Palworld

Palworld offers everything you'd expect, and so much more. From incredible boss fights to satisfying community building, there's something for everyone.

82%Game Brain Score

gameplay, graphics

stability, grinding

96% User Score Based on 291,798 reviews

Critic Score 65%Based on 8 reviews

Platforms

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About

"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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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96%

Audience ScoreBased on 291,798 reviews

gameplay5.6k positive mentions

stability5.7k negative mentions

Engaging gameplay that blends creature collection, survival mechanics, and base building, creating a unique and addictive experience.
Vibrant graphics and charming character designs enhance the overall atmosphere, making the game visually captivating.
The humor and absurdity of the gameplay, such as cute creatures in violent scenarios, provide a fun and entertaining experience.

The game suffers from a lack of narrative depth and direction, with minimal story content and repetitive gameplay elements.
Many players find the grinding aspect excessive and tedious, particularly in the late game, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
The game is plagued by bugs and performance issues, especially in multiplayer modes, leading to a frustrating experience for some players.

gameplay
16,249 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
62%
4%
The gameplay of "Palworld" has been widely praised for its engaging blend of creature collection, survival mechanics, and base building, creating a unique and addictive experience. Players appreciate the intuitive controls and the variety of activities available, although some have noted that the game can become repetitive over time, particularly in resource gathering and crafting. While the game is still in early access and has its share of bugs and clunky mechanics, many find the overall gameplay loop enjoyable and rewarding, especially when playing with friends.
- “Great, well-rounded gameplay, easy to grasp concepts and a nearly perfected open world that provides a great sense of reward and challenge.”
- “The gameplay is a blast, with an excellent fusion of a multitude of game mechanics that makes for more fun!”
- “The core gameplay loop is very robust and rewarding, seamlessly integrating progression into the fabric of gameplay.”
- “The time limits on bosses is the absolute worst mechanic; in souls-like games, if the boss is way stronger/higher level, you can still have a very long drawn-out fight where if you are good enough you will eventually win. Here it's a 10-minute cap, so if you do not have the most up-to-date arsenal, which can take real-life days of grinding, you won't be able to finish in the time cap.”
- “There's no end goal to work toward, and there are no systems or gameplay mechanics that allow for emergent story or gameplay to fill in for the lack of goals and story.”
- “The building mechanics are really nice but I guess what, if that's not your bag you can leave it up to your pals!”
graphics
6,219 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
54%
3%
The graphics of "Palworld" have received a mixed reception from players. Many praise the vibrant and charming art style, noting its appeal and the stunning visuals that enhance the gameplay experience, while others criticize the inconsistency in graphical quality and performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the game is seen as visually engaging, with a unique blend of aesthetics reminiscent of popular titles like Pokémon and Breath of the Wild, though it still requires optimization to fully realize its potential.
- “The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments, and the soundtrack fits perfectly, enhancing the atmosphere.”
- “The visuals are stunning, the gameplay is addictive, and you can even run it in the background after you progress far enough into the game.”
- “The game's vibrant graphics, adorable character designs, and addictive gameplay mechanics have completely won me over.”
- “Graphics in general the world seems really normal to meh quality and the characters are really ugly.”
- “Graphically, the game is very cartoonish, but you should be prepared for visuals that feel as outdated as an MMORPG from the 2010s.”
- “The graphics are an eyesore, to put it bluntly. The environments are bland, the character models lack detail, and the overall aesthetic is a far cry from what modern gaming should offer.”
stability
5,969 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
95%
The stability of "Palworld" has been a significant point of discussion among players, with many noting that it is quite buggy, as expected for an early access title. While some players report minor glitches that do not severely impact gameplay, others have experienced more frustrating issues, such as AI pathfinding problems and crashes, particularly in multiplayer modes. Overall, the game is seen as fun and engaging, with many players expressing optimism about future updates that could address these stability concerns.
- “Nearly bug free environment where everything just works as intended.”
- “Very stable and relatively bug free for an early access game.”
- “For being early access it's pretty bug free and performs very well.”
- “Unfinished and completely buggy.”
- “So impossibly buggy, I keep thinking it'll get better or it was just a one-off thing but it's not.”
- “But there are so many bugs, so many that they reset my map progress thrice in the span of two days and so many glitches here and there like bosses clipping into the walls and killing me from inside a damn mountain.”
grinding
5,706 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
5%
94%
The grinding aspect of "Palworld" has received mixed feedback from players. Many enjoy the grind as a core part of the gameplay loop, appreciating the automation features that allow pals to handle tedious tasks like farming and crafting, which can make the experience more enjoyable. However, numerous players have expressed frustration with the excessive grind, particularly in the late game, where leveling up and resource gathering can feel tedious and repetitive. Overall, while the game offers a fun blend of creature collection, farming, and crafting, it is heavily reliant on grinding, which may deter those who prefer a more streamlined experience.
- “Technology progression feels balanced, not too fast but not too grindy.”
- “Combat is fun and dynamic, not too grindy and rewarding.”
- “I like this game because it is not too grindy, you can explore or work on your base and upgrading it at your own pace.”
- “The game is fun at the beginning, but I absolutely can't stand how grindy it quickly gets. I can see why this game is in early access; I was trying to capture Jetraggon, so I took a long time just to make 2 ultimate spheres, just for him to break out of both of them. Would not recommend; this game sucks the life out of you.”
- “I genuinely would've loved to play this with friends, but in its current state, they would quit 10 hours in because of how grindy it can get.”
- “The progress is very grindy and rather boring.”
story
4,867 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
74%
14%
