The galaxy on my screen paused mid-scroll. I felt the pull — a tiny game promising a vast habit to build. If you play cozy sims, this is one of those moments that makes you reach for the pre-register button.
I’m a reporter who follows HoYoverse’s bets closely, and I’ll walk you through the Petit Planet Stardrift closed beta: what the trailer shows, how to sign up, and what you’ll actually get to play when the test opens on April 21, 2026.
On X, HoYoverse posted a trailer with a massive travelling neighbour — Stardrift test starts April 21
The official Petit Planet X account dropped the announcement alongside a new trailer today. I watched the clip twice: the camera pulls back to reveal a neighbour that dwarfs everything else, drifting through several tiny worlds and meeting your playable character.
The trailer teases the game’s core hook — multiple interconnected worlds and a method of travel that feels more character than vehicle. The giant neighbour moves through the galaxy like a clockwork whale; it’s both an NPC and a conveyance for exploration.
The Stardrift trailer shows new neighbour interactions — martial arts practice and multiworld playstyles
On-screen, you see short slices of life: neighbours sparring in informal martial arts practice, players tending to small ecosystems, and the suggestion that moving between worlds matters for progression. Those glimpses tell me HoYoverse intends social simulation to sit beside planetary building.
Expect social loops: trading, visiting, and routine-based growth. The mechanic snippets are small but intentional; they hint at emergent stories rather than scripted quests.
How do I sign up for Petit Planet closed beta?
Go to the official Planet Stardrift page on HoYoverse’s site, click Pre-Register & Join Beta, then log in with your HoYoverse account. Complete the short survey and submit. If you’re chosen, HoYoverse will confirm via the email linked to your account.
I’ve signed up for past HoYoverse tests; the survey is straightforward and selection is random enough that patience helps. Use an active HoYoverse account and check spam folders if you don’t see a confirmation.
At the Stardrift page the process is simple — sign-up, survey, wait for an email
The test page is live now on Planet.HoYoverse.com. You’ll register there and answer a few questions about your platform and play habits. If selected, you get a confirmation email with instructions and any NDA or test rules.
When does the Stardrift test start?
The Planet Stardrift closed beta launches on April 21, 2026. The window is limited, so sign-ups are time-sensitive. I recommend registering now if you want a shot at early access; the selection is handled by HoYoverse’s participant system.
Inside the Stardrift test the world is compact — expect concentrated mechanics and early systems
The previous Coziness Test offered a taste of rhythm and base systems; Stardrift appears to layer multiple worlds and social mechanics on top. You won’t see the final product, but you will see foundations: travel between worlds, neighbour behaviours, and basic crafting or care loops.
The beta is structured to gather feedback on early systems, control feel, and multiplayer neighbour interactions. Testing is an invitation to influence how those systems evolve.
Will Petit Planet be free-to-play?
Yes. HoYoverse has stated Petit Planet will be free-to-play at launch. There’s no purchase required to participate in the final release — sign-ups for the closed beta are purely for early access and testing.
If you play HoYoverse titles on X or follow their YouTube channel or HoYoLAB, this is familiar territory: short trailer drops, closed tests, and community-led teasing that builds momentum. I’ll be watching community reaction and the patch notes once the test goes live; you should too if you plan to sign up.
The Stardrift beta is a small window into a potentially large game. The test feels like stepping into an overgrown bonsai — compact, curated, and full of hidden paths. Will you be the neighbour who reshapes the stars?