Palworld
- January 1, 2024
- Pocketpair
- 27h median play time
Palworld offers everything you'd expect, and so much more. From incredible boss fights to satisfying community building, there's something for everyone.
"Palworld" is an open-world survival game where players must gather resources, craft tools, and build shelters to survive. The unique twist is the ability to tame and breed creatures called "Pals," which can be used for various tasks, from farming to fighting. However, the government is after these creatures, adding a layer of stealth and strategy to gameplay.
Reviews
- gameplay13,689 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Palworld* has been described as a unique blend of survival mechanics, creature collection, and base building, drawing comparisons to games like *Ark: Survival Evolved* and *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*. Players appreciate the engaging gameplay loop that involves capturing and utilizing "pals" for various tasks, though some have noted that the mechanics can feel repetitive over time and that the building system requires improvement. Despite its early access status and some bugs, many find the gameplay addictive and enjoyable, with a vibrant world and a variety of activities to explore.
“The combination of survival mechanics, monster-collecting elements, and co-op multiplayer provides a unique and enjoyable experience.”
“The gameplay is balanced and interesting, full of content with so many things to do and places to explore.”
“The gameplay loop is extremely similar to Ark, except it gets rid of all the unnecessary grinding and complexity.”
“Unfortunately, after several hours of gameplay, there was not much to do and the game was just repeating the same cycle.”
“The gameplay loop quickly becomes repetitive, with tasks feeling more like chores than engaging challenges.”
“The gameplay can be repetitive at times, and the AI behavior of both your pals and enemies could use some refinement.”
- graphics5,260 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Palworld" have received a mixed but generally positive reception. Many players appreciate the vibrant, cartoonish art style that evokes comparisons to Pokémon and Breath of the Wild, noting that while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they are colorful and visually appealing, enhancing the game's whimsical atmosphere. However, some users have reported technical issues, such as poor optimization and frame rate drops, particularly on lower-end PCs, which can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game's graphics are seen as charming and engaging, contributing to its fun gameplay and exploration elements.
“The graphics are beautifully rendered, with a whimsical art style that’s both delightful and immersive.”
“Palworld boasts stunning graphics with a colorful and detailed art style that brings its fantasy world to life.”
“The graphics are stunning, showcasing a vibrant world teeming with life and detail.”
“I wish this would get fixed and also the poor frame rate even with having turned the graphics down to medium settings.”
“The graphics are a mixed bag.”
“The graphics are visually appealing, but the game is filled with graphical glitches, awkward animations, and poorly rendered textures that make it hard to immerse oneself in the supposed beauty of the game world.”
- stability5,070 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The stability of "Palworld" has been a significant point of discussion among players, with many noting that the game is quite buggy, as expected for an early access title. While some players have encountered minor glitches and performance issues, the overall sentiment is that these do not severely detract from the enjoyment of the game. Many reviews highlight that despite the bugs, the game remains fun and engaging, with players expressing optimism for future updates and fixes from the developers.
“Very stable and relatively bug free for an early access game.”
“For being early access it's pretty bug free and performs very well.”
“Truly it is amazing how stable and bug free this game is.”
“The game is buggy as crap.”
“It's a frustratingly buggy mess.”
“The game suffers from stability issues (lots of crashing), poor pal AI, and numerous glitches, especially with pals getting stuck or not performing tasks when you fast travel away.”
- grinding4,783 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 4 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of "Palworld" has received mixed reviews from players. Many appreciate the ability to automate tasks with the help of "pals," which alleviates some of the tedium typically associated with survival games. However, numerous players have noted that the game becomes excessively grindy, particularly in the late game, where resource gathering and leveling can feel repetitive and time-consuming. While some players enjoy the grind and find it rewarding, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, suggesting that adjustments to the game's settings can help mitigate the grindiness.
“Technology progression feels balanced, not too fast but not too grindy.”
“Combat is fun and dynamic, not too grindy and rewarding.”
“The crafting and survival aspects are engaging but not grindy and annoying like some other games in the genre.”
“Mid game can take a while and unless world settings are modified slightly the end game can be uber grindy.”
“The grindy nature of the late game and limited content can be a drawback, but the unique elements and fun mechanics make it worth playing.”
“Late game just becomes one long nightmare grind fest where you spend hours scrounging for resources for one item only to run out of another item and have to go waste time farming/ collecting that item again from another base to go make it at another base before throwing down yet another and it becomes one big loop of fetching the same items you've farmed a billion times before.”
