Beastro is the latest game from Timberline Studio, bringing together cozy life simulation and deckbuilding card mechanics. The game is set to release this spring on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Players take control of Panko, an anthropomorphic caracal cat, as they manage a village restaurant and support adventurers known as Caretakers in a fantasy world threatened by monsters.
A Blend of Relaxed Gameplay and Strategic Depth
Director Lindsey Rostal describes Beastro as “cozy/crunchy,” a balance between inviting, low-stakes gameplay and deeper mechanical systems. The game’s village hub, Palo Pori, serves as the center for farming, fishing, gathering, and other resource management activities. These systems are influenced by popular life simulation games such as Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Players grow crops, raise animals, and upgrade their kitchen to prepare meals for the community, all while keeping the mechanics approachable and intuitive.
Cooking in Beastro involves a series of minigames inspired by titles like WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!. Chopping, sautéing, and boiling ingredients are simplified yet engaging actions, providing a sense of progression without overwhelming the player. Upgrades to the restaurant and interactions with villagers encourage experimentation with recipes and meal preparation, creating a satisfying loop of resource gathering and culinary activity.
Supporting Heroes Through Food
A key element of Beastro is its approach to heroism. Instead of direct combat, players support Caretakers—adventurers who defend the village—from the kitchen. This concept draws inspiration from the Palicoes in Monster Hunter, which assist players by preparing meals before quests. In this context, preparing meals is framed as a form of strength and community support, emphasizing collaboration over individual combat prowess.
The world of Beastro is built around five core flavors—Salty, Bitter, Sweet, Sour, and Umami—which define regions, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Each flavor reflects both culinary and cultural traits, shaping how players interact with ingredients and Caretakers. Rather than tying specific flavors to particular real-world cultures, the game treats them as universal elements that influence character personalities and strategic choices in card battles.
Card Combat Inspired by Traditional Games
The deckbuilding system in Beastro integrates closely with meal preparation. Ingredients used to cook for Caretakers contribute cards to their decks, with each card corresponding to a flavor and numerical value. Some cards also carry special effects that can influence battles, such as altering enemy actions or enhancing allied abilities. Combat unfolds in a puppet theatre presentation, reminiscent of the papercraft aesthetic from Paper MarioSlay the Spire with traditional trick-taking card games, including Spades, Hearts, and Euchre. This approach ensures that the card system remains accessible to casual players while offering strategic depth for those interested in deckbuilding and tactical planning. As players unlock new recipes and Caretakers, the range of possible card combinations expands, providing long-term engagement.
Real-World Culinary Inspiration
The game draws inspiration from Los Angeles, reflecting the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Some recipes in Beastro are influenced by real-world dishes, encouraging players to experiment with flavors both in-game and in their own kitchens. The flavor-based mechanics are grounded in real cooking principles, such as balancing salty and sweet elements, providing both educational and narrative depth to the gameplay.
Release and Availability
Beastro is scheduled for release this spring on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with day-one support on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. By combining cozy restaurant management, farming, and deckbuilding card strategy, the game aims to appeal to fans of both relaxing simulation games and tactical card combat. Its layered systems encourage experimentation and planning while maintaining a warm, accessible presentation that emphasizes community and collaboration.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does Beastro release?
Beastro is set to release this spring on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
What platforms will Beastro be available on?
The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, including full access through Game Pass Ultimate.
Who developed Beastro?
Beastro is developed by Timberline Studio, an indie developer known for their narrative-driven games.
What is the gameplay of Beastro like?
The game combines cozy life simulation elements such as farming, fishing, and cooking with deckbuilding card battles. Players prepare meals for the village and Caretakers, which influence the cards used in combat.
Does Beastro include combat?
Yes, combat occurs through card battles after preparing meals. The battles are presented in a puppet theatre style, and Caretakers use decks built from ingredients cooked by the player.
What are the main inspirations behind Beastro?
Beastro draws inspiration from cozy life sims like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, roguelike deckbuilders like Slay the Spire, traditional trick-taking card games, and culinary culture from Los Angeles.
Can casual players enjoy Beastro?
Yes, the game is designed with accessible mechanics and gradual complexity, allowing both casual and strategy-focused players to enjoy the experience.
