The poster of "Fantasy Essence" in 2026 is expected to be unveiled in the upcoming New Year's trailer. As the most luxurious and eye-catching event in the manor, the choice of characters must be carefully considered by the developers. Let's take a look!
Based on previous trends, Essence of Fantasy characters usually follow three key patterns. Let’s use a process of elimination to narrow down the possible candidates this time! (Just personal opinion~)
Survivor candidates: Explorer, Mercenary, Prisoner, Little Girl, and Gardener
Hunter candidates: Jack (the Ripper), Wu Chang, Photographer, Geisha, and Fishwoman
Mercenary is getting a Nymph Award skin at the end of the year. It’s unclear whether this counts as occupying a major slot, so it might be a factor.
Explorer already had an anniversary limited skin this year.
Prisoner is still popular but not as much as the top two. There are rumors he might get a second limited skin in the second half of the year.
Little Girl just got her second limited skin.
Gardener is also tied to the upcoming Nymph Award.
Additionally, since 3 out of the 4 previous Essence of Fantasy survivors have been female, it’s likely that this year’s pick will be male for the sake of balance.
As for hunters, Essence of Fantasy is still missing a male killer. Both Jack and Wu Chang are strong candidates, with Wu Chang offering dual forms. Photographer already got a summer-themed S-tier, and Geisha has an upcoming shop S-tier skin. Fishwoman is popular, but might need to wait a bit longer.
In conclusion, the most likely survivor pick is Mercenary, and the strongest hunter candidates are Wu Chang or Jack. It also depends on whether Wu Chang’s upcoming Palace Museum collab is an S-tier—though personally, I believe this kind of smaller collab would only warrant an A-tier skin.
Again, this is just my own speculation. What do you think? Who do you think will be chosen for next year’s Essence of Fantasy?
Thanks for reading! May your luck shine bright and your rank climb smoothly like drinking water!
