Official source: https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/02/23/beastro-interview/

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Beastro: Cozy Cafe Chaos Coming Your Way?

Ever dreamed of running a restaurant staffed by goblins, orcs, and sentient fungi? Yeah, me neither… until now. Timberline Studio, the masterminds behind the critically acclaimed The Red Lantern, are cooking up something completely different: Beastro, a “cozy/crunchy” fantasy restaurant management game. And after this peek behind the scenes, I’m suddenly hungry.

Forget Michelin stars; in Beastro, you’re aiming for, well, whatever the monster equivalent of a Michelin star is. But don’t expect a relaxing cooking simulator. Director Lindsey Rostal describes the game as having “crunchy” systems and mechanics, meaning we’re likely getting something with more depth than just pretty pastries and perfectly placed furniture. Think Overcooked meets Slay the Spire, but with more tentacles. Maybe.

What Makes Beastro Different?

The Xbox Wire interview sheds some light on what makes Beastro stand out from the crowded field of restaurant simulators. Here’s what we’ve gleaned:

Rostal describes the game’s inspiration: “I love restaurant games… but I wanted to make something that really was about the restaurant and not just the aesthetic. I really wanted to embrace that chaos and tension that is so inherent in real world food service.” She notes the card-based system allows for emergent gameplay, where unexpected synergies and hilarious mishaps can occur. Sounds like my kind of cooking show!

The key art shows a cozy-looking building nestled in a mushroom-filled forest. It hints at the game’s blend of cozy aesthetics and fantastical elements. We can see a variety of characters (or at least their silhouettes) enjoying the establishment.

Who is this game for?

Beastro seems perfectly positioned to appeal to several types of gamers:

• Cozy Game Fans: If you enjoy relaxing simulation games with charming visuals, Beastro’s art style and restaurant management focus might be right up your alley.
• Strategy Game Enthusiasts: The card-based mechanics suggest a deeper level of strategic gameplay. If you enjoy optimizing systems and making tough decisions, this could be more than just a casual time-waster.
• Players Who Love a Challenge: The “crunchy” systems and focus on the chaos of restaurant management suggest that Beastro will offer a decent level of difficulty. Get ready to adapt to unexpected events and think on your feet.
• Anyone Who’s Ever Worked in a Restaurant: You’ll find some vindictive pleasure in managing fantasy creatures while reliving the constant stress and anxiety of the food service industry.

But what if you don’t like fun?

• Players Seeking Pure Relaxation: If you’re looking for a completely stress-free experience, the “crunchy” mechanics and focus on chaos might be a turn-off. This isn’t Animal Crossing with appetizers.
• Those Who Hate Management Sims: If the thought of juggling resources, managing staff, and optimizing processes fills you with dread, steer clear. Beastro is all about the management.

Ultimately, we don’t know enough about the core gameplay loop to make a definitive judgment. But if you’re intrigued by the concept and enjoy a blend of genres, Beastro is definitely one to watch.

FAQ

What kind of creatures will I be hiring?

The interview mentions goblins and orcs. Expect a diverse range of fantasy creatures with unique skills and needs, but we don’t have a comprehensive list yet.

Will there be combat?

The focus seems to be on restaurant management and card-based mechanics, not combat. However, we can’t rule out the possibility of dealing with unruly customers or monster attacks as part of the “chaos” Rostal mentioned.

Can I customize my restaurant?

Restaurant games usually involve some level of customization, but the extent to which you can personalize your Beastro is currently unknown.

Is there a multiplayer mode?

The interview doesn’t mention multiplayer, so it’s likely a single-player experience. But who knows? Maybe we’ll see a co-op mode where you and your friends can run a restaurant together… and inevitably ruin everything.

Will there be microtransactions?

Given that the game is still in development, it’s too early to say whether there will be microtransactions. Let’s hope Timberline Studio focuses on delivering a complete and satisfying experience without nickel-and-diming players.

Is this game related to The Red Lantern?

While both games are developed by Timberline Studio, they are very different. The Red Lantern is a narrative-driven survival game, while Beastro is a restaurant management simulator. Think of them as two completely different dishes on the same chef’s menu.

Will there be a demo?

Whether a demo will be available is unknown, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the game’s Steam page or the developer’s website for any announcements.

How complex is the card-based system?

Rostal describes the game as “crunchy,” but the exact complexity of the card-based system is unknown. It could be a relatively simple system or a deeply strategic one. We’ll have to wait for more information.

Will I need to know anything about cooking to play this game?

Knowing real-world cooking skills probably won’t be necessary to play Beastro. The recipes will likely be fantastical and based on the game’s lore. But, hey, if you know how to make a decent soufflé, it might give you a slight edge.

What happens if I mess up a recipe?

Given Rostal’s emphasis on chaos, messing up a recipe will probably have some entertaining consequences. Perhaps angry customers, exploding ingredients, or a visit from the health inspector (monster edition).

Will the game be moddable?

Mod support is not mentioned in the interview, so its presence is uncertain.

Can I name my restaurant?

Restaurant management games often allow you to name your establishment. It’s a reasonable assumption that you’ll be able to name your Beastro, but it is not specifically confirmed.

Will there be different regions or locations to open new Beastros?

Whether you’ll be able to expand your restaurant empire to different locations is unknown. For now, it seems like you’ll be focusing on a single Beastro.

What kind of endgame content will there be?

Details about endgame content are currently unavailable. But, hopefully, there will be plenty to keep you engaged after you’ve mastered the art of monster cuisine.

Is Beastro kid-friendly?

Based on the description, it is likely the game will be child-friendly. However, official age ratings are not available until closer to release.

So, there you have it. Beastro is shaping up to be a unique and intriguing blend of genres. Keep an eye on Timberline Studio’s announcements for more details, and get ready to serve up some monster-sized meals!

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