Palworld
{{Short description|Upcoming video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Palworld
| image = Palworld Steam artwork.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Promotional art
| developer = Pocketpair
| publisher = Pocketpair
| programmer = Hiroto Matsutani
| composer = Tatsuya Yano
| series =
| engine = Unreal Engine 5
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list||Windows|Xbox One|Xbox Series X/S|PlayStation 5|macOS}}
| released = Windows, Xbox One, Series X/S{{vgrelease|WW|January 19, 2024{{efn|name=ea1|Early access}}}}PlayStation 5{{vgrelease|WW|September 24, 2024{{efn|name=ea1}}|JP|October 4, 2024{{efn|name=ea1}}}}macOS{{vgrelease|WW|March 4, 2025}}
| genre = Survival, monster-taming
| modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
{{Nihongo foot|Palworld|パルワールド|Paruwārudo|group=lower-alpha|lead=yes}} is an action-adventure, survival, and monster-taming game created and published by Japanese developer Pocketpair. The game is set in an open world populated with animal-like creatures called "Pals", which players can battle and capture to use for base building, traversal, and combat. Players may also assign the "Pals" to bases where they will automatically complete tasks for the player. Palworld can be played either solo or online with up to 32 players on one server. It was announced in 2021 and launched through early access for Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in January 2024,{{Cite web |title=Palworld {{!}} Pocketpair, Inc. |url=https://www.pocketpair.jp/palworld |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Pocketpair, Inc. |language=en |archive-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207221332/https://www.pocketpair.jp/palworld |url-status=live}} and for the PlayStation 5 in September 2024.
The game's comedic premise, which involves using firearms and equipping Pals with them, has earned it the nickname "Pokémon with guns". Other elements, such as using Pals for food or as manual labor in mines and factories, have also garnered attention. It was generally well received, with praise for its gameplay, content, and satirical premise, but criticism for its reliance on shock humor and use of unoriginal designs and mechanics.
Palworld sold eight million units in its first six days of early access and reached over two million concurrent players on Steam, making it the third-highest played game of all time on the platform. As of February 22, 2024, the game has sold over 15 million units{{cite news |last=Romano |first=Sal |title=Palworld Early Access tops 15 million sales on Steam, 10 million players on Xbox |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/02/palworld-early-access-tops-15-million-sales-on-steam-10-million-players-on-xbox |access-date=February 22, 2024 |work=Gematsu |date=February 22, 2024 |archive-date=February 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222150319/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/02/palworld-early-access-tops-15-million-sales-on-steam-10-million-players-on-xbox |url-status=live }} had attracted a global audience of more than 32 million players making it one of the best-selling PC games.
Gameplay
In Palworld, players control a customizable avatar from a third-person perspective and explore the open-world Palpagos Islands. Players must manage their hunger level, craft basic tools, gather materials, and build bases that act as fast travel points. Unlocks through a technology tree allow the player to craft and use weapons, structures, and decorations.{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/palworld-review-early-access|title=Palworld is more than just 'Pokemon with guns', but not much more|first=Kelsey|last=Raynor|website=VG247|date=January 19, 2024|access-date=January 20, 2024|archive-date=January 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120185323/https://www.vg247.com/palworld-review-early-access|url-status=live}}
The islands are inhabited by 187 different types of creatures called Pals, which players directly engage in combat with to weaken and then capture using "Pal Spheres". Pals can also be bought on the black market through non-player characters or traded with other players. After obtaining Pals, they can be summoned to battle or stationed at bases to assist with tasks such as scavenging, crafting, and cooking depending on their type. Each Pal has a Partner Skill, allowing further utility by using them as weapons or mounts.{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/palworld-best-pals-ranked|title=The best Pals in Palworld and how to catch them|first=Kiera|last=Mills|website=Rock Paper Shotgun|date=January 19, 2024|access-date=January 20, 2024|archive-date=January 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120090630/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/palworld-best-pals-ranked|url-status=live}}
The game's bosses include various factions, such as the Rayne Syndicate, the Free Pal Alliance liberation movement, the Brothers of the Eternal Pyre, the Palpagos Islands Defense Force, and the Pal Genetic Research Unit.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Nat |title=Palworld map – all locations, regions, and points of interest |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/palworld/map |access-date=11 April 2024 |work=PCGamesN |date=26 March 2024}} These factions are led by powerful Pal trainers who reside in towers across the islands and are the game's main boss battles.