The monster-taming niche is getting a sort of futuristic upgrade with Animo! This game is an ambitious new open-world action RPG aiming to blow up everything we know about creature collecting games. Developed by an indie studio with high aspirations, Pawprint Studio, Animo is getting a ton of attention following its closed beta! It is already getting a lot of praise for its colorful visuals and fast-paced combat system.
Set for a 2026 release on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Android, and iOS, Animo could very well be a next-gen genre leader, and here is everything we know about it so far!
A Streamer in a Strange World
In Animo, players step into the role of a livestreamer transported to a mysterious planet crowded with lifeforms known as “Animo.” These creatures can be captured, battled with, evolved, and even directly controlled through a unique mechanic called Twine.
Unlike your typical silent protagonists, the main character here has the unique ability to understand two special Animo, which allows for a much deeper story and journey beneath the surface. You can also participate in fights! It is not just your Animo fighting.
Real-Time Combat With Tactical Depth
Forget turn-based battles. Animo is fully real-time and fast-paced, allowing free swapping of Animo mid-fight with no cooldowns. Combat is rich with strategy, mixing traditional RPG stats with action mechanics:
- Core Stats:
- Including Physical or Magical Attack, Defense, and Speed
- Combat Power:
- The main power rating that determines Animo strength
- Personality Types:
- Timid
- Practical
- Aloof
- Obedient
- Each affecting growth
- Traits & Skills:
- Passive and active abilities with energy costs and cooldowns
- Ultimate Attacks:
- Special moves that charge during battle for major impact
- Dodge System:
- No i-frames, timing and positioning are key
- Positional Combat:
- For example, flying Animo avoid ground attacks but are weak to ranged
- Team Synergy:
- Loadouts encourage roles like DPS, support, and healer
- Stacking Effects:
- Debuffs and traits can build on each other for layered strategies
- Resonators:
- Equipable items for passive combat boosts
- Player Support:
- Your character can also join the fight with Pathfinder skills and buffs via a personal talent tree
This approach mixes action-RPG flexibility with strategic team-building and energy management, creating cool encounters that reward careful planning and execution.
Evolution and Form Changes
As expected of this type of game, creature evolution plays a major role. Some Animo evolve through leveling, while others require quest completion or special items.
But Animo adds a little twist with Form Change Mechanics, letting you switch a creature’s form mid-game using special unlocks. These changes are not just cosmetic: they can modify the playstyles, stats, and even elemental roles.
Shiny Creatures and Custom Loadouts
Yes, shiny hunting is in Animo. While the details are still a bit hidden, shiny variants have been confirmed.
What we do know is that players will be able to create multiple custom loadouts, not just for combat, but for exploration and movement as well. This means that you can tailor each activity to your liking, and switch between your loadouts easily to explore in-between fights.
Free-to-Play on Multiple Platforms
Animo is targeting a 2026 launch and will be free-to-play across PC, Xbox Series X/S, Android, and iOS. While there is no confirmation yet for a PS5 or Switch 2 version, the current console listing suggests it may be an Xbox console exclusive at launch.
That said, the developers are being cautious about the monetization model. While nothing is confirmed, possibilities include cosmetic purchases, convenience items, or even gacha mechanics. The devs have openly shared concerns about free-to-play systems and appear mindful of avoiding pay-to-win mistakes.
The closed beta definitely gave a really interesting and exciting look into Animo. With its real-time battles, deep team strategy, and really colorful visual design, Animo is going to be one of the most exciting new titles in the monster-taming space.
If you are in it for the creatures, the combat, or the story, this game looks ready to bring something new and ambitious to the table.
Stay tuned, Animo might just become your next obsession in 2026! You also already pre-register on the official Animo website!
We will absolutely keep you updated, so keep an eye on our latest news!
