The highly anticipated combat event, Hunter’s Crucible, is set to launch in Neverness to Everness (NTE) on June 18, 2026, and will run until July 8, 2026. Framed around the concept that “Hunters are forged by worthier prey,” this event will test your team’s combat capabilities against increasingly difficult boss encounters.
With premium rewards on the line, including Annulith and Fons, players need to prepare their rosters now. Here is everything you need to know to maximize your rewards before the event begins.
Event Overview and Rewards
Hunter’s Crucible is a limited-time combat challenge introduced in Version 1.1. Unlike standard story missions, this event focuses entirely on high-level boss fights.
By clearing these encounters, players can earn:
- Annulith: The premium currency needed for gacha pulls (crucial for saving up for the upcoming Version 1.2 characters, Shinku and Iroi).
- Fons: The primary in-game currency used for upgrading characters and Arcs.
- Expert Hunter Guides: High-tier experience materials required to level up your characters.
Because the event runs for three weeks (until July 8), you do not need to rush it on day one. However, preparing early ensures you won’t miss out on the highest-tier rewards.
How to Prepare for Hunter’s Crucible
To clear the hardest difficulties and claim all the Annulith, you need a well-rounded roster. Here are the top priorities to focus on before June 18:
1. Maximize Your Main DPS
Your primary damage dealer must be fully leveled with their skills upgraded as high as your current progression allows. If you pulled Lacrimosa or Nanally during the recent banners, prioritize their development. If you are relying on standard characters, ensure Jiuyuan or Zero are fully equipped with level-capped Arcs.
2. Level Up Your Support Core
Boss fights in Hunter’s Crucible will likely feature mechanics that require sustained survivability or burst damage windows.
- Ensure you have a built shielder or healer (like Adler or Edgar) to survive high-damage attacks.
- Bring a buffer (like Iroi or Haniel) to amplify your main DPS during break states.
3. Farm Fons and Upgrade Materials Now
Do not wait until the event starts to realize you are out of Fons or Ascension materials. Use your daily City Stamina to run material domains. If you are short on Fons, utilize the Owner’s Selection Early Quit trick to farm Fons efficiently before the developers potentially patch it.
Event Schedule Context
Hunter’s Crucible is just the beginning of a busy period in NTE Version 1.1:
- June 18: Hunter’s Crucible begins.
- June 24: Fight Championship (Prison Fight Club) event begins.
- June 26: Pixel Surge (Double Character Pixels) event begins.
All three of these major events will conclude on July 8, 2026, which is expected to be the launch date for Version 1.2. Use Hunter’s Crucible to test your team’s limits and gather the resources needed for the next major update!