HoYo FEST 2025 is officially back—and yes, it’s bigger, brighter, and more immersive than ever. If you’re in Southeast Asia and part of the HoYoverse fandom, this isn’t something you want to miss. From Genshin Impact to Honkai: Star Rail, this year’s event combines the energetic pulse of anime-style gaming with real-world communities that are just as passionate. But what exactly makes HoYo FEST 2025 worth your time?
What is HoYo FEST and Why Is It So Popular?
At its core, HoYo FEST is an annual fan celebration by HoYoverse (the developer behind Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero). Think of it as a multi-sensory, multi-location festival—it’s not just about the games. It’s about stepping into their worlds.
The event spans across cities like Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and more. You’ve got themed cafés, exclusive merch drops, cosplay gatherings, gaming booths, meet-and-greets—it’s almost absurd how quickly these events sell out. (I remember last year, café spots in Malaysia were fully booked within 45 minutes. That actually happened.)
It draws fans both casual and hardcore, especially Gen Z. According to a 2024 survey by GameRefine Asia, 68% of HoYo FEST attendees last year were between 18–27 years old. Why? Because it’s not just a con—it’s a crossover between digital obsession and real-world escapism. And in 2025, it comes with new games and even deeper fandom integration.
New Features and Game Highlights at HoYo FEST 2025
This year’s festival introduces something many have been requesting: live game challenge zones. Fans will get to experience real-time boss fights or team-based challenges, with digital leaderboards and exclusive in-game rewards. Kind of like esports-lite meets cosplay haven.
Honkai: Star Rail fans can dive into an augmented-reality inspired exploration game across event spaces, and Genshin Impact’s region-themed booths are coming back—but with full-scale area replicas. Yes, you can literally walk through Fontaine’s streets now (well, a version of them).
Also worth mentioning: The Zenless Zone Zero preview zone. Not everyone has gotten their hands on it yet, but you will at HoYo FEST. Hands-on demos, behind-the-scenes art, and even a short panel with developers are part of the festivities in select countries.
Themed Cafés: A Returning Favorite with a Twist
If you’ve been to HoYo FEST in the past, you probably know about the collaboration cafés. These venues become game-themed havens, complete with character-designed menus, music, and décor. In 2025, they’re switching it up by integrating AR filters into physical seating areas. Sounds gimmicky? Maybe. But some fans are all-in for the interactivity—like getting a selfie with an animated Paimon floating next to your kombucha. It’s oddly fun.
New this year are regional exclusive dishes—so the menus in Singapore might differ from the ones in Thailand. It’s a clever move, really, because it encourages fans to share and compare across countries. Plus, you get collectible postcards, stickers, and stamps unique to each café.
Merch Madness: What Collectors Should Expect
Every year, merch is one of the biggest attractions, and often the biggest stressor too. Limited-edition drops happen fast. In 2024, an Itto plush sold out online in less than 7 minutes (I tried. Didn’t get it.) In 2025, HoYoverse is expanding its merch categories: wearable tech, themed accessories like Eula earrings, and character-themed daily planners are joining the usual lineup of pins and acrylic stands.
A new pre-order reservation system will also be available across several countries. It’s meant to reduce disappointment and scalpers—though whether that’ll truly work? I’m cautiously optimistic.
How to Join and What You Need to Prepare
Getting into HoYo FEST requires some preparation. Entry details differ by country, but typically, online reservations are mandatory. You can’t just walk in and expect to find an open seat at a Genshin café or join the Star Rail rally event without registration.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you prep:
- Follow the official Genshin Impact or HoYoverse social pages for your region.
- Pre-register for your chosen events or cafés—slots go fast.
- Download necessary apps if AR or QR codes are used (some events use MiHoYo Pass).
- Charge your phone—you’ll need it for everything. Seriously.
- Cosplay optional but welcome. Some venues even give discounts if you show up in full costume.
Event Locations and Dates across Southeast Asia
HoYo FEST 2025 takes place from July to late September, staggered across different cities to maximize coverage and avoid overlap. Here’s a quick breakdown of dates we know so far (may vary slightly by venue):
| City | Dates | Special Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Manila, Philippines | July 10 – July 30 | Cosplay parade, Live Genshin music concert |
| Jakarta, Indonesia | August 3 – August 24 | Zenless Zone Zero live demo booth |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | August 27 – September 15 | Themed café expansion + City rally missions |
| Bangkok, Thailand | September 1 – September 22 | Star Rail VR experience |
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions About HoYo FEST 2025
Q1: Is HoYo FEST 2025 free to attend?
It depends on the event. Entry to public areas is usually free, but café visits and merch typically require paid reservations or purchases.
Q2: Can international travelers join?
Yes, but ticketing is localized. If you want to attend in another country, you’ll need to register locally, and some apps may not support foreign numbers for verification.
Q3: Are there COVID-19 restrictions this year?
As of now, there are no strict mandates, but local health guidelines apply. Masks are optional but recommended in crowded areas.
Q4: Will there be livestreams for fans who can’t attend?
Yes, select panels and showcases will be streamed via HoYoverse’s official YouTube and Bilibili channels.
Q5: Can I cosplay at the event?
Absolutely! In fact, some venues encourage it and even have mini-competitions or photo corners for cosplayers.
Conclusion: Why You Shouldn’t Miss HoYo FEST 2025
So, looking back—HoYo FEST 2025 isn’t just another seasonal event. It’s an entire universe squeezed into your city for a few weeks. It brings fans together not just to admire characters and collect cool stuff, but to celebrate what games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail have become: cultural landmarks.
From the immersive AR experiences and exclusive previews to café gatherings and real-world missions, this year’s event makes it undeniably clear—the line between the virtual and the physical has blurred more than ever before.
Whether you’re a longtime adventurer from Mondstadt or just recently boarded the Astral Express, HoYo FEST is one of the few fandom events that really feels personal. It’s crafted with consistent attention to detail—which, ironically, is one of the same reasons we fell for these games in the first place.
If you’re in Southeast Asia (or even planning a trip there), now’s the perfect time to plan your journey. Register early. Gather your friends. And maybe bring a power bank—or two. You’re going to be taking a lot of photos.
In the end, HoYo FEST 2025 reminds us why we love these digital worlds so much. Because they find a way to stay with us, even when we’re offline.
Will we see you there? 👀
Sources:
GenshinDB
HoYoverse Official Site
GameRefine Asia 2024 Report
