HoYoverse Unveils Varsapura: 31-Minute Gameplay Demo Confirms the Long-Rumored “City of Rain”

HoYoverse has finally lifted the curtain on its long-rumored project — and Varsapura is now officially real. After months of trademark leaks, unusual social media activity, and endless fan theories, the studio has released a full 31-minute gameplay demo showcasing the new title in action.

A First Look at Varsapura’s Opening Mission

The demo begins on a rainy day, with water striking the pavement as the camera follows the protagonist. She arrives to apply for a position in SEAL, short for the Shadow Emergency Alliance, driven by a personal vow: a police officer once saved her life, and she hopes to walk the same path.

After signing the agreement, SEAL officers Simmons and Sayuki immediately send her into a hands-on evaluation. The trial involves defeating shadow creatures, rescuing civilians, and proving her psychological stability. Once she succeeds, the tone of the demo shifts dramatically.

A mysterious figure known as Mr. Shadow makes his first appearance, hinting at a central role in the story. Shortly after, the world opens up. Together with Sayuki, the protagonist jumps straight into combat against monsters, and later, as the sun sets, the two characters pause to enjoy canned Americanos.

A World Strikingly Similar to Singapore

The environment shown in the footage quickly became a topic of discussion among viewers. Many pointed out that the map bears a striking resemblance to Singapore, with several locations appearing almost identical to real-world counterparts. The driving sequence in particular seems to follow a route from Bencoolen to Dempsey Hill, complete with accurately rendered buildings and roads.

The demo also reveals several important lore elements. Terms like “mindrotting” appear, seemingly connected to shadow-related outbreaks in individuals. During missions, the protagonist receives operational support from an AI assistant named DAWN.

The gameplay was demonstrated on PC and features mechanics such as stealth, heavy attacks, and multi-character control — all three showcased during the demo.

A Project Teased Since 2025

Varsapura has been on the radar for some time. In July 2025, HoYoverse filed the trademark and launched social media accounts tied to the project. The name itself — combining Varsha (rain) and Pura (city) — aligns perfectly with the opening rain-soaked sequence, reinforcing the theme of a “City of Rain.”

It is important to note that Varsapura is not the same title as HoYoverse’s recently teased Unreal Engine 5 fantasy MMORPG, though both belong to the company’s expanding lineup of future releases.

As of now, HoYoverse has not shared details about upcoming tests, launch plans, or supported platforms. With no additional announcements yet, the project could remain in development for some time, likely following the familiar cycle of testing phases, pre-registration, soft launch, and eventual full release. Further updates are expected as development continues.