The Xbox Games Showcase 2025 brought a surprise reveal that’s already turning heads: Aniimo, a new free-to-play open-world action RPG that blends monster-collecting with real-time combat and a unique twist—literally.
Developed by Pawprint Studio, Aniimo invites players into the vibrant world of Idyll, where they take on the role of Pathfinders—explorers tasked with befriending and battling alongside magical creatures known as Aniimo. But this isn’t your average catch-and-fight formula.
The standout mechanic is something the studio calls “Twining“—a system that allows players to merge with their Aniimo partners. Twining transforms gameplay by granting players enhanced abilities, new movesets, and even access to areas or puzzles that would otherwise be inaccessible. The system promises depth and variety not typically seen in the genre.
The game’s world is described as large, lush, and filled with dungeons, environmental puzzles, and dangerous creatures. Players can enjoy both solo exploration and competitive PvP modes, with full support planned for cross-platform play.
Aniimo will launch in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and mobile, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. A closed beta is planned for later this summer, and sign-ups are already live.
However, early community feedback has been mixed due to one concern: monetization. The game is confirmed to feature multiple currencies, a battle pass, and a gacha-like system for collecting Aniimo—raising questions about pay-to-win balance. While some players compare the style to games like Palworld or DokeV, others fear that free-to-play mechanics might undermine the experience if not properly balanced.
Despite this, the game’s visual polish, engaging combat, and innovative fusion mechanics give Aniimo a shot at carving its own space in the crowded creature-collecting genre.
More details are expected during the beta period later this year.
