Pokémon Dev Unveils New RPG ‘Beast of Reincarnation’ Set for 2026 Release

Sagar Mankar
Jun 9
2 min read

Pokémon developer Game Freak is stepping far outside its usual creature-collecting comfort zone with a bold new IP: Beast of Reincarnation.

Officially revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, the action-adventure RPG is coming in 2026 to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming—with a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass.

What Is Beast of Reincarnation?

Set in the year 4026, Beast of Reincarnation transports players to a post-apocalyptic Japan crawling with corrupted beasts and crumbling ecosystems. Players take on the role of Emma the Sealer, an outcast labeled a "Blighted One," who embarks on a perilous journey to save what's left of humanity—accompanied by her loyal wolf-like companion, Koo.

The trailer hints at intense, Soulslike combat with a strong emphasis on technical precision, parrying, and mobility mechanics. Players will battle giant beasts and mechanical monstrosities in a world filled with environmental storytelling and Studio Ghibli-inspired aesthetics.

New Look, New Direction for Game Freak

Formerly known as Project Bloom, the title represents a major departure for Game Freak, a studio globally recognized for its decades-long work on the Pokémon franchise. Director Kota Furushima noted in a 2023 reveal that the team wanted to create a “bold and tonally different” game from their usual work. The result is a gritty, grounded narrative driven by survival, emotional bonds, and mysterious powers awakened through Emma and Koo’s growing connection.

Gameplay Highlights:

Solo Action-RPG Experience: Focused on one-person, one-companion exploration and combat.
Parry-Based Combat: Precise, technical fighting mechanics with stamina and skill at the core.
Post-Apocalyptic Japan: Rich, decaying environments with ever-shifting terrain and corrupted beasts.
Story of Connection: Emma and Koo’s relationship evolves as you progress, unlocking new abilities.
No Pokémon, No Problem: A wholly original universe, character set, and gameplay loop.

A New Contender for Monster Hunter Fans?

If you’re a fan of Monster Hunter Wilds, Wild Hearts, or other tactical combat RPGs, Beast of Reincarnation may scratch that itch. The game has drawn comparisons to Black Myth: Wukong for its visual polish and intricate combat. And with the decline of Dauntless and the cancellation of similar titles like Scalebound, this could be the next big thing for action RPG fans looking for a new challenge.

Publisher and Launch Details

Game Freak has partnered with newly established publisher Fictions to bring Beast of Reincarnation to a global audience. Executive producer Mika Kurasawa expressed excitement about the collaboration, calling the project “a glimpse into a stunning world and intense combat system.”

Beast of Reincarnation is set to release in 2026 and will be available on: