During the Xbox Developer Direct on January 22, 2026, Game Freak provided a comprehensive look at their upcoming title, Beast of Reincarnation. Moving away from their traditional turn-based roots, this “one-person, one-dog action RPG” is set in a post-apocalyptic version of Japan ravaged by a mysterious “blight.”

Players take control of Emma, an outcast with the power to manipulate plants, and her canine companion Koo, a creature known as a “malefact.” The game follows their journey from the East to the far West to confront the source of the world’s corruption. Beast of Reincarnation is scheduled for a Summer 2026 release on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one.

Hybrid Combat: Action Meets Strategy
The gameplay of Beast of Reincarnation features a unique hybrid combat system that combines high-speed action with tactical decision-making. Emma utilizes fast-paced katana combat and a parry mechanic to defend against enemies. Successfully parrying attacks builds up points that allow players to trigger Koo’s powerful support skills.
- Command-Based Skills: When selecting Koo’s abilities, the game’s combat slows down, allowing players to assess the battlefield, a mechanic designed to give “breathing room” in high-pressure situations.
- Customization: Players can enhance Emma and Koo by equipping “Spirit Stones,” finding new katanas, and discovering specialized Charms that provide various combat bonuses.
- Accessibility: The game includes three difficulty settings: Story Mode (forgiving parry windows), Normal Mode, and Hard Mode.

The Mystery of the Sky
Set in 4026 AD, the narrative of Beast of Reincarnation is shrouded in secrets. As Emma and Koo battle “Nushi”, giant blighted creatures that transform the landscape into dense forests, they uncover a multi-layered story involving their own pasts and those of their allies. A central, ominous rule governs the world: “Never look up at the sky.” Legend warns that something terrifying floats above the atmosphere, and players are cautioned against trying to see it for themselves. This mystery serves as a core narrative hook as players explore the ever-changing, overgrown environments of the wasteland.
Official website: https://fictions.com/games/beast-of-reincarnation

