The term "Genshin killer" gets thrown around a lot, but it’s a tough bar—Genshin Impact’s success comes from its polished open world, elemental combat, and massive cultural footprint. Still, Ananta, Arknights: Endfield, Azur Promilia, and Neverness to Everness (NTE) are generating buzz for good reasons. Here’s a breakdown of their potential to challenge Genshin’s dominance, based on what’s known so far:

Ananta (formerly Project Mugen)

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An open-world action RPG from NetEase, set in a vibrant urban metropolis with anime aesthetics. Think GTA meets Genshin, with parkour, grappling hooks, and supernatural combat.

Strengths

Urban setting stands out against Genshin’s fantasy landscapes. Cities like Nova Inception Urbs feel alive with side activities (minigames, races, chases) that could rival Genshin’s exploration.

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Combat looks flashy, with characters wielding supernatural powers and environmental interactions (e.g., throwing objects like tires). Recent offline tests in China suggest depth beyond initial trailers.

NetEase’s publishing muscle could ensure global reach and polish.

Challenges

  • Combat quality is still unproven—some reports call it "lackluster" without gameplay footage to judge. Genshin’s elemental synergy is a high benchmark.
  • No confirmed release date for 2025, raising skepticism about readiness. Overpromising risks a "too good to be true" vibe.

Potential: High if it nails combat and delivers a dense, replayable world. Urban anime vibes could pull players craving something fresh, but it needs to match Genshin’s technical finesse.

Arknights: Endfield

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A 3D real-time RPG spin-off from Arknights, set on the unexplored planet Talos-II. It swaps tower defense for Genshin-style team-based combat and survival-like base-building.

Strengths

Unique blend of action RPG and factory-building (think Palworld automation meets Xenoblade). The AIC system lets you craft gear and reshape environments, adding depth beyond Genshin’s exploration.

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Combat emphasizes tactics over character-switching, with a 15-character beta roster showing combo potential. It feels distinct, not just a Genshin clone.

Hypergryph’s track record with Arknights suggests a generous gacha system, potentially more F2P-friendly than Genshin’s. Beta feedback praises accessibility.

Challenges

  • Not fully open-world—more instanced like Honkai: Star Rail—which might disappoint players expecting seamless exploration.
  • Animations felt stiff in early betas, and the elemental system lacks punch compared to Genshin’s. Polish is critical.
  • Niche aesthetic may limit mass appeal versus Genshin’s universal fantasy vibe.

Potential: Strong for strategy fans and Arknights loyalists. Its survival and base-building could hook players bored of Genshin’s endgame, but it’s more likely to coexist than dethrone. Mid-2025 release expected.

Azur Promilia

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An open-world action RPG from Manjuu (Azur Lane devs), blending Genshin’s combat with creature-collecting and Palworld-esque mechanics. You fight alongside companions and ride dragons.

Strengths

Visuals and combat echo Genshin but add mounts, flight, and elemental pets, offering freedom Teyvat lacks. Switching between four characters with companion synergy looks dynamic.

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Creature-collecting and farming add casual appeal, potentially broadening its audience beyond hardcore gacha players.
Azur Lane’s F2P-friendly model bodes well for accessibility, a sore spot for Genshin’s resin system.

Challenges

  • Risks being seen as “Genshin with pets.” It needs to carve a distinct identity to avoid clone accusations.
  • Early designs lean safe (some say tame due to Chinese censorship), which might alienate fans expecting bolder characters.
  • No firm release date—likely 2026—delaying its chance to compete head-on.

Potential: Could steal casual players with its cozy monster-taming twist, but matching Genshin’s storytelling and world depth is a tall order. Manjuu’s rep gives it a shot if polish holds up.

Neverness to Everness (NTE)

An open-world gacha RPG from Perfect World, set in a supernatural city with Unreal Engine 5 visuals. It mixes urban exploration, car chases, and yokai-inspired enemies.

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Strengths

Seamless world with no loading screens (per beta reports) feels next-gen compared to Genshin’s zoned regions. Driving and apartment-buying add GTA-like immersion.

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Combat blends elemental heroes with Dandadan-esque spooky flair, potentially rivaling Genshin’s spectacle. Boss raids and farming hint at robust endgame.

Social features (collectibles, community events) could foster a sticky player base, unlike Genshin’s solo focus.

Challenges

  • Trailers show ambition, but sparse gameplay footage fuels doubts about execution. Recent CN tests are promising but light on combat details.
  • Perfect World’s mixed track record (Tower of Fantasy underdelivered) raises optimization concerns, especially for mobile.
  • Urban fantasy might not resonate as universally as Genshin’s high fantasy.

Potential: A dark horse with mainstream appeal if it nails performance and story. Its modern vibe could draw new players, but it needs to outshine Ananta in the same niche. 2025 release unconfirmed.

Why None Are True "Killers" (Yet)

Genshin’s edge lies in its refined systems, constant updates, and cultural staying power—$5 billion in revenue isn’t just gameplay; it’s a lifestyle for millions. These four games aim to differentiate (urban chaos, survival crafting, pet-collecting, yokai vibes) rather than copy, which is smart—they’re not trying to be Genshin 2.0. But differentiation alone doesn’t topple a titan. Each needs:

  • Polish: Genshin’s buttery-smooth combat and visuals set a brutal standard.
  • Endgame: Genshin’s weak endgame (artifact grind, Spiral Abyss) is a gap they could exploit with richer systems.
  • Identity: They must feel essential, not just “another gacha.”
  • Timing: Delayed releases or buggy launches could kill momentum.

Verdict

Most Likely to Rival Genshin: Ananta, if it delivers on its urban playground and combat evolves past “flashy” to “deep.” Its vibe screams mass appeal.

Dark Horse: Arknights: Endfield, for carving a niche with base-building and tactical depth. It won’t outgross Genshin but could outlast competitors in engagement.

Needs More Time: Azur Promilia feels iterative, not revolutionary—2026 might be too late to shift tides.

Wild Card: NTE could surprise if Perfect World sticks the landing, but it’s the riskiest bet given their history.