Game Freak, the studio behind Pokemon, has launched its ambitious action RPG Beast of Reincarnation for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC, and it arrives on Game Pass from day one.
Published: August 28, 2026 | Last updated: August 28, 2026
Game Freak, the Japanese studio behind Pokemon, has released Beast of Reincarnation, its new action RPG, and it lands on Xbox Game Pass from day one. The game is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC, giving Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers access without an extra purchase. It is one of the studio’s most ambitious projects outside the Pokemon franchise, and the day-one launch arrives after a years-long development window that traces back to an original reveal in 2025.
Key facts at a glance
| Title | Beast of Reincarnation |
| Developer | Game Freak Inc. |
| Release | August 2026, day one on Xbox Game Pass |
| Platforms | Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC (Play Anywhere) |
| Game Pass tiers | Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass |
| Standard price | 49.99 (GBP) on the Xbox Store; Digital Deluxe 57.99 |
| Setting | Post-apocalyptic Japan, year 4026 |
| Central characters | Emma (sword-wielding outcast) and Koo (her dog companion) |
| Genre | Action RPG / soulslike-inspired |
A post-apocalyptic Japan rebuilt in a new key
Beast of Reincarnation is set in the year 4026, where nature has reclaimed large stretches of Japan and a deadly blight continues to consume everything in its path. Players guide Emma, an outcast shunned because of her mysterious affliction, and Koo, a faithful dog whose own fate is tied to hers. Together they hunt the powerful beasts that rule the fractured world, claiming their abilities in the hope of one day confronting the mysterious Beast of Reincarnation itself.
Thematically, the game pairs an emotional journey with a bleak, atmospheric world. The two companions are at the heart of the experience, and their relationship strengthens as the story unfolds through brutal battles and quieter moments of reflection.
Combat that revolves around a companion duo
Although Beast of Reincarnation is very much an action RPG, much of its combat is built around the partnership between its two lead characters. Emma wields a sword in fast, fluid encounters, while players can direct Koo to unleash special techniques during battle. Rather than acting as a simple sidekick, Koo becomes an essential part of every fight, opening up different tactics and combat styles.
Away from combat, players can shape Emma’s abilities through skill trees, spirit stones and equipment, choosing whether to specialise in stealth, ranged attacks or an all-out aggressive approach. For a studio synonymous with Pokemon, this represents a noticeably darker and more ambitious direction.
Watch the launch trailer
The official launch trailer from the PlayStation channel confirms the game is available now, spotlighting the partnership combat, the post-apocalyptic setting and the tone of the adventure. The second video is the official pre-order trailer from IGN, which introduces the soulslike-inspired combat and the journey of Emma and Koo across Japan.
Beast of Reincarnation – Launch Trailer | PS5 Games
The launch trailer, posted by the official PlayStation channel, confirms the game is available now on PS5, with Game Freak credited as developer. It focuses on the speed of Emma’s sword combat, the role of Koo in battle and the desolate beauty of the post-apocalyptic world.
Beast of Reincarnation – Official Pre Order Trailer
The official pre-order trailer from IGN frames the game as a soulslike-inspired action RPG, introducing the grand journey of Emma and Koo across post-apocalyptic Japan and the array of weapons and abilities players can acquire along the way.
What is confirmed vs what remains unclear
| Category | Detail | Status |
| Developer | Developed by Game Freak Inc. | Confirmed |
| Release window | Day-one Game Pass launch in August 2026 | Confirmed |
| Platforms | Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC with Play Anywhere | Confirmed |
| Game Pass tiers | Included with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass | Confirmed |
| Setting / characters | Year 4026 Japan, Emma and Koo | Confirmed |
| Combat system | Partnership-based swordplay plus companion techniques and build customisation | Confirmed |
| Critical reception | Independent review scores from major outlets | Not yet fully determined at the time of writing |
| Future DLC or post-launch roadmap | Any announced post-launch content is still to be confirmed by the developer | Unconfirmed |
Frequently asked questions
When does Beast of Reincarnation launch on Xbox Game Pass?
Beast of Reincarnation launched day one on Game Pass and is available now (August 2026) for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers, alongside its Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC release.
What is Beast of Reincarnation about?
It is a post-apocalyptic action RPG set in the year 4026, where players travel across a Japan fractured by a deadly blight as Emma, an outcast girl, and her loyal dog Koo, hunting powerful beasts to claim their abilities.
Who developed Beast of Reincarnation?
It was developed by Game Freak Inc., the Japanese studio best known for Pokemon. It is one of the studio’s most ambitious projects outside its best-known work, originally revealed in 2025.
Which platforms is Beast of Reincarnation available on?
The game is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC, and supports Play Anywhere on Xbox and PC. It is also a day-one Game Pass release.
How does combat work in Beast of Reincarnation?
Combat is built around the partnership between Emma, who wields a sword in fast, fluid encounters, and Koo, whose special techniques players can direct during battle. Away from combat, players shape Emma’s abilities through skill trees, spirit stones and equipment.
How much does Beast of Reincarnation cost?
The Standard Edition is priced at 49.99 (GBP) on the Xbox Store, with a Digital Deluxe Edition available at 57.99. Subscribers to Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass can play it at no extra cost.
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Sources
Sources: TheXboxHub (Beast of Reincarnation Roars Onto Game Pass, Xbox, PlayStation, PC); PlayStation (official launch trailer); IGN (official pre-order trailer). All facts attributed to the cited outlets; independent review verdicts remain subject to each publication’s own scoring.
