Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact stands out as a 2D fighting game that brings the beloved anime series to life through intense 3v3 team battles on PC. Developed with a focus on character synergy and Nen abilities, it lets players assemble teams from familiar faces like Gon and Killua to engage in fast-paced combat. Released in July 2025, this title emphasizes accessible mechanics while incorporating elements from the Hunter x Hunter universe, making it appealing for fans seeking multiplayer action or single-player challenges.
Gameplay
In Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact, the core experience revolves around 3v3 team battles where strategy hinges on character compatibility and Nen abilities. Players build teams with synergy in mind, switching between fighters during matches to exploit strengths and cover weaknesses. The rush button simplifies combos, allowing repeated presses to chain attacks effortlessly, which leads into powerful Aura Arts once the gauge fills. These special moves scale in damage based on accumulated Aura, adding a layer of resource management. Online matches use rollback netcode for smoother play, though some reports highlight occasional issues with lag and balancing. The combat feels satisfying with excellent animations, but critics note that the simplified mechanics can lead to one-sided fights if teams are not well-matched.
Character balance plays a significant role, as certain combinations dominate due to inherent synergies, which has drawn criticism for making matches feel unbalanced without adjustments. The absence of motion inputs and an 8-button scheme cater to accessibility but may frustrate players using arcade sticks. Overall, the system encourages experimentation in team composition, rewarding those who master tag mechanics and timing.
Game Modes
The game offers a limited selection of modes, centered around both solo and competitive play. Story mode provides a digest of key Hunter x Hunter anime moments, featuring CPU battles and tutorial stages to teach basics like combos and team switching. This mode serves as an entry point for newcomers, though it's often described as short and minimal in depth.
Online PvP includes ranked matches where players earn points to climb ranks, aiming for the three-star hunter status, and player matches that allow betting G.I. Cards collected from various activities. Local options feature shared or split-screen PvP for couch co-op. Collection elements let players gather titles, profile icons, and G.I. Cards through story and single modes, which can customize profiles or be used in online wagers. Notably, there's no dedicated 1v1 mode, which limits variety according to reviews.
Characters and Roster
The roster draws directly from the Hunter x Hunter series, starting with a base set of characters that emphasize team synergy over individual prowess. Fan favorites form the core, but the initial lineup is thin, with critics pointing out it lacks depth compared to other fighting games. DLC expands this, with additions like Neferpitou released in Fall 2025 and Phinks in Winter 2025, followed by more in Spring and Summer 2026. These updates aim to bolster variety, though the game launched without cross-play, affecting online matchmaking.
Is It Worth Playing?
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact earns a Metascore of 53 from 15 critic reviews, reflecting mixed opinions on its fun 3v3 battles overshadowed by limited content and balance issues. User scores are lower at 3.4 from 30 ratings on Metacritic, while Steam shows a mixed 64% positive from 218 reviews. Players praise the engaging combat and anime fan service in story mode, but common complaints include problematic netcode, a sparse roster, and awkward offline experiences.
For dedicated Hunter x Hunter enthusiasts or those who enjoy casual team-based fighters, it offers worthwhile moments of experimentation and nostalgia, especially with ongoing DLC adding characters. However, if you seek polished online play, extensive modes, or balanced competition, other titles might serve better. With no major patches noted by early 2026 and persistent issues like no 1v1 option, it's best suited for short sessions rather than long-term investment.