{{cite web|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/where-to-find-the-rayne-syndicates-tower-in-palworld/|title=Where to Find the Rayne Syndicate's Tower in Palworld|first=Alex|last=Berry|website=The Escapist|date=January 19, 2024|access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119204036/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/where-to-find-the-rayne-syndicates-tower-in-palworld/|url-status=live}} The factions include human NPCs who occasionally spawn in the world, either patrolling or battling each other, who are hostile to the player and can fight them with weapons. The game features a wanted level system; if the player commits a crime, usually against humans, other human NPCs will become hostile and defense force troopers will spawn to attack them until they are killed or evade their pursuers.{{Cite web |last=Jurkovich |first=Tristan |date=January 20, 2024 |title=Palworld: 6 Beginner Mistakes To Avoid |url=https://gamerant.com/palworld-beginner-mistakes-avoid-tips/ |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120202952/https://gamerant.com/palworld-beginner-mistakes-avoid-tips/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Novichenko |first=Artur |date=January 19, 2024 |title=Palworld: How to Remove Wanted Status |url=https://gamerant.com/palworld-how-to-remove-wanted-status-get-rid-of/ |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120161226/https://gamerant.com/palworld-how-to-remove-wanted-status-get-rid-of/ |url-status=live }}
Development
Palworld is being developed and published by Pocketpair, an independent doujin soft company based in Shinagawa, Tokyo. It is their second early access open world survival project, following Craftopia. Like it, it uses gameplay mechanics reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but has added creature-collecting mechanics popularized by the Pokémon franchise.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/palworld-tips-and-tricks/2900-5038/|title=Palworld Tips And Tricks|first=Mark|last=Delaney|website=GameSpot|date=January 18, 2024|access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-date=January 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120102619/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/palworld-tips-and-tricks/2900-5038/|url-status=live}} Pocketpair said that Pokémon was not one of their main inspirations. According to CEO Takuro Mizobe, the concept of Palworld is based on Ark: Survival Evolved, which also had monster companions in dinosaurs; the survival mechanics and in-game tasks were inspired by Rust.{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/interview-palworld-not-just-pokemon-with-guns/|title=Interview: Palworld Developers Don't Know Why You Think Their Game Is Just Pokemon With Guns|first=Stacey|last=Henley|website=TheGamer|date=June 9, 2021|access-date=January 20, 2024|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217055348/https://www.thegamer.com/interview-palworld-not-just-pokemon-with-guns/|url-status=live}} RimWorld was also cited as a major inspiration for the game.{{Cite web |last=Donovan |first=Imogen |date=2023-09-01 |title='Palworld' developer talks 'RimWorld' inspiration and map size in new Q&A |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/palworld-developer-talks-rimworld-inspiration-and-map-size-in-new-qa-3492231 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404080303/https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/palworld-developer-talks-rimworld-inspiration-and-map-size-in-new-qa-3492231 |url-status=live }}
The game uses more original assets than Craftopia, which proved to be challenging for the team. Early in development, it was decided to move Palworld from Unity, which powered Pocketpair's earlier projects, to Unreal Engine 4, as they decided it was more suitable for heavier open-world games. It was first planned for release in 2022, but the deadline was extended to August 2023 as the scope of the project grew and the company hired more staff, and then once again to support dedicated servers on launch. When early access began, the game was estimated to be 60% complete.{{cite web|url=https://automaton-media.com/en/interviews/20240123-25950/|title=Exclusive interview: Palworld dev talks about game's influences, original assets and the possibilities of a PvP mode|last1=Yokoyama|first1=Keiichi|last2=V|first2=Amber|website=Automaton|date=January 23, 2024|access-date=January 23, 2024|archive-date=January 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123074210/https://automaton-media.com/en/interviews/20240123-25950/|url-status=live}}
In total, the budget exceeded 1 billion yen, and the company hired over 40 additional employees.{{cite web|url=https://note.com/pocketpair/n/n54f674cccc40|title=3日後に命運が決まる、パルワールドという偶然の物語|last=Mizobe|first=Takuro|publisher=Pocket Pair|website=note.com|date=January 16, 2024|access-date=January 20, 2024|language=Japanese|archive-date=January 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121163156/https://note.com/pocketpair/n/n54f674cccc40|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2024/01/16/137559.html|title=ポケットペア『パルワールド』ができるまでの物語公開―"めちゃくちゃ面白いゲームに仕上がった"失敗を乗り越えて辿り着いた"集大成"|author=いわし|website=Game*Spark|date=January 16, 2024|access-date=January 20, 2024|language=Japanese|archive-date=January 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120124252/https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2024/01/16/137559.html|url-status=live}} The game's character animator was hired, despite having no prior industry experience, after Takuro Mizobe reached out to a hobbyist animator on YouTube who had been uploading combat animation videos and Girls' Frontline fan content. The game's director applied during a Twitter recruitment run despite already lining up for a position at NetEase. The main character designer for the Pals was initially rejected during an October 2020 recruitment drive for illustrators, but was hired when she reapplied in February 2021.
