Animal Crossing's Replacement Is Here – Join The Beta Test On November 7

Despite decades of being the top dog of the cozy genre, a true Animal Crossing replacement is seemingly on the way. Various games have tried to supplant Nintendo’s popular series, but it looks like the latest game from HoYoverse, the creators behind hits like Genshin Impact, may actually achieve it.

HoYoverse has announced that a beta test for its new cozy sim game, Petit Planet, will begin on November 7, 2025. For those wanting to join, the sign-ups for the closed beta test are now underway. That can be found on the official Petit Planet website. Furthermore, HoYoverse has confirmed via press release that sign-ups “will remain open on the official website until further notice from the official channels.”

Petit Planet Closed Beta Test Begins November 7

How To Join Petit Planet’s Beta

In order to join Petit Planet‘s beta, officially called the Coziness Test, you’ll need to head over to the game’s official website and register. HoYoverse has stated that “A limited number of players will be selected from those who successfully complete the survey to receive beta access.” This is similar to how the company has hosted beta tests for its other games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail.

Like those games’ betas, the initial test for Petit Planet will be available on PC and iOS. Because the beta starts on November 7, 2025, and sign-ups are open until further notice, that should leave plenty of time for people to register. However, signing up doesn’t guarantee you’ll be selected.

What Kind Of Game Is Petit Planet?

Everything You Need To Know About HoYo’s New Game

Petit Planet is billed as an “idyllic life filled with creativity, companionship, and exploration. Cultivate and receive unexpected harvests beneath the stars, fish in crystalline waters, comb the beach and shallows for rare catches, or even unlock tasty recipes with bold mixes of ingredients. As curiosity guides your daily activities, your bond with Neighbors who were invited to settle on the planet also deepens.”

That may sound familiar for anyone who’s played Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or any other AC games for that matter. However, in Petit Planet, players can embark on Starsea Voyages alongside their Neighbors in order to explore Islets in their vehicle. Petit Planet is also free-to-play, which gives it an edge over most of the previous cozy games hoping to dethrone Animal Crossing.

Petit Planet is confirmed to have social and multiplayer gameplay. In the Coziness Test closed beta, players will be able to gather at the Galactic Bazaar, a social hub that also teases rhythm mini-games. This is HoYoverse’s first foray into the cozy genre, but it already sounds pretty enticing, especially for those hunting for an Animal Crossing replacement.