My Personal Journey Through the Hoyoverse: Ranking the Games in 2026

As I gaze at my collection of Hoyoverse icons on my gaming dashboard in 2026, it's remarkable to reflect on the journey. From a small studio to a global gaming titan, miHoYo—now proudly operating as Hoyoverse—has crafted worlds that have defined a generation of players. Each title, from the niche to the mainstream, tells a part of a larger story about innovation, controversy, and pure, unadulterated fun. I've spent countless hours across these digital landscapes, and today, I want to share my personal ranking, not just as a fan, but as someone who has lived through their evolution. The criteria are simple: depth of gameplay, the shadow of controversy, and that elusive 'fun factor' that keeps you coming back for more.

Let's start at the beginning of my adventure, though ironically, it sits at the bottom of my list: Genshin Impact. There's no denying its monumental impact. This was the title that catapulted the developer into the stratosphere, introducing me and millions of others to a breathtaking, anime-inspired open world. I remember the sheer wonder of first gliding over Mondstadt's plains. The narrative was rich, the characters were charming, and the elemental combat system felt genuinely revolutionary for a free-to-play title. For many of us, it was our first deep dive into a gacha game with a soul. However, my affection is tempered by years of recurring controversies. From debates over character diversity to the infamous anniversary reward fiascos, the experience has often been marred by decisions that felt disconnected from the player base. It's a foundational, beautiful world, but in the crowded Hoyoverse of 2026, it's the one I find myself returning to the least.

Next up is a hidden gem, a piece of history: Guns Girl Z. This title feels like a relic from a different era, a time before the 'Hoyoverse' was even a concept. It never officially made its way to Western shores, which adds to its niche, almost mythical status among dedicated fans. The gameplay is charmingly simple—a 2D side-scrolling shooter where you tap to blast away enemies. Its DNA can be traced back to the even more obscure Zombiegal Kawaii, showcasing the studio's long-standing affinity for blending cuteness with action. What truly endears it to me is its enduring spirit. Even now, it receives support and wild collaboration events (the Prisma Illya crossover will forever be legendary in my book). It's a testament to the developers' loyalty to their legacy projects.

In a catalog often (fairly or unfairly) associated with a particular demographic, Tears of Themis stands as a bold and beautiful anomaly. Released in 2020, this game was a conscious and successful effort to craft an experience squarely for a female audience. As a visual novel at its core, it's a complete departure from the action-heavy titles. I was captivated by its vertical format, perfect for one-handed play, and its gripping narratives of law, mystery, and romance. The occasional card-based battles were a light strategic diversion. Its uniqueness is its greatest strength; it proved Hoyoverse could master genres far beyond hack-and-slash, creating a deeply engaging narrative experience that still feels fresh today.

When Zenless Zone Zero launched in mid-2024, the hype was palpable. A stylish, urban fantasy with a killer aesthetic inspired by modern street culture—it looked like nothing else in the lineup. The premise of rebels in a futuristic yet familiar city was instantly appealing. However, as I dove into its stage-based, hack-and-slash gameplay, a sense of repetition began to set in. The combat, while flashy, often boiled down to a rhythmic pattern of two-button presses and character swaps. It lacked the strategic depth or exploration freedom I had come to love in other titles. Two years later, while it has a dedicated community and undeniable style, it feels like a concept that prioritized cool factor over substantive, enduring gameplay loops. Billy's coat is fantastic, but the game beneath it needed more devil may care attitude.

This brings me to the heart of the matter, the silver medalist: Honkai Impact 3rd. To play this game in 2026 is to take a masterclass in Hoyoverse's origins. This was their first major triumph, the proving ground for the emotional storytelling and character-driven drama that would define their future. The gameplay is a fascinating hybrid—a 3D action spectacle with combo systems that feel like a precursor to Genshin's combat, all packaged in linear, stage-based missions. The story of Kiana, Mei, and Bronya is an epic, heartbreaking saga that set the standard. For any fan, this is essential history. Characters like Bronya and Raiden Mei originated here, their legacies later reimagined in other titles. It's more than a game; it's the foundational myth of the entire Hoyoverse.

And now, the champion, the game that has consumed most of my gaming hours since its release and continues to do so in 2026: Honkai: Star Rail. This sci-fi, turn-based RPG is, in my view, the pinnacle of Hoyoverse's design philosophy. It masterfully synthesizes the best elements of its siblings into a cohesive and endlessly engaging package.

• The Combat: The turn-based system is deceptively deep. Every character, from the humble 4-star to the legendary 5-star, has a defined role and utility. Team composition and strategy matter immensely, creating a satisfying puzzle-like layer to every battle. You never feel powerless, even if luck isn't on your side.

• The Exploration: It strikes the perfect balance. It's not a sprawling, empty open world, nor is it a series of bland corridors. Each new planet we visit on our trailblazing journey is a curated, dense environment filled with secrets, puzzles, and compelling side stories. The 'Simulated Universe' roguelike mode alone offers near-infinite replayability.

• The Heart: The writing is consistently sharp, witty, and emotionally resonant. The Astral Express crew feels like a family, and the humor is genuinely funny. It respects my time while always giving me a reason to come back for the next chapter of the cosmic adventure.

From the controversial peaks of Teyvat to the stylish streets of New Eridu, and from the poignant origins in Honkai Impact 3rd to the stellar journey aboard the Astral Express, my voyage through the Hoyoverse has been unforgettable. Each game is a landmark, but Honkai: Star Rail stands tallest. It represents a studio at the height of its powers, learning from every past triumph and stumble to deliver a near-flawless experience. If you're asking me where to start your own journey in 2026, your ticket is waiting at the space station. All aboard the Express 🚂✨.