Release
The game was revealed on June 5, 2021, detailing key features such as survival, crafting, exploration, exploitation of creatures, and the multiplayer focus.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/craftopia-studio-pocket-pair-announces-multiplayer-open-world-survival-crafting-game-palworld-for-pc|title=Craftopia studio Pocket Pair announces multiplayer open-world survival crafting game Palworld for PC|first=Sal|last=Romano|website=Gematsu|date=June 5, 2021|access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119124701/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/craftopia-studio-pocket-pair-announces-multiplayer-open-world-survival-crafting-game-palworld-for-pc|url-status=live}} More details were shared over the following years, and the game appeared as part of presentations such as Tokyo Game Show, where Pocketpair announced the release for Xbox consoles in addition to PC, and Summer Game Fest, where they revealed an early access launch window in January 2024.{{cite web|url=https://gamingbolt.com/palworld-receives-new-gameplay-trailer-adds-xbox-series-x-s-and-xbox-one-versions|title=Palworld Receives New Gameplay Trailer, Adds Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One Versions|last=Parijat|first=Shubhankar|website=GamingBolt|date=September 15, 2023|access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119145311/https://gamingbolt.com/palworld-receives-new-gameplay-trailer-adds-xbox-series-x-s-and-xbox-one-versions|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/sgf-2023/2023/06/08/palworld-catches-a-january-early-access-launch-date|title=Palworld Catches A January Early Access Launch Date|first=Marcus|last=Stewart|website=GameInformer|date=June 8, 2023|access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119145311/https://www.gameinformer.com/sgf-2023/2023/06/08/palworld-catches-a-january-early-access-launch-date|url-status=live}}
Palworld was released on January 19, 2024, through Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview, and is available with Game Pass from day one. The game is expected to remain in early access until at least 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/palworld-launches-in-early-access-on-january-19-for-xbox-series-xbox-one-and-pc|title=Palworld launches in Early Access on January 19 for Xbox Series, Xbox One, and PC|first=Sal|last=Romano|website=Gematsu|date=June 5, 2021|access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119145310/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/palworld-launches-in-early-access-on-january-19-for-xbox-series-xbox-one-and-pc|url-status=live}} Planned features for future updates include PvP modes, guild raids, and cross-server Pal trading.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/palworld-is-already-off-to-a-huge-start-on-steam|title=Palworld Is Already Off to a Huge Start on Steam|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|website=IGN|date=January 19, 2024|access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-date=January 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120034558/https://www.ign.com/articles/palworld-is-already-off-to-a-huge-start-on-steam|url-status=live}} On June 10, 2024, it was announced that the game would be released in early access for macOS later that year.{{cite news |title=macOS Sequoia takes productivity and intelligence on Mac to new heights |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/06/macos-sequoia-takes-productivity-and-intelligence-on-mac-to-new-heights/ |access-date=June 10, 2024 |work=Apple Newsroom |date=June 10, 2024}} On June 24, 2024, it was teased to be released on PlayStation 5.{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2024-06-24 |title=Looks Like Palworld Is Coming to PlayStation |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/looks-like-palworld-is-coming-to-playstation |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=IGN |language=en}} Pocketpair announced the first major expansion to be released on June 27, 2024, which includes new Pals, a new island called Sakurajima, and other new content.