- story4,190 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The story in *Palworld* is currently minimal and largely non-existent, with most narrative elements conveyed through scattered journal entries and notes that players must actively seek out. Many reviewers express a desire for a more structured storyline, quests, and engaging NPC interactions to enhance the gameplay experience, especially as the game is still in early access. While the gameplay mechanics are praised, the lack of a compelling narrative leaves the experience feeling somewhat hollow for those who prefer story-driven games.
“They build a story of islands molded by the antagonistic relationship between pals and humans.”
“The storyline is engaging, with a blend of mystery and adventure that keeps players invested in the world and its inhabitants.”
“The story is intriguing, with a rich lore that unfolds as you progress through the game.”
“I personally searched all the notes to understand the story, and I think that it's not normal having to do that to understand the story.”
“The player should understand the story without having to search some notes everywhere (which sometimes are really well hidden), at least, I think.”
“The story is mostly non-existent as are meaningful NPCs.”
- humor2,876 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The humor in "Palworld" is a standout feature, characterized by its dark, absurd, and often self-aware comedic elements. Players appreciate the juxtaposition of cute creature designs with themes of violence and exploitation, leading to a mix of hilarity and chaos that keeps the gameplay engaging. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke laughter through quirky mechanics, funny glitches, and witty character descriptions, making it a memorable experience, especially when played with friends.
“Plus, the humor is spot on—it never takes itself too seriously, which makes it a perfect pick-me-up after a long day.”
“Its literally a pal-eat-pal world, this game is awesome dark-but-too-funny to take the dark stuff to heart.”
“From battling wild creatures to trying to explain to your neighbors why there's a Gyarados in your bathtub, Palworld turns pet ownership into a hilarious adventure where the best part of waking up is realizing your Snorlax didn't eat the entire house.”
“I understand it was supposed to be funny, but the joke falls flat and makes the player feel like there was a unifying style theme.”
“Overhyped and unfunny.”
“I don't know, it seems either like an unfunny immature joke or some sick fetish; these things are basically animals!”
- optimization2,486 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Palworld" has received mixed feedback from players, with many noting significant performance issues, particularly in multiplayer settings and on lower-end systems. While some users report smooth gameplay and good performance on higher-end hardware, others experience severe lag, stuttering, and crashes, especially after extended play sessions or when hosting games. Overall, the game shows potential for improvement, but many players recommend waiting for further optimization updates before fully committing to it.
“But with each update, optimization has gotten better and better, not to mention all of the new content being added regularly.”
“For an early access game, this game runs smoothly and we have experienced minimal bugs.”
“The game is surprisingly well-optimized for early access, and is developed quite well.”
“Unplayable due to lack of optimization, the game stutters so hard constantly, it makes the boss battles nearly impossible.”
“Do not buy this game, it is so horribly optimized that it becomes unplayable because of lag after a little bit of building.”
“The performance is still utter trash!”
- music896 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in *Palworld* has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the upbeat and whimsical soundtrack that enhances the game's adventurous atmosphere. However, a significant number of users have criticized the lack of ambient music outside of combat, leading to a feeling of emptiness during exploration. While the battle music is generally well-received, players are eager for more diverse tracks and ambient sounds to enrich the overall experience.
“The music is upbeat and energetic, adding to the game’s fun and adventurous atmosphere.”
“The soundtrack enhances the whimsical atmosphere, and the attention to detail in both visuals and sound is impressive.”
“The music seamlessly shifts between moments of exploration, relaxation, and intense action, enhancing the emotional connection to the game.”
“The game feels very empty, there is absolutely no background music and basically almost no background noise at all, so the world feels very stale and empty.”
“The lack of music does the game no favors, it felt very lifeless most of the time.”
“There is pretty much no music at all, simply ambient sounds and character sound effects make up 99% of all the sound in this game.”
- monetization450 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 61 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of "Palworld" has garnered mixed reactions from players. Many appreciate the absence of microtransactions, viewing it as a refreshing change in an industry often plagued by aggressive monetization strategies, while others express skepticism, fearing it may eventually adopt such practices. Overall, the game is seen as a reasonably priced experience without the typical pitfalls of predatory monetization, though concerns about potential future cash grabs linger among some players.
“Great game, great devs, good replay value and best of all, no microtransactions!”
“The absence of microtransactions in Palworld is a pleasant surprise in an industry often plagued by greed.”
“With no microtransactions, battle passes, pre-order DLC, or exorbitant price tags, this delightful game offers a breath of fresh air to the gaming community.”
“I will not be reinstalling until it has cross-play compatibility as it claimed on launch back in January and after nearly an entire no news on potential cross-play or apologies for the lack of progress. This is just a cash grab designed to get more popularity from the lawsuit. I honestly don't believe these devs care about their community at all. Don't buy this game; you will be very disappointed, and after over 100 hours, I can safely say I want a refund. By far the number one regret of 2024.”
