Monster Collection RPG Animo Showcases Link System at Bilibili World 2026
Animo's Link system offers a perspective shift that distinguishes it from other monster-collection games by letting players directly inhabit the creatures they collect, affecting both combat and exploration.
Key Facts
- A closed beta test for Animo began in Japan on July 9, 2026.
- Animo is scheduled for release within 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, and Android.
- The game is free-to-play with item-based monetization.
- The Link system allows players to merge with Animo for real-time combat and enhanced exploration.
- Animo is developed by Singapore-based Pawprint Studio.
Reporting from 3 sources: 4Gamer.net, Game Spark, Inside.
Singapore-based Pawprint Studio brought a playable demo of its monster-collection RPG Animo to Bilibili World 2026, held July 10-12 in Shanghai. The game, which began a closed beta test in Japan on July 9, is set for release within 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS, and Android. Animo is an open-world RPG where players capture creatures called Animo and fight alongside them, carrying up to four at a time. Its defining feature is the Link system, which lets players merge with an Animo and control it directly. In this linked state, combat becomes real-time rather than turn-based, as players manually use the Animo's skills and dodge attacks. The system also aids exploration: linking with an Animo allows swimming and climbing across treacherous terrains that are difficult for a human character. Developers plan to expand Ecology Areas tied to the Link system, where each Animo has unique background details and rivalries that players can only discover by inhabiting the creature. Animo is free-to-play with item-based monetization. The demo at BW2026 was reportedly close to the final version, with six demo units consistently occupied.
The booth at Bilibili World 2026 featured giant character balloons of the Animo Papipi and Popota, a mascot costume, and a camper van modeled after the protagonist's vehicle. Six demo units were available, and all were occupied during the event. The demo allowed players to extensively explore the game's action, including character creation with a green-haired protagonist. Several Animo types were showcased: Papipi, a cute creature; Popota, appearing in initial PVs; Hoshimomon, who appeared on stage with cosplayers; and Stella Mage, a humanoid mage that can create clones and swap positions. The Link system works by having the player character transform into a selected Animo, changing abilities and enabling maneuvers like gliding. The developers have also planned Ecology Areas as post-launch content, where each Animo's ecology and rivalries are only visible in linked form. The game is being developed by Singapore-based Pawprint Studio and is free-to-play with item monetization, targeting a 2026 release on PC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S, iOS, and Android.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 3 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.