{{cite web|title=Palworld's first major expansion adds Pals and a whole new island |last=Marshall |first=Cass |date=7 June 2024 |url=https://www.polygon.com/24174051/pocketpair-palworld-expansion-sakurajima-new-pals-raids-building-arena |work=Polygon |access-date=7 June 2024}} On September 25, 2024, the PlayStation 5 version of the game was released. On December 23, 2024, the production team released a major update Feybreak Island.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-23 |title=Palworld Feybreak Update - Palworld Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/palworld/Palworld_Feybreak_Update |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=IGN |language=en}}{{cite web|title=Palworld surprise launches on PlayStation 5 in spite of Pokémon lawsuit — except in Japan |date=25 September 2024 |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/455993/palworld-playstation-5-ps5-release-date |work=Polygon |access-date=21 October 2024}} On March 19, 2025 Palworld Update 0.5.0 added crossplay across all platforms.{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2025-03-19 |title=Palworld Update 0.5.0 Adds Crossplay Across All Platforms, Blueprint Upgrading, Photo Mode and More |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/palworld-update-050-adds-crossplay-across-all-platforms-blueprint-upgrading-photo-mode-and-more |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=IGN |language=en}}
Reception
=Pre-release=
The game's reveal trailer was met with high engagement on social media and mixed reception, ranging from excitement to disgust.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/palworld-launches-in-early-access-on-january-19-for-xbox-series-xbox-one-and-pc|title=Pokémon with guns: Indie game Palworld has players up in arms|first=Giovanni|last=Colantonio|website=Digital Trends|date=June 7, 2021|access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119145310/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/palworld-launches-in-early-access-on-january-19-for-xbox-series-xbox-one-and-pc|url-status=live}} The phrase "Pokémon with guns" was commonly used to refer to the game by both players and journalists.{{cite web |last=Almeida |first=Deborah |date=July 16, 2022 |title=Palworld Is Perfect for Gamers Who Wish the Pokémon Universe Was Darker |url=https://www.cbr.com/palworld-dark-pokemon-indie-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403214223/https://www.cbr.com/palworld-dark-pokemon-indie-game/ |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=CBR}} Some viewers thought that the game was fake, a sentiment that surprised the development team.{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/11/24/creature-feature-capturing-the-curious-story-of-palworld|title=Creature Feature – Capturing The Curious Story Of Palworld|first=Marcus|last=Stewart|website=GameInformer|date=November 24, 2023|access-date=January 20, 2024|archive-date=January 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117202503/https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/11/24/creature-feature-capturing-the-curious-story-of-palworld|url-status=live}} It also received some skepticism due to the unfinished state of the developer's earlier work, Craftopia.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/im-losing-my-mind-at-this-trailer-for-open-world-pokemon-clone-palworld/|title=I'm losing my mind at this trailer for open-world Pokémon clone Palworld|first=Natalie|last=Clayton|website=PC Gamer|date=June 8, 2021|access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119154906/https://www.pcgamer.com/im-losing-my-mind-at-this-trailer-for-open-world-pokemon-clone-palworld/|url-status=live}} The satirical tone of promotional material, with references to labor laws and illegal hunting, sparked interest in the game exploring the dark undertones of the creature-collecting genre.
