Is Aniimo a gacha game?

Aniimo blends creature collection and open-world exploration, drawing comparisons to titles like Genshin Impact and Pokémon. While it features numerous currencies and menus typical of gacha games, the developer insists it does not use banner systems or random drop mechanics. Instead, most items, including creatures and equipment, are obtained through gameplay rather than chance-based systems. Cosmetics, however, remain a primary monetization focus, sold for real money via Lumin Crystals in the game’s store.

The game previously included a gacha-like system called Rift Exploration during its final beta, where players spent premium currency to fill a bar for a chance to catch a Legendary Aniimo. The capture rate was extremely low, effectively requiring players to rely on a pity system to guarantee success. This method was widely criticized for contradicting earlier promises that Aniimo would not use gacha mechanics. The system has since been replaced with a token collection approach for the full launch.

Monetization in Aniimo relies on a cosmetics shop where players convert real money into Lumin Crystals to purchase outfits and accessories. Some cosmetics can be earned through in-game currencies like Glimmer or Credits, but the most desirable items are locked behind paywalls. The game also offers shop bundles that trade Lumin Crystals for Aniipods, profile backgrounds, or other currency types, with alternatives available but harder to obtain through gameplay alone.

Creatures in Aniimo are obtained primarily by capturing them with Aniipods during exploration or battles, or by hatching eggs of varying rarities. Players can influence egg outcomes by selecting an Aniipod during hatching to secure a shiny or elite-stat creature. Legendary Aniimo are acquired through a token collection system, followed by a story segment and a guaranteed capture using a special Aniipod. Additional creatures are rewarded through events, the battle pass, or standard gameplay progression.