. In 2025, domestic revenue fell by 3.64% to 28.281 billion RMB, even as the number of new titles continues to rise. This oversupply means that only the most innovative and polished games will survive. The upcoming releases reflect two key strategies: doubling down on niche genres (like Silver City's detective focus or Green Dream's Metroidvania approach) or leveraging massive production values (like Lord of Mysteries).

One critical trend is the importance of IP adaptation. Lord of Mysteries is a prime example of the challenges in adapting a beloved novel. The game's criticism highlights a broader issue: players expect not just a faithful recreation of the world, but also the emotional and thematic depth of the source material. Developers must balance fan expectations with gameplay innovation.

Another trend is the rise of "city-life" settings. Wangyue and Infinite both use modern urban environments, tapping into a desire for relatable, lived-in worlds. This contrasts with the fantasy settings of earlier hits, offering a fresh visual and narrative palette.

Looking ahead, the market will likely see a shakeout. With so many titles vying for attention, only those with strong differentiation, polished execution, and effective community engagement will thrive. The games that listen to player feedback during beta tests—like Wangyue—are better positioned to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which of these games is most likely to be a hit? A: Wangyue has the strongest momentum due to its unique urban setting and responsive development team. However, Lord of Mysteries has the highest production value and could dominate if it addresses fan concerns.

Q: Are these games available globally? A: Most are initially launching in China, with global releases expected later. Blue Star: Travels has confirmed international plans, while others may follow based on success.

Q: How can I try these games before release? A: Many are in beta testing. You can sign up through official channels or platforms like TapTap. Keep an eye on announcements for upcoming tests.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/hBa5ES_DeQGQISEwKrIOdg