In Brazil, the game's publicity was boosted due to the pronunciation of pal being similar to {{lang|pt-br|pau}} in Portuguese. {{lang|pt-br|Pau}} can mean 'wood' but is also sexual slang for penis. Both players and journalists made various puns when discussing the game and the Pals due to this double meaning.{{Cite web |last=Tunholi |first=Murilo |date=January 19, 2024 |title=Com Pals armados, Palworld é sucesso entre gamers e vende 1 milhão em 8 horas |url=https://gizmodo.uol.com.br/com-pals-armados-palworld-e-sucesso-entre-gamers-e-vende-1-milhao-em-8-horas/ |access-date=January 22, 2024 |website=Gizmodo Brasil |language=pt-BR |quote=Para quem não conhece, "Palworld" é um jogo de sobrevivência que mistura conceitos de "Pokémon", "Minecraft" e "Fortnite" com armas de fogo pesadas e piadas de duplo sentido — exclusivas para a localização em português do Brasil. |trans-quote=For those who don't know, "Palworld" is a survival game that mixes concepts from "Pokémon", "Minecraft" and "Fortnite" with heavy firearms and double mean-spirited jokes - exclusive to the Brazilian Portuguese localization. |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122185827/https://gizmodo.uol.com.br/com-pals-armados-palworld-e-sucesso-entre-gamers-e-vende-1-milhao-em-8-horas/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Memes de Palworld saúdam quinta série dentro de todos os brasileiros |trans-title=Palworld memes salute the stupid filthy mind inside of all Brazilians |url=https://jovemnerd.com.br/nerdbunker/memes-palworld/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Jovem Nerd |language=pt-BR |trans-quote=Palworld, hit the market and won many people over with its humor - but perhaps in a different way than Pocket Pair had hoped. The little monsters in the game are called Pals and, as the stupid mind inside Brazilians never dies, an avalanche of memes was shared on social networks. |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122153126/https://jovemnerd.com.br/nerdbunker/memes-palworld/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Faz |first=Mariane |date=2024-01-19 |title=Palworld: novo jogo desperta o espírito da 5ª série e web ama |trans-title=Palworld: new game awakens the spirit of the dirty mind and is a hit on the (Brazilian) web |url=https://curtamais.com.br/goiania/palworld-jogo-espirito-da-5-serie/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Curta Mais |language=pt-BR |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127234451/https://curtamais.com.br/goiania/palworld-jogo-espirito-da-5-serie/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Zambarda |first=Pedro |date=2024-01-24 |title=Palworld ultrapassa sete milhões de unidades vendidas em cinco dias |url=https://dropsdejogos.uai.com.br/noticias/industria/palworld-7-milhoes/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Drops de Jogos in UOL |language=pt-BR |quote=O jogo Palworld, tipo Pokémon com Fortnite, e que esgotou nosso estoque de piadas de duplo sentido. |trans-quote=The game Palworld, which mixes Pokémon with Fortnite, has exhausted our supply of double entendre jokes. |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127234600/https://dropsdejogos.uai.com.br/noticias/industria/palworld-7-milhoes/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Estevam |first=Rodrigo |date=2024-01-20 |title=Palworld: como jogar multiplayer no Xbox e PC |url=https://www.tecmundo.com.br/voxel/277161-palworld-jogar-multiplayer-galera.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123230210/https://www.tecmundo.com.br/voxel/277161-palworld-jogar-multiplayer-galera.htm |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=TecMundo |language=pt-BR |quote=A menos que esteja vivendo em uma caverna, você já deve ter pelo menos esbarrado em algum print com a hilária localização de Palworld |trans-quote=Unless you live in a cave, you've probably already stumbled across various print screens of the hilarious localization of Palworld}}
=Early access=
Palworld received mostly positive reviews from critics. IGN and PC Invasion praised its fun combat and engaging gameplay loop, with the latter noting the large, albeit somewhat barren, environments being brought to life by different Pals.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/palworld-early-access-review|title=Palworld Early Access Review in Progress|first=Travis|last=Northup|website=IGN|date=January 18, 2024|access-date=January 20, 2024|archive-date=January 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121074116/https://www.ign.com/articles/palworld-early-access-review|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pcinvasion.com/palworld-review-pokemon-survival-evolved/|title=Palworld review – Pokemon Survival Evolved|first=Aidan|last=Lambourne|website=PC Invasion|date=January 18, 2024|access-date=January 20, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119233410/https://www.pcinvasion.com/palworld-review-pokemon-survival-evolved/|url-status=live}} The Escapist described the combat allowing players to fight alongside their Pals against tougher enemies as a high point.{{Cite web |last=Berry |first=Alex |date=January 19, 2024 |title=Palworld Is a Refreshing Pokémon Twist on Survival Crafting |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/palworld-impressions-a-refreshing-pokemon-twist-on-survival-crafting/ |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=The Escapist |language=en-US |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119172356/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/palworld-impressions-a-refreshing-pokemon-twist-on-survival-crafting/ |url-status=live }} PCGamesN called the game "a morbidly compelling descent into creature capitalism", stating that though it had some flaws, such as its insistence on ethically questionable behavior and the unoriginal designs of Pals, its gameplay and the open world made up for it.