Ananta, a new free-to-play open-world action game launching January 15, 2027, will feature two distinct and enormous city maps offering players a variety of urban activities, ranging from nightlife to cultural exploration.
- Two massive cities with unique atmospheres and gameplay
- Cultural inspiration from Tokyo, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Hangzhou
- Diverse activities including nightlife, shopping, and boating
What happened
The development team behind Ananta revealed at Gamescom 2026 that the game will include two large-scale open-world maps: Nova City and Chongxiao. After completing Nova City, the developers expanded the game to incorporate Chongxiao, which is even larger and features a different visual and cultural identity.
Both cities boast dozens of hours of story content and varied urban gameplay. Nova City offers a modern, entertainment-driven vibe, while Chongxiao is richer in technology and cultural settings, drawing heavy inspiration from the real-world cities of Shanghai and Hangzhou.
Why it matters
Ananta aims to position itself as a free-to-play alternative to high-profile open-world games like Grand Theft Auto 6 by delivering expansive urban environments with a deep variety of activities. Its dual-city setup creates a compelling contrast that broadens the player experience beyond the typical single-city open-world format.
The inclusion of real-world cultural and architectural inspirations, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and West Lake, lends authenticity and a unique flavor to the gameplay. This approach may attract gamers interested in diverse settings and nuanced storytelling within urban exploration games.
What to watch next
With its scheduled release on January 15, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and mobile platforms, Ananta’s launch will be critical to see how well it leverages its ambitious dual-city design and diverse gameplay mechanics to compete against established franchises.
Future updates or player feedback will reveal how the game balances the cultural and aesthetic differences between Nova City and Chongxiao, and whether additional content or city expansions are planned to deepen the immersive experience.