Aniimo lets you spend money at every corner, but how Pay2Win is it really?

Since the release, Aniimo has repeatedly been accused of being Pay2Win. MeinMMO has dived into the game to see how Pay2Win it really is. 

Anyone logging into Aniimo for the first time will be greeted by cuddly monsters and a colorful world. Since the game is free, gamers can immediately start the story and catch their first Aniimo. 

However, there comes a time when it suddenly teems with currencies, in-game items, and pop-up windows promising various events and rewards. 

This is how the game is financed. For many gamers, this can be overwhelming at first. MeinMMO clarifies what exactly the monetization of Aniimo looks like and how the experience differs for paying players compared to free-to-play users. We also address the line to Pay2Win. 

Which currency and items in the in-game shop cost real money

The most important currency that you can buy with real money is the Lumin Crystals. These are objects that can only be obtained through shop top-ups. All other items can also be earned somehow in the game. 

Even the Sparkle Cube, the possibly most valuable Aniipod in the game, can be obtained in-game. You need to spend glitter for that, for example.

The only difference here is that you can get desired items faster with real money. It takes significantly longer to obtain valuable items in the game. 

The Battle Pass and FOMO

The only two things that you can clearly purchase are the monthly pass and the companion manual. The monthly pass provides you with Lumin Crystals, companion EXP, and glitter over the month. 

The companion EXP is also important for the companion manual. This is the battle pass of Aniimo. As in other games, there is a free and a paid version here.

And here’s also a sticking point where players with FOMO may lose out. In the paid version, there is a Prismana Fulmintis with other elements, special attacks, and perfect stats. In the free version, this exclusive special form does not exist. 

Collectors will therefore miss out on a cpmplete collection here if they do not spend money.

Catching experience as a free-to-play player

In fact, there is an artificial limitation when catching Aniimos. If you want to catch the stronger Alpha Aniimos, you have to spend 30 energy on it. You only have a limited amount of this energy.

If you then also use a normal Aniipod, the chance to catch the opposing monster is only under 10%. Accordingly, it may take several attempts until you catch the desired Alpha Aniimo.

You need to increase the energy storage with glitter. However, you can only do this a limited number of times per day. 

Those who spend real money have it easier. They receive much more glitter to refill more energy. Additionally, better Aniipods can be bought more easily, which have a hundred percent chance of capturing the opponent. 

Is there Gacha in Aniimo?

The short answer is: No. Unlike other Gacha games, where random items and characters need to be drawn from banners and loot boxes, in Aniimo, you always know what you will get for your spent money. 

Is it now Pay2Win?

If you are a solo player and solely focus on PvE, Aniimo is a moderately fair free-to-play game, as most real money purchases are cosmetics. 

Some upgrades and farming Aniimos can take time, but one can explore the beautiful world and finish the story without ever spending a cent. Those who bring time and patience notice little of the paying component. 

However, when it comes to content that requires stronger Aniimos and competitive PvP, you fall behind. Due to the immense time advantage that buyers of in-game advantages receive, they have a direct competitive advantage. 

Accordingly, the game is clearly Pay2Win at this point, but not Pay2Play.