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Nat |date=January 19, 2024 |title=Palworld early access review – a morbid and messy survival game |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/palworld/review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120162336/https://www.pcgamesn.com/palworld/review |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US}} GameSpot praised the game's mechanics and tone as a "refreshing perspective in a genre so often tripping over itself to present things as joyous and heartfelt", believing it to represent the first time "a creature collector game has owned up to its exploitation-as-gameplay systems."{{cite web |last=Delaney |first=Mark |date=January 19, 2024 |title=Palworld Is Refreshingly Comfortable With Being Immoral |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/palworld-is-refreshingly-comfortable-with-being-immoral/1100-6520478/#:~:text=It%20must%20be%20the%20most,can%20only%20watch%20in%20awe. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120101934/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/palworld-is-refreshingly-comfortable-with-being-immoral/1100-6520478/#:~:text=It%20must%20be%20the%20most,can%20only%20watch%20in%20awe. |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=GameSpot}}
Conversely, Rock Paper Shotgun and PC Gamer criticized Palworld for relying too heavily on shock humor about animal abuse and sweatshop labor in its gameplay, which PC Gamer derided as "mid-2000s Newgrounds edgelord" and "over-committing to the bit",{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/palworld-could-be-a-delight-if-it-wasnt-so-invested-in-being-awful/|title=Palworld could be a delight if it wasn't so invested in being awful|first=Lincoln|last=Carpenter|website=PC Gamer|date=January 18, 2024|access-date=January 20, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119175343/https://www.pcgamer.com/palworld-could-be-a-delight-if-it-wasnt-so-invested-in-being-awful/|url-status=live}} with Rock Paper Shotgun arguing the gameplay mechanics and presentation of Pals fundamentally misunderstood the meanings and appeal behind Pokémon and the monster-catching genre.{{Cite news |last=Castle |first=Katharine |date=January 19, 2024 |title=Palworld utterly misses the point of being a good Pokémon-like |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/palworld-utterly-misses-the-point-of-being-a-good-pokemon-like |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119203933/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/palworld-utterly-misses-the-point-of-being-a-good-pokemon-like |url-status=live }} It also attracted some criticism for the unoriginal designs of Pals{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=January 19, 2024 |title=Pokémon Fans Are Coming for Palworld With a Vengeance |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-fans-are-coming-for-palworld-with-a-vengeance |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121022933/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-fans-are-coming-for-palworld-with-a-vengeance |url-status=live }} and mechanics lifted from other titles, which VG247 thought undermined a game "worth admiring".
Palworld sold over one million copies in its first eight hours of early access on January 19, 2024,{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/palworld-is-the-latest-mega-hit-survival-game-selling-one-million-copies-in-its-first-8-hours-with-very-positive-reviews-on-steam/|title=Palworld is the latest mega-hit survival game, selling one million copies in its first 8 hours - with "Very Positive" reviews on Steam|first=Kaan|last=Serin|website=GamesRadar+|date=January 19, 2024|access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119163818/https://www.gamesradar.com/palworld-is-the-latest-mega-hit-survival-game-selling-one-million-copies-in-its-first-8-hours-with-very-positive-reviews-on-steam/|url-status=live}} which rose to two million copies within the first 24 hours,{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/pokemon-style-survival-game-palworld-is-a-huge-hit-with-2m-players-in-24-hours/|title=Pokémon-style survival game Palworld is a huge hit, with 2m players in 24 hours|first=Andy|last=Robinson|website=Video Game Chronicle|date=January 20, 2024|access-date=January 20, 2024|archive-date=January 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120200931/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/pokemon-style-survival-game-palworld-is-a-huge-hit-with-2m-players-in-24-hours/|url-status=live}} three million copies within the first 40 hours,{{cite web|url=https://wccftech.com/palworld-sold-3-million-units-in-40-hours-broke-1-million-concurrent-users-on-steam-surpassing-elden-ring/|title=Palworld Sold 3+ Million Units in 40 Hours, Broke 1 Million Concurrent Users on Steam (Surpassing Elden Ring)|first=Alessio|last=Palumbo|website=Wccftech|date=January 21, 2024|access-date=January 21, 2024|archive-date=January 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121101259/https://wccftech.com/palworld-sold-3-million-units-in-40-hours-broke-1-million-concurrent-users-on-steam-surpassing-elden-ring/|url-status=live}} five million copies by day 3,{{Cite web |last=Bussell |first=Cat |title=Trigger-happy Pokémon-alike Palworld passes 5 million sales and 1.2 million concurrent Steam users |url=https://www.techradar.com/gaming/trigger-happy-pokemon-alike-palworld-passes-5-million-sales-and-12-million-concurrent-steam-users |date=January 22, 2024 |website=TechRadar |quote=Palworld's official Twitter account also stated that the survival game has sold over five million copies since early access started. