Beast of Reincarnation summer 2026: Game Freak's 6-year action RPG blends katana combat with command-based gameplay

Beast of Reincarnation

A One-Person, One-Dog Action RPG from Game Freak

🗓️

Summer 2026

Release Window

🎮

4026 AD

Game Setting

⚔️

Action RPG

Genre

🌿

Post-Apocalyptic

Theme

Meet the Protagonists

Two unlikely companions on a journey across blighted lands in post-apocalyptic Japan

Emma

The Sealer

Born afflicted by blight, Emma possesses the power to manipulate plants and seal malefacts by absorbing blight into her body. Void of memory and emotion, she lives in isolation, shunned by those who fear her abilities. Her vinelike hair serves both combat and traversal purposes, extending as bridges or stilts for platforming.

⚔️ Fast-paced katana combat with parry mechanics
🌸 Blooming Arts magic abilities that slow time
🔮 Plant manipulation powers for combat and traversal
💎 Spirit Stone weapon enhancements
🎯 Skill tree progression system

Koo

The Malefact

A white dog with a tail made of vines and branches, Koo is classified as a malefact—creatures that pose threats to the world. Despite this, Koo forms an unbreakable bond with Emma, supporting her with powerful command-based abilities throughout their journey. As their bond deepens, more skills become available.

🐕 Command-based skill menu system
⏰ Time-slowing during skill selection
🌟 Wide range of tactical support skills
🔗 Bond-dependent power unlocks
🛡️ Charms for specialized bonuses

Development Journey

Six years in the making

May 2023

Project Bloom Revealed

Game Freak and Private Division announce the game as Project Bloom, introducing the post-apocalyptic Japan setting and the partnership between Emma and Koo. The studio confirms the game has been in development for several years.

June 2025

Xbox Games Showcase

Beast of Reincarnation formally announced during Xbox Games Showcase, revealing gameplay mechanics and the unique blend of action and turn-based RPG elements that define the combat system.

January 2026

Developer_Direct Deep Dive

Extended gameplay showcase reveals combat mechanics, character abilities, blighted forests, malefacts, Nushi bosses, and the three difficulty modes. Players get their first in-depth look at Emma’s katana action and Koo’s command-based system working in harmony.

Summer 2026

Launch

Beast of Reincarnation releases on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud. Available day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, featuring Xbox Play Anywhere and Handheld Optimized support.

Hybrid Combat System

Fast-paced action meets strategic command-based gameplay with tempo control

⚔️

Emma’s Katana Action

Fast-paced katana combat with parry mechanics. Successful parries earn points to unleash Koo’s abilities, creating a rhythm between offense and defense without relying on split-second reflexes alone.

🐾

Koo’s Command System

Turn-based RPG-style skill menu that slows down combat, giving breathing room to assess situations and plan tactical comebacks. Open the menu at any time to handle various combat situations.

🌸

Blooming Arts

Powerful magic moves that temporarily slow time. After building power through Emma’s successful parries, unleash devastating attacks that harm or hinder foes in creative ways.

💎

Customization Options

Equip Spirit Stones for action-based effects. Find new katanas for Emma and Charms for Koo through exploration. Build unique combat styles from stealth to ranged approaches.

Threats of the Blighted World

Face corrupted creatures and ancient machines in your journey to defeat the Beast of Reincarnation

🌿🦊

Malefacts

Corrupt fusions of animals and blight. These creatures pose threats to the world, and Emma must seal them by absorbing their blight into her own body.

🏔️👹

Nushi

Giant malefacts with immense power. These boss enemies can summon blighted forests, completely transforming the environment with dense overgrown obstacles and enemies.

🤖💀

Golems

Robots created with the purpose of storing human souls. Over 2,000 years, those souls have deteriorated, making these mechanical bodies dangerous threats.

Choose Your Challenge

Three difficulty modes to match different playstyles and skill levels

Story Mode

More forgiving parry timing and reduced enemy damage. Experience the narrative journey of Emma and Koo without intense combat pressure while exploring the mysteries of the blighted world.

Normal Mode

Standard balanced experience that blends action reflexes with strategic thinking. Tests both your katana skills and your ability to use Koo’s command system effectively in combat.

Hard Mode

Highly challenging mode for skilled players. Requires precise parry timing, optimal Spirit Stone builds, and mastery of both Emma’s action combat and Koo’s tactical support abilities.

Coming This Summer

Available on Multiple Platforms

Xbox Series X|S

PlayStation 5

Windows PC

Xbox Cloud Gaming

Day one availability on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate • Xbox Play Anywhere • Handheld Optimized

Wishlist on Steam

Set in post-apocalyptic Japan in the year 4026, Beast of Reincarnation follows Emma and Koo as they confront the Beast of Reincarnation—the source of all blight. The game was developed by Game Freak and published by Fictions Inc. (formerly Private Division). Defeat giant malefacts known as Nushi, absorb their immense power through Emma’s Sealer abilities, and uncover the secrets both characters carry. The ancient legend warns: “Never look up at the sky.” Learn more about Game Freak’s creative projects and explore upcoming action RPG releases.