The annual HoYo FEST is back in 2023, this time it’s located at Tropicana Gardens Mall for a week long of exciting activities and official merchandises of the HoYoverse games. HoYo FEST starts from 1st August and lasts till 7th August 2023.

Bringing in the Magic

HoYoverse games such as Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail are undoubtedly juggernaut titles with a dedicated playbase, especially in the Southeast Asian region. Needless to say, I find it really cool to see such a huge crowd gather at the event even on a Weekday, there were also some visitors who said to have lined up since 5:00 AM to buy the official merchandise.

The one thing that immediately stood out to me at the event was definitely the main stage with the huge display screen. Throughout the day, live stage events revolving the various HoYoverse titles are available for visitors to participate in.

Speaking of the HoYoverse titles, each of them are separated in their own areas and attractions from cut out stands of the characters, themed decorations, figures, and even official cosplayers dressed up as iconic characters from the respective games.

Merchandise Area

The highlight of the event is definitely the merchandise area full of exclusive and official goodies of each of the HoYoverse games. Merchandises such as Chibi cardholders, Character Acrylic Stands, Badges, Bookmarks, and Figurines are on sale. However, the merchandise there are in limited quantity with some items having a fixed amount sold everyday.

The merchandise area has its own designated zone and only a number of people can be allowed in at the same time for crowd control reasons. After entering the area, you’re not allowed to touch any of the merchandise that are displayed on the table. Fret not, the helpers there will assist you by holding out a basket and you can just tell them which items you want.

HoYo Zones

As previously mentioned, various HoYoverse titles are separated in their own areas, the games include: Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, Tears of Themis, Honkai Star Rail, the anticipated Zenless Zone Zero and even a small section for Lumi_N0va, HoYoverse’s very own mascot. Most of the areas have their own on-site activities where visitors can participate in-exchange for some goodies.

Genshin Impact

• Show off your Genshin Impact UID to get a sheet HoYo FEST Genshin Impact-themed stickers.
• Following any official Genshin Impact social media accounts will let you participate in 2 mini-games to win a Genshin themed hair accessory and postcards.
• Players who are either cosplaying as any Genshin Impact characters or show off their Adventure Rank 60 account menu can obtain obtain an additional fan.

Honkai Impact 3rd

• Players who show off the in-game bridge with their phones or other devices can win a set of HoYo FEST key visual characters tattoo stickers.
• Players who follow the official Facebook and leave down a comment on the event posts of HoYo FEST can win a postcard.
• Trying out the game demo on site will net you a poster.
• Being able to name three theme songs of the game will reward you a headwear.

Tears of Themis

• Showing off your Tears of Themis in-game screen will reward you with the Tears of Themis 2nd Anniversary KV poster.
• Playing Rock, Paper, Scissors with the staff and winning two out of three round will get you a HoYo FEST Tears of Themis Chibi Acrylic Stand.

Honkai Star Rail

• Win a free Hand Fan by showing off your Honkai Star Rail UID
• Following the Honkai Star Rail official Facebook and TikTok account will reward you a free themed postcard.
• Joining the H5 event on TikTok will get you a free bookmark.
• Using Blade to Solo Clear Simulated Universe World 6 will grant you a Mystery Gift.

Zenless Zone Zero

• Follow the official Twitter account to win a Bangboo emoji temporary tattoo.
• Following the Zenless Zone Zero official accounts on YouTube, Discord, and TikTok to win a postcard.
• Play test the game to win a Game Poster.

Lumi_N0va

• Follow Lumi’s official social media account to win a HoYoFEST Lumi themed Postcard.

Overall Experiences

All in all, HoYo FEST 2023 is definitely a neat experience especially if you’re a fan of the HoYoverse games. While it’s an entirely different as compared to the previous HoYo FEST, the core essence of being able to share your love for the games with other individuals is still present.

Being at the event, you really can feel the excitement fill the air as you’re surrounding by fans, cosplayers, and all sorts of cool themed decorations.

For more information, do check out the official HoYo FEST 2023 website here.