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122173253/https://www.techradar.com/gaming/trigger-happy-pokemon-alike-palworld-passes-5-million-sales-and-12-million-concurrent-steam-users |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |access-date=January 22, 2024 }} six million by day 4,{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |title=Palworld Early Access sales top six million in four days |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/palworld-early-access-sales-top-six-million-in-four-days |date=January 23, 2024 |website=Gematsu |quote=Total sales for open-world survival crafting game Palworld have surpassed six million units in only four days after its Early Access launch, developer Pocket Pair announced. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123133807/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/palworld-early-access-sales-top-six-million-in-four-days |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |access-date=January 23, 2024}} seven million by day 5,{{Cite tweet |user=Palworld_EN |number=1750032054706897026 |title=#Palworld has sold over 7 million copies in only 5 days! Thank you very much!! We continue to be hard at work addressing the issues and bugs some users are experiencing. Thanks for your support! |access-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124105048/https://twitter.com/palworld_en/status/1750032054706897026 |url-status=live}} and eight million by day 6.{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2024-01-25 |title=Palworld Early Access Steam sales top eight million in less than six days |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/palworld-early-access-steam-sales-top-eight-million-in-less-than-six-days |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127234603/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/palworld-early-access-steam-sales-top-eight-million-in-less-than-six-days |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}} On January 24, 2024, it reached over 2,000,000 concurrent players on Steam, becoming the first game since PUBG: Battlegrounds to achieve this feat.{{Cite web|last=Lowry|first=Brendan|date=January 24, 2024|title=Palworld breaks 2 million concurrent players on Steam and becomes second most-played game ever, blowing past Counter-Strike 2 [UPDATED]|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/palworld-rockets-onto-steams-top-10-most-played-games-list|access-date=January 29, 2024|website=Windows Central|language=en|archive-date=January 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125050648/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/palworld-rockets-onto-steams-top-10-most-played-games-list|url-status=live}} The high player count led to server issues.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/palworld-servers-struggle-as-players-pile-on-via-steam|title=Palworld servers struggle as players pile on via Steam|first=Victoria|last=Kennedy|website=Eurogamer|date=January 19, 2024|access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119151634/https://www.eurogamer.net/palworld-servers-struggle-as-players-pile-on-via-steam|url-status=live}} On January 27, Palworld recorded 2,101,867 concurrent players on Steam.{{Cite web |url=https://steamdb.info/app/1623730/charts/ |title=Palworld Steam Charts |access-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128233201/https://steamdb.info/app/1623730/charts/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Heaton |first=Andrew |date=January 29, 2024 |title=Palworld has just one game to beat to become the most played release on Steam ever |url=https://www.destructoid.com/palworld-has-just-one-game-to-beat-to-become-the-most-played-release-on-steam-ever/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129155127/https://www.destructoid.com/palworld-has-just-one-game-to-beat-to-become-the-most-played-release-on-steam-ever/ |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Destructoid}} By February 1, the game sold 12 million copies on Steam and had reached 7 million players on Xbox.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/31/24057131/palworld-steam-xbox-game-pass-sales|title=Palworld isn't slowing down, hits 19 million players across Steam and Xbox|date=February 1, 2024|last=Webster|first=Andrew|website=The Verge|access-date=January 31, 2024|archive-date=January 31, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131232548/https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/31/24057131/palworld-steam-xbox-game-pass-sales|url-status=live}} According to Microsoft, the game was the most-played 3rd party release on Xbox Game Pass, reaching a peak of almost 3 million daily active players on the Xbox platform.{{cite web|url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2024/01/31/palworld-biggest-3rd-party-game-pass-launch-ever/|title=Palworld Becomes the Biggest 3rd Party Game Pass Launch Ever|date=January 31, 2024|last=Skrebels|first=Joe|website=Xbox|access-date=January 31, 2024|archive-date=January 31, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131233142/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2024/01/31/palworld-biggest-3rd-party-game-pass-launch-ever/|url-status=live}} As of February 22, 2024, the game sold 15 million copies on Steam and had reached 10 million players on Xbox.
