Tencent’s Ausstar Heatwave begins China Shareholder Test Aug. 14

Tencent Games will open a limited Shareholder Test for Ausstar Heatwave in China from Aug. 14 to Aug. 23, 2026, for Android and iOS. The game is available for pre-order on the China App Store and Tencent has indicated Android pre-registration details will follow.

The Shareholder Test is a closed beta with a temporary data wipe. Recruitment is active on TapTap CN. Players must register on TapTap CN, complete the Registration Questionnaire and sign in with a TapTap account created via WeChat, Google or Apple ID. Selected participants will be notified after recruitment, including via SMS.

Ausstar Heatwave is a 2D open-world, anime-style action party game set in Haji Town. It combines exploration, combat, extraction-style gameplay and home management. One playable mode, Treasure Hunt, asks teams to search the map for items such as canned yellow peaches, pigeon overalls and golden hamsters, then extract safely.

Players can transform into a character called Guangzai, use unconventional weapons like baguettes and hair dryers, and use tools such as a microphone that can scare off some enemies. The game includes home-building, farming, cooking, outfit collection and social features that let players return to a hometown area and invite friends.

Competitive party modes include King of Hot Pot and Two Person Ride. Public listings show different target windows: TapTap CN lists Summer 2026, while the App Store listing indicates January 2027. Tencent has not confirmed a final global launch date.