Nova City
The first metropolis of ANANTA, a coastal open city home to countless citizens and NPCs, the base of the Anomaly Countermeasure Division (A.C.D.), and the starting point of the player's adventure and the Nova City Coin system. Coastal Open City
City Overview
Nova City is the first metropolis of ANANTA and the starting point of the player’s journey. As a highly urbanized coastal open city, Nova City gathers countless citizens, shops and side content, and serves as the daily stage for the protagonist (as well as playable characters such as high-schooler liaison Ringo). The Anomaly Countermeasure Division (A.C.D.) bases its operations here.
Real-World Inspiration
In the Games Press release confirming ANANTA’s January 15, 2027 global launch, NetEase states that the urban open-world is “inspired by real-world metropolises such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Tokyo.” The release names those three cities collectively as the source pool for the game’s cities as a whole; it does not pin any single one to Nova City. Per our own city-origins timeline node, Nova City is described as a modern coastal metropolis “blending Japanese and East-Asian urban design,” which is why Tokyo is the most common reader inference for it — but that pairing is interpretation, not an official statement. See the two-cities inspiration article.
Content Scale
In a developer interview with Japanese outlet AUTOMATON on September 14, 2026 (relayed by Gamersky and others), the team pledged no fewer than 100 hours of playable content per city, and Nova City is one of the two. Per our own story archive, all six documented Volume 1 chapters are set here — the densest main-plot city at launch. Future chapters’ city placement awaits official announcements.
Districts
Nova City is divided into several distinctive districts that the player can freely traverse:
- Central Business District: the urban core of skyscrapers and neon, where commerce and main story converge
- Residential Quarter: everyday blocks full of NPCs and side commissions
- Old Town: nostalgic streets with local flavor, food stalls and neighborly stories
- Prosperous Shopping District: focus of shopping, dining and entertainment, ideal for collecting and life-sim play
- Seaside Area: coastal scenery and leisure facilities, blending sightseeing with exploration
Transport & Gameplay
- Ground: cars, motorcycles, skateboards, shared bikes and metro
- Exploration: local currency such as Nova City Coins and collectibles are scattered across the streets
- Life-sim: restaurants, shops and entertainment venues form the everyday exploration loop
Story Role
Nova City is not just the starting point — it is also the stage for many characters (such as A.C.D. liaison Ringo) and core plotlines. The player assembles the protagonist team, unlocks playable characters, and gradually steps into the broader dual-city world.
FAQ
What is Nova City in ANANTA?
Nova City (新启市) is the first metropolis of ANANTA, the starting point of the adventure and the base of the A.C.D., packed with NPCs and side content.
What districts can I explore in Nova City?
Nova City is divided into the Central Business District, Residential Quarter, Old Town, Prosperous Shopping District and seaside areas, covering sightseeing, side quests, shopping and life-sim play.
How do Nova City and Chongxiao relate?
Nova City and the second metropolis Chongxiao together form the official “two cities” world, an important stage for the protagonist’s growth and adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nova City and what makes it unique in the ANANTA map?
Nova City is one of ANANTA's main cities. Its landmarks, districts and life gameplay make it a standout part of the ANANTA open world map, explored in detail on this page.
Nova City location and districts on the ANANTA map
This page breaks down Nova City's districts, key landmarks and where it sits in the two-city ANANTA world, so you can plan your routes and collectibles before you play.
Which NPCs can you meet in Nova City?
Nova City is home to many residents with their own story quests. This guide lists the notable NPCs and how they connect to the broader ANANTA characters and factions.
What life and combat activities are available in Nova City?
From entertainment and side activities to traversal challenges, Nova City packs the life-and-combat variety ANANTA is known for. This page outlines what you can actually do there.
How do I reach Nova City and travel around it?
ANANTA offers car, bike, subway, boat, helicopter and glider travel to and around Nova City. This guide covers the traversal options so you can move efficiently.
Does Nova City have collectibles like sensors, chests and lore archives?
Yes. Nova City is filled with collectibles such as sensors, chests, lore archives and sightseeing spots. Use the checklist and this page to track your 100% exploration progress.