How many starters are in Aniimo? This is probably one of the most confusing questions for new players, especially with YouTube videos floating around claiming there are "5 Starters in Aniimo".
However, if you check directly in-game, the reality is quite different.
Currently, Lunara and Helion are two special starter Aniimo that sit outside the standard numbered index. In the ongoing Beta version, the "Choose Your Aniimo" selection screen allows players to choose between these two.
Notably, both belong to the Light element, share identical base stats, and differ primarily in their combat style and in-battle transformation forms.
So, how do Lunara and Helion actually differ? And does Aniimo have 2 or 5 starters?
Let’s dive into the details.
Note: Aniimo is still in its Beta testing phase. Information verified in the current Beta build is subject to change prior to official release. Player reports from Beta testers are explicitly distinguished from in-game confirmed data throughout this guide.
How Many Starters Does Aniimo Actually Have?
The main Aniimo catalog currently features over 90 creatures and continues to expand. Developers have previously shared plans to include over 200 Aniimo upon official launch.
However, Lunara and Helion do not belong to this standard numbered list.
These two special creatures are categorized separately under codes #9997 and #9998 in the current Beta version.
This explains why you won't find Lunara or Helion mixed in with regular creatures when scanning the standard index.
While they lack dedicated individual entries in the public catalog, both are fully playable in-game with complete skill sets and stat allocations.
What Makes Lunara and Helion Unique?
First and foremost, both Lunara and Helion are Light-element Aniimo.
More importantly, these two starters share an identical base stat profile.
If you're wondering which starter boasts higher base stats, the answer is simple: neither holds a base stat advantage over the other.
The true difference lies strictly in their combat execution.
| Feature | Lunara | Helion |
|---|---|---|
| Element | Light | Light |
| Combat Style | Ranged, Area-of-Effect (AoE) | Melee, Burst Damage |
| Battle Form | Fennelun | Soleon |
| Playstyle | Kiting, Range Control | Close-range Aggression, Burst |
Lunara – Ranged Distance Control
Lunara is ideal for players who prefer long-range combat.
This creature utilizes a wide-coverage ranged playstyle, allowing players to maintain safe positioning while applying consistent damage without diving directly into danger.
During battle, Lunara transforms into Fennelun.
Fennelun is not a separate index entry, but rather an in-combat state transformation that lasts until combat ends.
If you prefer a safer, mobile playstyle focused on kiting and keeping enemies at bay, Lunara is your best pick.
Helion – Melee Burst Damage
In contrast, Helion thrives in close-quarters combat.
Helion features a high-burst melee combat kit tailored for players who like closing the distance and engaging targets head-on.
In battle, Helion transforms into Soleon.
Just like Fennelun, Soleon functions as a temporary battle transformation rather than an independent slot on your team roster.
If you enjoy fast-paced combos and explosive melee damage, Helion fits your playstyle far better.
How Do Lunara and Helion Evolve?
A common point of confusion among beginners revolves around Fennelun and Soleon.
You might assume these are permanent evolutionary forms unlocked as you level up Lunara or Helion.
However, that is not the case.
This is purely a real-time combat transformation mechanic:
- Lunara → Fennelun
- Helion → Soleon
These forms remain active until the encounter concludes and do not register as separate numbered entries in the Aniilog. This mechanism further explains why both starters sit outside the standard catalog list.
How Do Players Choose Their Starter?
In the current Beta build, the "Choose Your Aniimo" selection screen is officially confirmed in-game.
Players make a direct choice between Lunara or Helion.
However, the story context behind this decision requires careful nuance.
According to Beta tester reports, the starter selection occurs during an intro quest. Players encounter two talking creatures and must choose to rescue one. The unselected creature is then taken by the player's rival.
While multiple community sources describe this opening sequence similarly, Pawprint has not explicitly confirmed every narrative detail. Treat these story specifics as unconfirmed Beta reports subject to change in the full release.
What About the Rumored "5 Starters" in Aniimo?
If you've seen YouTube videos titled something like "All 5 Starters Explained", here is what you need to know.
There is no official evidence supporting 5 starter Aniimo.
The "5 starters" claim originated from a fan-made concept video and does not reflect actual in-game choices.
Furthermore, the current Beta client clearly displays the Choose Your Aniimo screen, limiting the choice strictly to:
Lunara or Helion.
There is no need to search for a hidden "third, fourth, or fifth starter." The confirmed initial selection consists exclusively of these two Light-element options.
Which Starter Should You Choose: Lunara or Helion?
Because both starters share the same Light element and identical base stats, your decision shouldn't be based on numerical superiority.
Choose strictly according to your preferred combat style.
Pick Lunara if you:
- Prefer long-range engagement.
- Like maintaining distance from targets.
- Enjoy wide-range AoE damage.
- Value kiting mobility and zone control.
Pick Helion if you:
- Prefer direct melee combat.
- Like closing the gap aggressively.
- Enjoy explosive burst-damage combos.
- Thrive in high-intensity, close-quarters encounters.
In short: Lunara equals ranged zone control, while Helion equals aggressive melee burst. Neither starter is inherently "stronger" based on stats alone.
How to Separate Aniimo Facts From Rumors
With Aniimo currently in Beta testing, unverified information spreads quickly. When checking starter guides, keep these core principles in mind:
1. Don't Confuse Special Starters with Aniilog Listings
The game features over 90 standard creatures. Lunara and Helion are exceptions indexed under special codes #9997 and #9998. Just because they aren't listed in standard order doesn't mean they aren't real.
2. Starters Share Identical Base Stats
Be cautious of guides claiming Lunara has higher stats or Helion is the "objectively stronger" choice. Confirmed data proves both creatures possess identical stat lines; only their movesets and playstyles differ.
3. Beta Details Are Subject to Change
Beta builds are dynamic. Stats, skill coefficients, rewards, and UI elements can shift before full launch. Treat specific numbers as temporary benchmarks rather than final launch rules, and stay wary of claims promising exact release dates without official developer backing.
Conclusion
As confirmed in the current Beta, Aniimo features two special starter options: Lunara and Helion.
Both starters share Light element typing and identical base stats, but offer distinct combat identities. Lunara excels at ranged control with her Fennelun battle form, while Helion delivers close-range burst damage through his Soleon transformation.
Claims regarding 5 starters in Aniimo remain completely unverified rumors. Ignore fan speculation and focus your decision on what actually matters: whether you prefer fighting from a safe distance or diving headfirst into melee combat.