Ananta Sets January 2027 Launch Date, Reveals Second City and Influencer Mechanics

Key points

• Ananta is scheduled to release on January 15, 2027, for PlayStation 5, PC, iOS, and Android.
• The game is developed by NetEase studio Naked Rain and is free-to-play without gacha mechanics.
• Players act as an influencer for the ACD agency, gaining fame to unlock missions and resources.
• The latest trailer revealed a second city, Chongxiao, inspired by Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Tokyo.
• Gameplay includes martial arts combat, vehicle traversal, and over 100 recruitable NPCs.

Background

Ananta has been widely compared to Grand Theft Auto due to its open-world structure and urban setting. While Rockstar’s GTA 6 is set to launch in November 2026, Ananta’s delayed release to early 2027 positions it as a major competitor in the open-world genre for the following year.

How outlets are covering it

Kotaku emphasizes the game’s lack of gacha elements, distinguishing it from other free-to-play anime RPGs. Game Informer provides detailed gameplay mechanics, noting the 'go viral' progression system and the second city, Chongxiao. GameSpot highlights the trailer’s heavy use of internet memes, such as the 'yeetmaster' nickname. Korean outlet GameMeca confirms the multi-platform release and pre-registration availability.

Why it matters

Ananta’s release date and free-to-play model without gacha mechanics could attract players seeking a high-quality open-world experience without the monetization pitfalls common in mobile and anime RPGs. Its cross-platform availability and unique influencer-based progression system may redefine the genre.

What to watch

Pre-registrations are currently open. The game is expected to launch on January 15, 2027, with further details on online features and post-launch content likely to be announced closer to release.