Our verdict: HoYoPlay replaces the separate launchers HoYoverse used to ship with each game, so one app now downloads, updates and starts all of their PC titles. It is required if you play these games outside the Epic Games Store. Beyond that it does nothing else.
About HoYoPlay
HoYoPlay is the official PC launcher from HoYoverse, published by COGNOSPHERE. It puts all of the company's PC games in one place: Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Zenless Zone Zero and Honkai Impact 3rd. From the launcher you download a game, install updates and pre-downloads, read game news and start the game.
If a game is already on your disk, HoYoPlay can find it with an automatic scan or you can point it to the folder, so you do not need to download it again. Copies installed through the Epic Games Store are managed by Epic instead. The games themselves are free-to-play and sell in-game items.
What it does well
- One launcher for all games. Downloads, updates and starts every HoYoverse PC game from one window.
- Pre-downloads. Fetches the next game version early when HoYoverse announces a pre-download.
- Locate existing games. Scans for or links game folders you already installed, without a new download.
- Custom install path. Lets you pick a separate folder or drive for each game.
- Game news. Shows announcements and events for each title on its page.
Who it is for
Good fit
Players of Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail or Zenless Zone Zero on PC.
Look elsewhere
Players who installed these games through the Epic Games Store, or anyone not playing HoYoverse games.
Pros and cons
Pros
- One app for all HoYoverse PC games
- Links existing game folders
- Supports pre-downloads before updates
Cons
- Only HoYoverse games
- Game downloads and updates are very large
- Does not manage copies from the Epic Games Store
How to install HoYoPlay
Choose Custom Installation in the setup if you want the launcher outside Program Files; each game can go to its own drive later. Games are large, so check free space first: HoYoverse states that Zenless Zone Zero needs 57 GB plus extra space while unpacking. If you already have a game installed, use Locate game instead of downloading it again.
Questions about HoYoPlay
Is HoYoPlay free?
Yes. HoYoPlay is free, and the games it installs are free-to-play with optional in-game purchases.
Do I need to redownload my games for HoYoPlay?
No. HoYoPlay can scan for existing installations or you can select the game folder manually, and it then uses those files.
Which games does HoYoPlay support?
Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Zenless Zone Zero and Honkai Impact 3rd, the HoYoverse games that run on PC.
