It wasn’t just too long ago that MiHoYo (otherwise known as HoYoverse) broke into the international stage with Genshin Impact, and now, the Chinese company commands a strong presence in the gaming scene. The popularity certainly shows in the strong turnouts for their real-life events — from brand collaborations and pop-up initiatives to orchestra performances, the company is no stranger to generating hype.
HoYoFest, established as a yearly celebration of all things HoYoverse, continues to be a tradition for fans. Making a return to Singapore, HoYoFest 2025 welcomes Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero into Hall 406CXD of Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre, with ticket prices starting from S$14.
The expanded space means more on-ground activities and fun, but there’s another reason for the excitement: fan art. Not only will this year’s edition debut its Artist Alley, it also marks the first time a gaming company is allowing fan-created merchandise to be sold at its own event in Southeast Asia.
A new stage segment has been included in the programme lineup as well, featuring interactive experiences with the audience and offering cosplayers, performers, and even fan artists to showcase their talents on the stage. As it stands, these new additions have proven to be a hit among the community, with tickets for all three days (25 to 27 July), selling out on the event’s opening day.
While online sales will no longer be available, fans can try their luck at securing tickets on-site. For those unable to attend HoYoFest 2025 in person, here are some highlights from the first day, starting with the Artist Alley.
Arguably the biggest draw on the showfloor, the Artist Alley threatened to empty wallets with a generous merchandise selection, including standard fare such as keychains, acrylic stands, and prints, alongside handicrafts like crochet products and character-themed cups. Barely a few hours in, and “sold out” signs were already placed on several booths, with the crowd growing larger as time passed, making navigation more difficult and congested.
The official merchandise area enjoyed its fair share of enthusiasm, too. Even as doors opened at 11am (and at 10am for Fast Pass holders), exclusive offerings were quickly snapped up, leaving little to no stock behind on the shelves. During the 11am to 12pm timeslot, only about five blind packs comprising past HoYoFest exclusives remained, out of the full range listed below:
- Genshin Impact
- Chibi Acrylic Standee (S$11)
- Tote Bag with Badge Series (S$25)
- Honkai Impact 3
- Chibi Acrylic Standee (S$11)
- Chibi Mouse Pad (S$18)
- Chibi Keychain Blind Bag (S$6.50, random design)
- Chibi Mouse Pad (S$18)
- Badge Series (S$12)
- Honkai: Star Rail
- Chibi Acrylic Standee (S$11)
- Acrylic Puzzle-shaped Magnet Fullset (S$55)
- Acrylic Puzzle-shaped Magnet Blind Bag (S$11)
- Zenless Zone Zero
- Chibi Acrylic Standee (S$11)
- Chibi Acrylic Keychain (S$12)
For non-exclusive goods, the available options run from soft toys and badges to character stands and even pillows. Merchandise specific to each title is also up for grabs – the Zenless Zone Zero lineup, for instance, features finger skateboard charms and Bangoo plush massage hammers, while tissue box holders in the shape of Ruan Mei’s cat cakes are part of the Honkai: Star Rail selection. Score a free postcard by purchasing one or more items at the official store, plus an additional paper bag when a minimum of S$20 is spent.
Over to the stage area, various activities are set to take place at allocated time slots. Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero will have their own dedicated showcases, joining an open dance floor, a cosplayer gathering, open-stage performances, and more on the roster. As with previous years, hands-on booths allow attendees to experience HoYoverse games on different platforms, including the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Carrying over from last year, the stamp rally invites fans to collect all five stamps and redeem a free HoYoFest-themed instant photo at the photo booth. Only one stamp can be earned from completing activities in a zone themed after Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, or Zenless Zone Zero, and the HoYoverse Experience Zone.
Here’s a look at the full haul obtained for finishing all challenges:
Genshin Impact
Natlan is front and centre of the Genshin Impact booth, where Baby Saurians await to be knocked down in three attempts. Completing the challenge earns participants Baby Saurian hairclips (random design), one of the three offline rewards available – the hologram ticket with in-game rewards is given by showing their game UID, while posting a photo with any booth elements on any social media platform grants a character photo card.
Honkai: Star Rail
In celebration of the latest Version 3.4 release, Honkai: Star Rail puts Phainon and Amphoreus into focus. Show your game UID to the on-site staff via the in-game client or HoYoLab and receive a holographic ticket, complete daily active missions to earn a postcard, and follow the official social channels and share game-related posts to score a character card.
Zenless Zone Zero
Stealing hearts with its adorable demeanour, the Amillion Bangboo stands alongside both old and newer Zenless Zone Zero faces, from Nicole and Ellen Joe to Yi Xuan and Yuzuha (who also gets her own standee). Three challenges lay in wait here – take photos featuring booth elements and share them on social media to receive a lenticular card blind bag, show your UID to on-site staff for a holographic ticket, and follow the official Facebook account to redeem a random photocard bookmark.
As a bonus, those who cosplay as a Zenless Zone Zero character and share on social media will walk away with a Bangboo headband.
Honkai Impact 3rd
A Erdős Helia cutout greets Captains at the Honkai Impact 3rd installation, where they have to show their game UID to claim an event-exclusive laser ticket, personalise their share image on the HoYoFest website and share it on social media for Coins and an in-game keychain, and share photos of booth elements on social media for a surprise.
HoYoFest 2025 takes place from 25 to 27 July at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 406CXD.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
HSALS
