HoYoverse has officially opened the gates for the next phase of testing for its upcoming life simulation title, Petit Planet, inviting players to register for the “Stardrift Test” scheduled to begin on April 21. This second major testing window follows the initial “Coziness Test” held in late 2025 and signals a significant step forward in development for the studio behind global hits like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail.
Prospective testers can currently apply through the game’s official website by completing a recruitment survey. The questionnaire focuses on player history with the life-sim genre and hardware specifications, as the beta is slated for both PC and mobile platforms. Unlike many modern service games that allow progress to carry over, the developer has confirmed that all data from previous sessions will be wiped, requiring returning participants to begin their journey from scratch.
Petit Planet represents a notable pivot for HoYoverse, moving away from high-octane combat in favor of a relaxed, Animal Crossing-inspired social loop. Recent previews highlight a heavy emphasis on community building and world customization. Players are placed in a vibrant environment known as the Starsea, where they can engage in farming, mining, and home decoration alongside a cast of animal neighbors like Yunguo and Harpeno. The studio is also leaning into social features, teasing systems that allow for player-created musical performances and collaborative world-building.
While a firm global release date remains unannounced, the scale of this “Stardrift” test suggests that HoYoverse is looking to stress-test the game’s multiplayer infrastructure and economic balance. The developer is also utilizing social media channels to distribute additional early access codes, expanding the pool beyond the standard survey selection. As the studio continues to diversify its portfolio—which now includes the recently revealed Honkai: Nexus Anima—Petit Planet appears to be their primary bid for the lucrative cozy-gaming market.
