Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation arrives on Game Pass this summer, featuring a canine companion.

Players got an exciting glimpse of *Beast of Reincarnation* during Thursday’s Xbox Developer Direct, where developers from Game Freak shared insights into this intense RPG. The segment highlighted several core mechanics and revealed a summer 2026 release window.

*Beast of Reincarnation* was first announced at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025, catching many fans off guard, especially those who know Game Freak primarily for their work on the Pokémon series. However, the project has roots dating back to 2023, when it was initially unveiled as Project Bloom. Set in a post-apocalyptic Japan in the year 4026, the game follows Emma and her dog Koo on a quest to defeat the titular beast.

This isn’t Game Freak’s first venture outside of Pokémon; they’ve previously released titles like *Little Town Hero*, *Giga Wrecker*, and *Drill Dozer*.

The dedicated segment during the Xbox Developer Direct showcased various gameplay mechanics, including Emma’s ability to manipulate plants, her synergy with Koo, and the formidable enemies they will face. In this version of Japan, a parasitic force known as blight has given rise to “malefacts”—creatures that blend plant and animal traits. The most formidable of these are the nushi, massive beings capable of summoning blighted forests that alter the environment. Emma and Koo will also encounter golems, robots designed to store human souls, which have become dangerous after millennia of deterioration.

Emma possesses the unique ability to absorb blight from these creatures, a power that has led to her isolation from society. Defeating nushi grants Emma special powers derived from the blight, enhancing her strength—essential for her battle against the Beast of Reincarnation. Koo also has a skill tree that allows players to develop their abilities in tandem with Emma, equipping new skills as their bond deepens. This customization, along with Spirit Stones that enhance weapons, enables players to tailor both characters to different play styles, whether stealthy or ranged.

Plants play a crucial role in both the environment and gameplay, as Emma and Koo can manipulate them for combat and exploration. Their teamwork is vital for success; for instance, when Emma successfully parries an attack, Koo’s power builds, enabling Emma to unleash special moves known as Blooming Arts. After executing these moves, time slows down momentarily, allowing players to choose their next attack in a way reminiscent of turn-based combat. The bond between Emma and Koo is essential throughout this one-person, one-dog action RPG, influencing their journey together.

*Beast of Reincarnation* is set to launch this summer for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, and will also be available on Game Pass at launch.