Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star – Dove, Actually Edition (v2022.12.07)
Game Overview
Winter break turns the already bizarre pigeon-dating universe into a colorful anthology of comedy, fantasy, mystery, and unexpectedly heartfelt character moments. Rather than retreading the original academy romance setup, Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star follows familiar birds and several newcomers through separate holiday-themed episodes, from Christmas-saving capers to strange magical transformations. Its watercolor backdrops and high-definition presentation give each setting a storybook warmth, even when the plot takes an absurd turn. The mood is mostly playful and silly, but longtime fans know this series always keeps room for melancholy and sharper emotional beats.
Players read through visual-novel scenes, make occasional dialogue choices, and uncover self-contained tales that spotlight different members of the returning cast. One chapter might play as a light romantic comedy, while another leans into supernatural adventure, sci-fi nonsense, or parody; the appeal comes from seeing how far each premise pushes the birds’ deadpan personalities. There is no demanding action system or traditional exploration, so progression centers on following routes, learning character details, and reaching the various endings and side stories. The episodic structure also makes it easy to play in short sessions, although familiarity with the first Hatoful Boyfriend adds considerable weight to the in-jokes and returning relationships.
What separates Holiday Star from most visual novels is its complete commitment to an idea that sounds like a joke—dating and adventuring with birds—while treating its cast and world with genuine affection. Hand-drawn scenery, exaggerated anime-inspired sequences, and delightfully specific avian humor make every episode feel distinct, while Ryouta’s radio segments and other diversions broaden the package beyond a single linear tale. It is less of a conventional sequel than a festive bonus season for fans, with more emphasis on character sketches and surreal scenarios than a unified central plot. Readers who enjoy the tonal whiplash of Danganronpa, the offbeat warmth of comedic anime, or the original Hatoful Boyfriend will find plenty to enjoy; newcomers can still laugh along, but veterans get the stronger experience.
Screenshots
Installation
- Select the Download button at the top of this page to open UploadHaven.
- On UploadHaven, wait for any countdown, then select Free Download. Optional: UploadHaven Pro for faster downloads.
- When complete, extract the archive to a Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star - Dove, Actually Edition folder using 7-Zip.
- Open the extracted folder and start the game normally.
- For errors, check Setup Guide & Troubleshooting below. Keep your security software enabled.
System Requirements
- OS *: Windows XP with SP2 or later; Windows 7 with SP1 or later; Windows 8
- Memory: 1 GB RAM
- Graphics: Graphics card with DirectX 9 level (shader model 2.0) capabilities.
- DirectX: Version 9.0
- Storage: 300 MB available space
Setup Guide & Troubleshooting
How do I fix missing DLL errors for Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star – Dove, Actually Edition (v2022.12.07)?
After extracting Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star – Dove, Actually Edition (v2022.12.07), navigate to the _Redist or _CommonRedist folder inside the game directory and install DirectX, Vcredist, and any other dependencies included.
What should I do if the downloaded file is corrupted?
The full archive is 808.74 MB — make sure your download completed fully before extracting. Use 7-Zip to extract the files. If you still see a "file corrupted" error, re-download and try again.
Do I need to run the game as administrator?
Usually, no. Start the game normally from the extracted folder. If you see a permissions or save error, check that the folder is writable and follow the game's documented fix. Only grant administrator access when a trusted game's specific setup requires it.
How do I update my GPU drivers for this game?
The game won't launch — what should I try?
Check that extraction completed and your PC meets the system requirements, including Version 9.0. Note any error message before choosing a fix. If it identifies a missing runtime, install the required DirectX components or Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft.
My antivirus is blocking the game — is it safe?
A warning needs to be investigated; the download source alone cannot confirm that a file is safe. Keep your security software enabled and review the detection details. Do not run or restore a flagged file unless you have verified that it is a false positive. If you are unsure, leave it quarantined.