However, by February 11, the game reportedly faced the largest two-week player drop on Steam - down from its peak concurrent player count of 2,101,867 to about 750,000 concurrent players.{{cite news |last1=Nelson |first1=Will |title=Palworld down 1.3m players in Steam's biggest-ever two-week drop |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/palworld/steam-player-drop |access-date=February 12, 2024 |work=PCGamesN |date=February 10, 2024 |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213055316/https://www.pcgamesn.com/palworld/steam-player-drop |url-status=live }} In response to those reports, Pocketpair community manager Bucky wrote on Twitter "This emerging 'Palworld has lost X% of its player base' discourse is lazy, but it's probably also a good time to step in and reassure those of you capable of reading past a headline that it is fine to take breaks from games." He also wrote "If you are still playing Palworld, we love you. If you're no longer playing Palworld, we still love you, and we hope you'll come back for round two when you're ready."{{cite news |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |title='Palworld Has Lost X% of Its Player Base' Discourse Is 'Lazy', Dev Says |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/palworld-has-lost-x-of-its-player-base-discourse-is-lazy-dev-says |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=IGN |date=February 15, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215095639/https://www.ign.com/articles/palworld-has-lost-x-of-its-player-base-discourse-is-lazy-dev-says |url-status=live }}
As of February 2025, Palworld has attracted over 32 million players across all platforms, including PC via Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation 5.{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2025-02-19 |title=Palworld Hits 32 Million Players During Year 1 as Nintendo Pokémon Lawsuit Looms Over the Horizon |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/palworld-hits-32-million-players-during-year-1-as-nintendo-pokmon-lawsuit-looms-over-the-horizon |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=IGN |language=en}}
= Accolades =
=''Pokémon'' plagiarism allegations and lawsuit=
Shortly after release, users on Twitter alleged similarities between the designs of several Pals and Pokémon, with a user claiming to show evidence of plagiarism of game assets. However, several legal experts have pointed out that Palworld
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair for infringement of patent rights on September 19, 2024.{{cite news |last1=Stedman |first1=Alex |title=Nintendo and The Pokémon Company Officially Suing Palworld Developer Over 'Multiple' Patent Infringements |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-and-the-pokmon-company-officially-suing-palworld-developer-over-multiple-patent-infringements |access-date=19 September 2024|work=IGN |date=19 September 2024 }} Pocketpair responded to the lawsuit the same day, expressing disappointment that resources would have to be allocated to the lawsuit and that they were currently unaware of what patents had been infringed upon.{{cite news |last1=Peters |first1=Jay |title=Nintendo and Pokémon are suing Palworld maker Pocketpair |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/18/24248602/nintendo-pokemon-palworld-pocketpair-patent-infringement-lawsuit |access-date=19 September 2024|work=The Verge |date=19 September 2024 }} In December, Nintendo filed a series of patents in the United States designed to challenge Pocketpair in court there as well.{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Jim |date=2025-02-17 |title=Nintendo's Palworld Lawsuit Might Go International As New Patents Land U.S. Approval |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/02/nintendos-palworld-lawsuit-might-go-international-as-new-patents-land-u-s-approval |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}} In February 2025, just one of the 23 patents were approved.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Jennifer |date=2025-02-12 |title=Nintendo applying for anti-Palworld patents in the US with a whopping 22 out of 23 rejected, but "they are fighting" |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/nintendo-applying-for-anti-palworld-patents-in-the-us-they-are-fighting |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=Windows Central |language=en}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website}}
Category:Action-adventure games
Category:Controversies in Japan
Category:Early access video games
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Open-world video games
Category:PlayStation 5 Pro enhanced games
Category:Satirical video games
Category:Science fantasy video games
Category:Unreal Engine 5 games
Category:Upcoming video games scheduled for 2025
Category:Video game controversies
Category:Video games developed in Japan
Category:Video games involved in plagiarism controversies
Category:Video games set on fictional islands
Category:Video games with customizable avatars
Category:Video games with gender-selectable protagonists
Category:Works subject to a lawsuit
Category:Xbox Cloud Gaming games
Category:Xbox One X enhanced games