During the Xbox Games Showcase held on June 9, Game Freak officially revealed Beast of Reincarnation, a new action RPG set in a ruined version of Japan. The game is scheduled to release in 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.
Known primarily for developing the Pokémon series, Game Freak is stepping into new territory with this original IP. The announcement trailer provided the first look at the game’s world, combat system, and characters, introducing players to Emma, a lone protagonist labeled as a “Blighted One,” and her companion, a wolf-like dog named Koo.
Set in a future Japan ravaged by corruption and monstrous creatures, Beast of Reincarnation follows Emma and Koo as they travel across hostile terrain in search of answers and survival. The trailer showcased a bleak but visually distinct environment, with decayed cityscapes, unstable biomes, and unpredictable weather patterns suggesting dynamic environmental elements.
Combat in Beast of Reincarnation appears to emphasize precise, tactical action rather than button-mashing. Emma is seen wielding a mix of melee and ranged weapons, while Koo provides support during encounters, possibly with special abilities or coordinated attacks. The bond between the two characters seems central to both gameplay and story progression, with moments in the trailer hinting at shared powers that evolve over time.
The trailer also revealed several enemy designs, ranging from twisted humanoids to large mutated beasts. While no specific gameplay mechanics were detailed, brief snippets suggested a stamina-based combat system, similar to that found in other technical action games.
Despite the excitement, the early footage raised concerns about performance, with visible frame drops during certain sequences. This has prompted some discussion online, given Game Freak’s past struggles with optimization, particularly in recent Pokémon titles. However, with a 2026 release window, there is still time for technical improvements.
Beast of Reincarnation represents a notable shift for Game Freak, signaling an effort to expand beyond the confines of their long-running franchise. Though early in development, the game has drawn attention for its premise, visual direction, and the studio’s move into more mature, narrative-driven content.
More information, including gameplay deep dives and developer interviews, is expected to be shared in the coming months as the studio continues development. For now, Beast of Reincarnation joins a growing list of original titles making their way to next-generation consoles and services like Game Pass.
