Aniimo Launches September 16 as a Free-to-Play Creature-Catching RPG on PS5, Xbox, and PC

Pawprint Studio’s free-to-play creature-catching open-world RPG Aniimo launches globally on September 16, 2026 at 10:00 UTC+8 — Singapore time — across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, with iOS and Android mobile platforms following on September 23, according to Notebookcheck and official Xbox Store listings. The base game is completely free to download on all platforms, with two optional premium editions available for players who want a head start.

The announcement, confirmed by publisher FunPlus through Pawprint Studio, positions Aniimo as one of the largest cross-platform free-to-play launches of Q3 2026. With over 200 creatures to collect and battle in an open-world action RPG framework, the game targets the same audience that made Palworld and Pokémon franchises dominant in the creature-collecting genre — and it arrives simultaneously in Singapore at the 10:00 UTC+8 launch window.

What Is Aniimo and What Can Players Expect

Aniimo is an open-world creature-catching action RPG developed by Pawprint Studio and published by FunPlus. Players explore a large open world, discover and catch creatures called Aniimo, build rosters for battles, and progress through both solo and multiplayer content. The game features over 200 distinct creatures at launch, each with its own stats, evolution paths, and abilities. The free-to-play model is structured around cosmetics and convenience — the base game contains the full creature-catching and exploration experience without a paywall.

According to the Aniimo Dex FAQ, monetization is “cosmetics and convenience only,” with optional paid editions and a monthly battle pass. The base game itself carries no purchase requirement on any platform — a deliberate design choice by Pawprint Studio to maximise the game’s reach across its simultaneous console and PC launch.

For Singapore players keeping an eye on the PS5 gaming calendar — including coverage of the recent PlayStation State of Play September 2026 — Aniimo is among the most significant free-to-play additions to hit PS5 this quarter.

Launch Date, Platforms, and Singapore Timing

The confirmed launch schedule, sourced from Xbox Store listings and Pixelkin’s coverage of the August 28 date announcement, is as follows:

The simultaneous 10:00 SGT launch window means Singapore players on PS5 and PC will access the game at the same moment as players in other Asia-Pacific markets. Pawprint Studio has not announced a dedicated Singapore launch event as of September 7, 2026, though GameTrader SG noted local availability at the UTC+8 launch time in its coverage published on August 30.

Paid Editions and Pre-Order Packs Explained

While the base game is free, two premium pre-order packs are available on PlayStation Store and Xbox Store until the moment of launch at 09:59 SGT on September 16. Both editions grant in-game bonuses but do not unlock any gameplay-restricted content unavailable to free players. Pricing confirmed by Nerdschalk and the Xbox Store listings:

• Advanced Edition — US$9.99 / £7.99 / €9.99 / ¥1,500: Includes the Fluffy Friend accessory, Advanced Companion Handbook, an exclusive Prismana Aniimo Egg, and an evolution boost item. Also includes one season of the battle pass.
• Collector’s Edition — US$19.99 / £18.99 / €23.99 / ¥3,000: Includes all Advanced Edition items plus additional exclusive cosmetics, a larger in-game currency bundle, and extended battle pass access.

Each console platform carries its own exclusive pre-order accessory item. The Xbox Store lists a platform-exclusive “Doggo Dude” cosmetic for Xbox pre-order buyers, according to Crit Pick’s launch guide. Pre-orders close at 09:59 SGT on September 16 — one minute before the game goes live.

Developer and Publisher Background

Pawprint Studio is the development label responsible for Aniimo’s design and production. The studio operates under the backing of FunPlus, a global gaming company known for titles including State of Survival and King of Avalon. FunPlus serves as Aniimo’s publisher across all platforms.

COGconnected reported in March 2026 that Pawprint Studio confirmed the expansion of Aniimo’s platform lineup to include PS5 and Epic Games Store — platforms that joined the previously announced Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and mobile release plan. That March 2026 announcement marked a significant broadening of the game’s launch ambition, and the September 16 date represents the culmination of that multi-platform strategy.

Creature-Catching Genre Context in 2026

Aniimo enters a market that has seen sustained demand for creature-collecting games following the commercial breakout of Palworld in early 2024 and the continued dominance of Pokémon titles across handheld and console platforms. Free-to-play creature RPGs on console remain a relatively thin field, giving Aniimo a clear lane — particularly with its simultaneous PC and PS5 launch, which most creature-collector titles have not attempted at this scale.

The game’s cross-platform approach is consistent with a broader industry shift toward multi-platform day-one releases. As explored in The Play Journal’s Cross-Play Consoles Guide 2026, simultaneous launches across PS5, Xbox, and PC have become an increasingly common expectation from players — and Aniimo’s launch structure reflects that standard. Mobile support arriving one week later, on September 23, follows the now-standard pattern of staggered console-to-mobile rollouts for live-service titles.

What Singapore Players Should Know Before Launch

Singapore players on PS5 and Xbox can pre-order either premium edition now via their respective storefronts. The base game itself requires no pre-order and will be available to download free from September 16 at 10:00 SGT. PC players on Steam and Epic Games Store can wishlist the game ahead of the simultaneous launch.

• PS5 players: Access via PlayStation Store — Advanced Edition (US$9.99) and Collector’s Edition (US$19.99) available for pre-purchase until 09:59 SGT on launch day.
• Xbox Series X|S players: Available on the Xbox Store with platform-exclusive “Doggo Dude” cosmetic for pre-order buyers.
• PC players (Steam/Epic): Wishlist now; free base game goes live simultaneously at the September 16 UTC+8 launch window.
• Mobile players (iOS/Android): Launch follows on September 23, 2026.

Singapore has no confirmed region-specific pricing adjustment for Aniimo as of this report. Players purchasing in SGD via PlayStation Store or Xbox Store will see regional conversion rates applied at checkout. No local Singapore launch event has been announced.

What to Watch After Launch

As a free-to-play live-service title, Aniimo’s post-launch trajectory will be determined by its player retention figures, the pace of creature roster updates, and the reception of its battle pass model. FunPlus has a track record of managing live-service economies at scale, which gives Aniimo a publisher foundation capable of sustaining long-term seasonal content.

Review coverage is expected to surface from major outlets on or after September 16, as no review embargo date has been publicly confirmed ahead of this report. The Play Journal will follow with hands-on impressions once the game is live. For Singapore players tracking the full September gaming calendar — including the Nintendo Switch 2’s evolving launch lineup — our Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Lineup guide remains the reference point for confirmed titles across platforms this quarter.

Aniimo’s September 16 global launch, free of charge and simultaneous across PS5, Xbox, and PC, makes it one of the most accessible new game releases of the season. Whether it can hold players for the long term will depend on content updates — but the barrier to entry could not be lower.

Sources

• Aniimo sets September 16 release date across PC and … — notebookcheck.net
• Aniimo Dex FAQ — aniimodex.wiki
• Aniimo launches on September 16 for Xbox, PC, and PS5 … — rpgsite.net
• Open world creature collector Aniimo confirms September … — pixelkin.org
• Aniimo, A Pokémon-Inspired Creature Collector, Gets A September — gameinformer.com