NetEase Games and developer Naked Rain announced the Ananta release date during Gamescom 2026 Opening Night Live on August 25, along with a new trailer. The free-to-play open-world RPG launches worldwide on January 15, 2027, on PS5, PC, iOS, and Android.
Players have called it “anime GTA” because of its large city, driving, police system, and open-world activities. Here is what is confirmed so far about the Ananta release date, platforms, system requirements, monetization, and how it compares with GTA 6.
When is the Ananta release date?
Ananta releases on January 15, 2027, with the date confirmed at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026. The launch is global, so all regions get the game on the same day.
The exact launch time has not been announced. NetEase usually shares regional unlock times in the final weeks before release.
The January date lands about two months after GTA 6’s November 19 launch, so the two games will not release in the same window.
Ananta development timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2023 | Revealed as Project Mugen at Gamescom |
| November 2024 | Renamed Ananta |
| September 2025 | New gameplay shown at Tokyo Game Show |
| Early 2026 | Closed beta test |
| August 2026 | Release date announced at Gamescom |
| January 15, 2027 | Global launch |
The game was renamed in November 2024, and the new name means “without end” in Sanskrit.
Which platforms is Ananta coming to?
NetEase confirmed Ananta for PlayStation 5, for PC through Steam and a standalone launcher, and for mobile.
| Platform | Status |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Confirmed |
| PC (Steam and official launcher) | Confirmed |
| iOS | Confirmed |
| Android | Confirmed |
| Xbox Series X|S | Not announced |
| Nintendo consoles | Not announced |
No Xbox version has been announced so far.
Ananta PC system requirements
The Steam listing gives these minimum and recommended specs for PC:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-9400F / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | Intel Core i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 9 9900X |
| RAM | 16GB | 32GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 |
| Storage | 40GB | 100GB |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
Full mobile requirements are not out yet. The App Store listing says iOS 12.0 or later.
Is Ananta free to play?
Yes. Ananta is free to download on every platform.
Naked Rain has said the game will not use a character gacha system, and playable characters are unlocked by playing. Paid items are limited to cosmetics, with optional purchases for outfits, custom vehicles, and player housing.
The Steam page does list in-game purchases, including random items, so some cosmetics may be sold through chance-based draws. Prices have not been announced.
Can you pre-register or join the Ananta beta?
Pre-registration is open on the official website and store pages. The game has passed 17 million pre-registrations across 110 countries and regions. Signing up does not give early access. It unlocks in-game rewards when the community reaches milestones. Our earlier guide explains how to pre-register for Ananta step by step.
A global open beta has not been confirmed. A closed beta ran in early 2026, and NetEase CEO Ding Lei said afterward that player feedback met expectations and the game was on schedule. Media also got hands-on time at Gamescom 2026.
Ananta story and setting
You play as Captain, a member of the struggling Anomaly Control Department (ACD). The main story has you rebuild the agency and search for your missing father by taking bounties, growing your social media following, and raising your reputation.
The game takes place across two cities:
| City | Inspiration | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Nova City | New York | Dense urban map, vehicles, crime and law enforcement activities |
| Chongxiao (Lingyun City) | Shanghai, Hangzhou and Tokyo | Mix of modern and traditional Chinese architecture, martial arts training |
Nova City is about the size of Manhattan, and supernatural events called “Chaos” disrupt everyday life there.
Ananta gameplay features
| Category | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Travel | Drive cars and motorcycles, ride skateboards, take taxis, buses and subways, fly in helicopters, use yachts and speedboats, swing and glide between buildings |
| Combat | Martial arts, environmental objects, fights against Chaos enemies |
| City life | Street racing, clubs, cinemas, arcades, cafés, shops and minigames |
| Roles | Police officer, hacker, delivery rider, influencer or gang leader |
| Social | Recruit allies, build relationships, grow your online following |
Movement has no stamina limit, so you can parkour, grapple, swing and drive freely.
The developers say Ananta will have over 100 hours of content at launch. Naked Rain also plans to support the game for at least seven years.
Is Ananta single player or multiplayer?
Ananta is a single-player game. Naked Rain has not announced co-op, even after being asked about it. The PlayStation Store listing says an internet connection is required to play.
Ananta vs GTA 6: how do they compare?
Neither Naked Rain nor NetEase markets Ananta as a GTA rival. The comparison comes from players, based on the city setting, vehicles, and wanted system.
| Ananta | GTA 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | January 15, 2027 | November 19, 2026 |
| Price | Free to play | Paid |
| Platforms | PS5, PC, iOS, Android | PS5, Xbox Series X|S |
| Genre | Open-world RPG | Action-adventure |
| Main setting | Nova City, Chongxiao | Vice City, Leonida |
| Playable characters | Several, unlocked through story | Jason and Lucia |
| Art style | Anime | Realistic |
| Supernatural elements | Yes, Chaos enemies | No |
GTA 6’s Extended Look confirmed a returning six-star wanted system and gameplay with Jason and Lucia in Vice City. PC players have one more reason to look at Ananta, since there is still no PC release date for GTA 6.
Players have also pointed out animations in Ananta trailers that resemble Marvel’s Spider-Man, Watch Dogs, Batman: Arkham, and Uncharted 4.
