NetEase and Naked Rain Announce January 2027 Launch Date for Urban Open-World RPG ‘ANANTA’

Publisher NetEase Games and developer Naked Rain have officially pulled back the curtain on the release date for their highly anticipated, free-to-play urban open-world RPG, ANANTA. The title is officially set to launch on January 15, 2027 across a wide array of platforms, including PlayStation 5, PC (via client and Steam), iOS, and Android.

A Modern Take on the Open-World Genre

Departing from the traditional tropes of open-world gaming, ANANTA centers its narrative and gameplay mechanics on a distinctly modern premise: “Go Viral. Save the World.” Players step into the shoes of an “influencer” navigating a sprawling urban landscape dictated by algorithms and online culture. In this environment, social influence is not just a secondary feature—it is the core currency.

As a content creator, players will interact with the city to build their reputation, unlocking new resources, unique perks, and critical storyline progression. According to the developers, the experience is designed to be deeply personal and player-driven, with every mission and citywide crisis serving as a stage to capture the public’s attention.

A Living, Breathing Metropolis

Drawing inspiration from the architectural and cultural vibes of global metropolises like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Tokyo, ANANTA promises a vibrant urban playground. The game encourages a philosophy of “go where you can see,” offering near-unlimited traversal options, ranging from helicopters and yachts to motorcycles and subway systems.

The world is packed with immersive details, allowing players to unwind in cat cafés, visit local cinemas, hit the gym, or relax in open-air hot springs. Beyond the leisure activities, the city is a hub of discovery, featuring over 100 NPCs, each with their own unique quests and backstories. Players can foster relationships with these characters to assemble their “Yeet Squad,” a team of recruits that provides access to exclusive items, badges, and combat abilities.

Combat, Roles, and Creativity

ANANTA emphasizes player identity through a “multi-life” system. Players can inhabit various roles—from high-stakes hackers and delivery riders to NCCA officers—each offering a fresh perspective on the city’s narrative and distinct gameplay approaches.

When the action heats up, the combat system prioritizes creativity and environmental interaction. Players are encouraged to blend fluid martial arts techniques with everyday objects found throughout the city to develop a signature fighting style, ensuring that combat feels as dynamic as the world around them.

Looking Ahead

With its release date now locked for early 2027, ANANTA positions itself as a major contender in the free-to-play space, aiming to bridge the gap between social media culture and traditional RPG adventuring.

The studio has released a new trailer showcasing the game’s high-octane traversal, combat, and vibrant world-building, which can be viewed in English, Japanese, and Korean via the official channels. As the January launch approaches, players can begin building anticipation for what promises to be an unprecedented look at the modern urban experience.