This game aims to compete with Palworld – featuring a fresh gameplay mechanic
At the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025, Aniimo was officially revealed – a vibrant open-world action RPG and a potential serious rival to Palworld, developed by the newly formed Pawprint Studio. The announcement trailer showcases a colorful, lively world filled with adorable creatures called Aniimo, which can be caught, trained and taken into battle using familiar mechanics. Combat appears to be real-time, much like in Palworld.
But Aniimo is far from just a Palworld clone. It introduces a unique mechanic called the “Twining System,” which allows players to merge with their Aniimo and transform into a creature themselves – potentially unlocking entirely new gameplay possibilities. The game also features an interactive world called Idyll, filled with dungeons and plenty of opportunities for exploration. Players won’t just collect creatures – they’ll evolve them and uncover their individual stories.
Comments under the trailer reflect mixed reactions. Many users praise the game’s colorful visuals, immersive atmosphere and overall positive vibe. The Twining feature, in particular, has sparked strong interest. However, there’s also criticism – mainly due to noticeable similarities to other titles. Visually and musically, Aniimo draws comparisons to DokeV, while its style and creature design remind many of Palworld. Some users have also voiced concerns about monetization, with the free-to-play model, potential gacha elements and a suspected live-service approach making parts of the community wary.
Release in 2026, closed beta later this year
Aniimo is set to launch in 2026 on PC, Xbox and mobile, but a closed beta for PC and Xbox is planned for later this year. Interested players can sign up through the official website. The beta will run for at least seven days and will be available in English only. While progress won’t carry over after the beta ends, rewards for participants are expected to be included.
