Pawprint Studio’s creature-catching open-world RPG Aniimo is officially available today, giving players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC a new world to explore and more than 200 magical creatures to discover. The free-to-play RPG is available through Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Aniimo’s official website, while a mobile release is scheduled to follow next week.
Aniimo will arrive on iOS and Android on September 23, with a Mac version also planned for a later date. The game is additionally launching day one on Xbox Game Pass, where it is available across Cloud, Console, and PC for Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, Essential, and PC Game Pass subscribers. Game Pass members can also claim an exclusive monthly reward pack containing an Aniipod Ultra, 15 Growth Flowers, and 300 Glimmer.
Set in the open world of Idyll, Aniimo puts players in the role of Pathfinders as they explore different environments, uncover mysteries, complete quests, and encounter a wide variety of creatures known as Aniimo. More than 200 Aniimo are available at launch, with different forms and rarities influenced by factors such as the environment, weather, and biomes.
One of the game’s defining features is its Twining system, which allows players to merge with their collected Aniimo and effectively take control of them. Each creature can provide different abilities that can be used for combat, traversal, puzzle solving, and exploration, giving players additional ways to interact with Idyll beyond simply collecting its inhabitants.
Among the Aniimo making their debut are Squarrel and its evolution, Squashel, a squirrel-like creature that uses its oversized tail as part of its fast-paced combat style. Players can also encounter Sparkelf, another new addition to the game’s growing roster.
Idyll itself is designed as more than just a backdrop for creature collecting, with multiple ecosystems, activities, puzzles, quests, and mysteries spread throughout its open world. Players can also make use of the Homeland system, which provides their own personal space to customize and decorate. Homelands can also be used for farming and harvesting, with Aniimo helping their Pathfinder owners with various activities.
Multiplayer features allow players to explore Idyll together, with several systems designed to make finding and joining other Pathfinders easier. The Horn can be used to call for assistance, while the Flute can invite players to a specific location or help discover nearby players. The Come to Me ability can also bring allies directly to a player’s location, while players can choose to follow another Pathfinder as they travel through the world.
For those looking for something more competitive, Aniimo also includes PvP activities such as Egg Heist, which pits teams against one another as they attempt to collect valuable resources and make their escape.
“Aniimo” is now available as a free-to-play title on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with the iOS and Android versions following on September 23. Mac players will have to wait a little longer for their version.