Signups Open For April 21 Closed Beta
Circle April 21 on your calendar: HoYoVerse has opened registration for a new closed beta of Petit Planet, the studio’s upcoming “cozy galactic life sim.” The test—officially called the Stardrift Test—will bring a fresh wave of content and systems for players to try ahead of launch. Signups are live now at planet.hoyoverse.com, with invitations going out to “a selection” of registrants.
There’s still no release date, but this round of testing points to steady progress. HoYoVerse most recently described the project as a peaceful, connection-driven take on cosmic sandbox play, set across the vast Starsea. If you’ve been waiting for something low-stress from a studio known for massive live-service worlds, this might be one to watch.
What Petit Planet Is Trying To Be
Petit Planet hands you a tiny world to care for and customize—a pocket-sized home among the stars. You’ll farm, fish, cook, lounge on beaches, befriend fuzzy neighbors, and even “form galaxies” as your planet thrives within the Starsea. The studio pitches a gentle loop of creativity and discovery rather than combat or high-stakes grind.
HoYoVerse frames it as a place to slow down. “Spend relaxed and fulfilling days on your planet alongside your fuzzy Neighbors, and let your imagination run wild as you decorate your home or shape your own stylish landscapes,” the team said. Beyond your own world, you can roam a bustling hub: “You can also explore the Starsea and forge connections with people and things at the ever-bustling Galactic Bazaar.”
Relationships appear to drive progression. “Each bond you form with Neighbors and the world around you weaves into an ever-growing web of connections that keeps the universe flourishing,” HoYoVerse explained. As those ties deepen, “Luca, the vitality that flows through all things, shapes new landscapes and brings wondrous changes to your world.” It’s a clear statement of intent: community first, aesthetics second, and light exploration threading it all together.
What’s New In The Stardrift Test
The April 21 build focuses on variety and polish. HoYoVerse says testers can expect new Neighbors to meet and recruit, “enhanced Starsea Voyage experiences,” and added activities at the Galactic Bazaar. Taken together, the changes sound aimed at fleshing out the game’s social core and giving players more reasons to hop between their planet and the wider Starsea.
That Bazaar callout matters. A lively hub with new errands, vendors, or bite-size distractions can make or break a cozy sim’s day-to-day rhythm. If the Bazaar adds short loops that reward curiosity—quick crafts, snack-sized challenges, or unique decor—Petit Planet’s gentle cadence should feel more satisfying between longer-term goals like landscaping or planet shaping.
Expect the usual closed-beta limits. Progress may reset before launch, and features could shift based on feedback. HoYoVerse is emphasizing iteration here, and the “enhanced” voyage note suggests navigation, events, or pacing in Starsea travel are getting close attention.
How To Register And What Comes Next
Registration is available now at planet.hoyoverse.com. HoYoVerse says only “a selection” of signups will receive access, but pre-registering will also unlock “exclusive rewards,” which are likely to be distributed at launch. If you’re curious about the vibe, the studio has shown slices of tranquil decorating, shoreline hangouts, and low-key gathering—enough to set expectations around cozy-first design.
Petit Planet still doesn’t have a release date. However, prominent HoYoVerse leaker Ubatcha said in February that the game was “entering its final stages of development.” If the Stardrift Test rolls smoothly and feedback is manageable, timing news could follow not long after. That’s not a guarantee, but it aligns with how the studio has sequenced tests before unveiling broader plans.
On paper, the pitch is strong: a bite-size planet you can shape, a social web that fuels growth, and a shared starfield that gives your quiet routines a larger context. If HoYoVerse nails approachable systems and keeps the friction low, Petit Planet could land as an easy daily ritual alongside its bigger siblings. The next few weeks should tell us how close it is to sticking that landing.