Horizon Zero Dawn meets Genshin Impact in stunning RPG you can play free

Enter a virtual world threatened by a rogue virus

If you’re a fan of Genshin Impact or Zenless Zone Zero, then Etheria: Restart is most definitely going to be to your tastes.

This one has a post-apocalyptic edge though, as Etheria: Restart is set in the year 2133.

Players will find themselves in a world overrun by a wave of cold, one that ravages the Earth with its ‘snowglow’ and ‘cryosnow’.

Those who are exposed to the snowglow lose their memories before eventually perishing, prompting the United Government to send society into safe shelters underground.

With that in mind, there’s a touch of Fallout here, although the environmental focus clashing with a high-tech world is almost reminiscent of Horizon Zero Dawn.

In fact, the more I read into the game’s lore, the more Horizon Zero Dawn similarities I’m seeing.

Those in the bunkers transfer their consciousness into a virtual world known as Etheria.

This world is also inhabited by the Animus with humans living alongside the species in harmony.

That is until a disaster called Genesis causes the Animus to go berserk.

You’ll play as a Hyperlinker, someone tasked with entering this virtual world and putting a stop to whatever it is that Genesis has done.

See what I mean, Horizon fans? HADES, corrupted machines, memories accessed via the focus … There are definitely similar themes at play here.

Unfortunately for you console players, this title will be available to mobile and PC gamers only.

Those who are on PC and mobile may now be able to access the game for free.

How? Well, a beta test is underway. The only catch here is that it’s a closed beta test, so you’ll need to have signed up when the beta was advertised in December.

If that was you, then get involved as soon as you can. The beta runs until 20 January.

If you’re reading this disappointed that you missed out, worry not.

A closed beta test is very often followed by an open beta so I’d highly recommend heading over to the Etheria: Restart website where you can still register your interest for such events.