“This is just a cash grab for them; they likely have no intention of ever finishing it.”
“Palworld is a shameless cash grab that preys on unsuspecting players, offering them a hollow gaming experience in exchange for their hard-earned cash.”
- emotional418 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Palworld" is characterized by a blend of heartwarming connections and ethical dilemmas, as players form genuine bonds with their pals while navigating a world that juxtaposes whimsical charm with darker themes of exploitation. Many players find the experience both nostalgic and immersive, evoking feelings of joy and companionship, while others grapple with the emotional dissonance of the game's mechanics, which can sometimes feel cruel or morally ambiguous. Overall, the game offers a unique emotional journey that resonates deeply with players, making it a memorable experience despite its complexities.
“The bond you form with your pals feels genuine, adding an emotional depth to the gameplay experience.”
“Whether you're nurturing them from humble beginnings or embarking on epic quests together, the bond you share with your pals transcends mere gameplay mechanics, resonating on a deeply emotional level.”
“The emotional connection you develop with your pals is truly remarkable, adding a layer of depth rarely seen in games of this genre.”
- replayability348 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
Palworld exhibits a mixed but generally positive outlook on replayability, with many players appreciating its diverse content, co-op multiplayer, and unique mechanics that encourage multiple playthroughs. However, some reviewers express concerns about the game's endgame content and static map design, which may limit long-term engagement. Overall, while the game offers substantial replay value, especially in its early access state, there is a consensus that additional content and features could enhance its longevity.
“The game’s unique features and endless replayability ensure that it will keep you entertained for hours.”
“With its deep crafting system, multiplayer features, and vast world to explore, Palworld offers plenty of replay value.”
“The crafting system, base building, and cooperative multiplayer elements further contribute to the game's replayability, ensuring that every session brings fresh and enjoyable experiences.”
“It's fun for a week or two, but there's minimal replayability.”
“However after grinding for weeks, you'll reach endgame so there isn't too much replayability here.”
“While the base building aspect is interesting, it's very simple to the point of lacking any depth or replayability.”
- atmosphere207 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its vibrant visuals, whimsical art style, and engaging soundtrack, which together create an immersive and enchanting experience reminiscent of titles like Pokémon and Breath of the Wild. While many players appreciate the charming and playful environment, some note that the lack of diverse soundscapes during exploration can detract from immersion. Overall, the game successfully combines elements of survival and adventure, fostering a fun and relaxed atmosphere that appeals to casual gamers.
“From the moment you step into its vibrant world, you're captivated by its stunning visuals and immersive atmosphere.”
“The game's charming art style and immersive environment create a delightful atmosphere for players to explore and interact with.”
“The game's attention to atmospheric details, such as lighting and weather effects, further enhances the immersive experience, making Palworld a joy to explore and inhabit.”
“No music for boss fights, no attempt at creating atmosphere with sound effects... just what sounds like copied Zelda cues and some extra random noises.”
“To try to create any sense of atmosphere, they just half-assed some Breath of the Wild game mechanics and music and called it a day.”
“Lack of music outside of battles leads to a very empty atmosphere at times.”
- character development144 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
Character development in "Palworld" has received mixed feedback, with many praising the charming and vibrant character designs that evoke a sense of whimsy and nostalgia reminiscent of Pokémon. However, players have noted that the depth of character development is lacking, with limited customization options and shallow storytelling that fails to explore characters beyond their visual appeal. Overall, while the aesthetic quality is celebrated, the narrative and character growth aspects leave room for improvement.
“The game's vibrant colors, fluid animations, and whimsical character designs help bring the world of Palworld to life in a way that is both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.”
“The attention to detail in both character design and environment makes every corner of Palworld a feast for the eyes.”
“From lush landscapes to charming character designs, every element contributes to a captivating gaming experience.”
“The character development per level up is rather disappointing; you can raise some stats and that's it.”
“- shallow storytelling: the narrative lacks depth, and character development feels underexplored.”
“The narrative could benefit from more depth and stronger character development.”
Critic Reviews
Palworld Early Access Review - Xbox/PC Game Pass Version
The version of Palworld on Xbox and the Microsoft Store might not be nearly as polished as the Steam version right now, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a ton of fun.
70%Palworld Early Access Review - Steam Version
Palworld may crib quite a bit from Pokémon’s homework, but deep survival mechanics and a hilarious attitude make it hard to put down – even in Early Access.
80%Palworld Review | Xbox Series X
Palworld is a unique mix of genres that brings something interesting to the monster-catching genre.
29%