Aniimo blends creature capture and open-world exploration with influences from titles like Genshin Impact and Pokémon. However, developer Pawprint Studio clarifies that despite appearances and a controversial beta feature, the game is not a gacha title. All Aniimo, their equipment, and eggs are obtained through gameplay rather than random banner pulls.
Aniimo's Monetization Strategy
As a free-to-play live service game, Aniimo relies on several monetization methods. A central component is its cosmetics shop, where players can purchase outfits and accessories for their characters and Aniimo using Lumin Crystals, a premium currency bought with real money. While some cosmetic items are unlockable through in-game currencies like Glimmer or Credits, the most desirable sets are typically paywalled.
Additionally, Aniimo offers shop bundles that provide items such as Aniipods, profile backgrounds, Aniimo stat alterations, and guaranteed rare Aniimo variants. These bundles are also purchased with Lumin Crystals, though some components can be earned through gameplay, albeit with more effort.
The game also features a 'Companion Handbook,' which functions similarly to a battle pass. It includes a free tier, with two premium tracks offering additional rewards like Aniimo, cosmetics, and faster progression.
Addressing Past Gacha Elements
Aniimo did feature a gacha-like system during its final beta phase called Rift Exploration. This event involved spending premium currency for a chance to capture Legendary Aniimo by filling a progress bar. While not a traditional banner pull, the low capture rate for Legendary creatures effectively functioned like a "pity" system common in gacha games. This feature was poorly received by beta testers due to its repetitive nature and Pawprint Studio's prior assurances that Aniimo would not be gacha-locked. For the game's full launch, Rift Exploration has been replaced with a token collection system.
How to Acquire Aniimo
Players can obtain Aniimo through various in-game methods. The primary approach involves using Aniipods to capture creatures encountered during exploration, Alpha and Omega battles, or at activated Bloom spots. Aniimo can also be acquired by hatching eggs, which come in different rarities and can yield various Aniimo. Players can influence the outcome of hatching by selecting an Aniipod, which can guarantee a shiny variant or one with elite stats for PvP.
Further avenues for acquiring Aniimo include rewards from events, the Companion Handbook, and general gameplay. Legendary Aniimo are obtained by collecting unique tokens, completing their specific story quests, and then using a special Aniipod for a guaranteed capture.