The story aspect of "Palworld" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant lack of narrative depth and direction. While some appreciate the open-world exploration and the ability to create their own stories, others express disappointment over the minimal story content, which primarily consists of scattered journal entries and vague lore rather than a cohesive plot or engaging quests. Overall, players hope for future updates to enhance the storytelling elements and provide a more structured narrative experience.
- “Great 3D graphics with a fun overall storyline.”
- “Fun mix of variety, storytelling, mystery, cuteness, creativity, action, survival, and basically everything.”
- “While Palworld does currently lack in story, it's still leagues better than any competitor within the same genre has put out in several years.”
- “There's no story, no real goal except to just keep moving forward.”
- “There's no story line, though there are journals you can pick up randomly scattered around the map.”
- “The lack of story & lore hurts this game.”
humor
3,432 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
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 creatures engaging in violent and absurd scenarios, such as wielding guns or being put to work in factories, which creates a hilariously chaotic experience. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to elicit laughter through its quirky mechanics, funny animations, and unexpected glitches, making it a fun and entertaining choice, especially when played with friends.
- “Also the underlying idea of 'pokemon but with guns' is funny and very well executed.”
- “There’s something hilariously absurd about using your adorable pals to build a factory while they cheerfully assist you, all while a giant monster looms in the background.”
- “The game excels at combining cute creature designs with dark humor, creating an addictive gameplay loop where your pals work in factories, fight alongside you, and help build thriving settlements.”
- “I understand it was supposed to be funny, but the joke falls flat and makes the player feel like there was no 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!”
optimization
2,818 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
56%
17%
The optimization of "Palworld" has received mixed feedback from players. While some commend its performance, especially for an early access title, noting smooth gameplay and minimal bugs, others report significant issues such as stuttering, lag, and crashes, particularly in multiplayer settings or when managing larger bases. Many players express hope for future updates to improve optimization, especially for lower-end systems and the Steam Deck, indicating that while the game shows promise, it still requires substantial work to reach its full potential.
- “It has better optimization and balance on both gameplay and design with no lag/stutter, no extreme system requirements, and good game progression.”
- “The pal's are absolutely adorable, the dedication the devs have to building their game and making everything optimized and stable is noteworthy, and the open world is done in such a way that the map feels massive to explore but not massive on the resources of your computer.”
- “For an early access game, this is very well made and optimized.”
- “This game is unplayable in official through low investment in performance.”
- “Today's feybreak update destroyed performance, game went from stable 100fps to under 30fps and started crashing all of a sudden.”
- “Unfortunately, after about two hours of gameplay, I randomly began experiencing significant stuttering every 5 seconds which basically made the game unplayable.”
music
1,039 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
66%
8%
The music in "Palworld" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant lack of background music outside of combat scenarios, leading to a feeling of emptiness during exploration. While the battle music is often praised for its quality and energy, the overall soundtrack is described as limited and repetitive, with requests for more ambient tracks to enhance the game's atmosphere. Some players enjoy the existing music when it plays, but many express a desire for a more diverse and engaging musical experience throughout the game.
- “The soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, providing an upbeat and whimsical backdrop to your adventures.”
- “The music is upbeat and energetic, adding to the game’s fun and adventurous atmosphere.”
- “The sound design and music in Palworld are immersive and well-crafted.”
- “My only big complaint is the lack of music throughout almost the entire game - only battles seem to have music.”
- “There is no background music except in battles, so you'll be hearing a lot of ambiance sounds like wind, flutter of grass, leaves on the trees, birds chirping, waterfall sounds, and water as you approach it.”
- “The lack of narrative, music, and even pals to catch and battle in certain areas makes the game feel so barren and boring.”
monetization
530 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
30%
63%
The monetization aspect of "Palworld" has garnered mixed reactions from players. Many appreciate the absence of microtransactions, DLCs, and pay-to-win mechanics, viewing it as a refreshing change in an industry often plagued by aggressive monetization strategies. However, some skeptics still label the game a potential cash grab, expressing concerns about its long-term viability and the possibility of future monetization practices being introduced. Overall, the game is seen as a well-priced, enjoyable experience without the typical financial pitfalls associated with modern gaming.
- “The premium business model of the game is a breath of fresh air for not relying solely on in-game purchases to advance.”
- “Also, and this is perhaps the best part - the developers just ask that you buy the game and in return you have unlimited access to play it without further monetization.”
- “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.”
- “This is just a cash grab for them, they likely have no intention of ever finishing it.”
- “Tons of bugs and exploits combined with performance issues and the overall incomplete state of all the systems and graphics make Palworld a concept at best and a cash grab at worst with no prospect of the game ever being finished.”
- “In the end, this feels like a relatively low effort cash grab designed to pull you in because of the almost exact copy/pastes of Pokémon and you get sucked in before realizing how bad it is.”
emotional
486 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "Palworld" is characterized by a blend of heartwarming experiences and ethical dilemmas, as players form genuine bonds with their in-game companions, known as pals. Many reviewers express feelings of nostalgia and joy, likening the game to a wholesome childhood experience, while others grapple with the darker implications of the gameplay mechanics, such as the exploitation of these creatures. Overall, the game evokes a wide range of emotions, from joy and comfort to discomfort and ethical reflection, making it a unique and multifaceted experience.
- “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.”
replayability
418 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
64%
3%
The replayability of Palworld is a mixed bag, with many players praising its high potential due to customizable settings, multiplayer features, and various gameplay styles, which can keep them engaged for hours. However, some reviews note that the game currently lacks sufficient endgame content and can feel repetitive after initial playthroughs, leading to a decline in replay value. Overall, while it offers a solid foundation for replayability, further updates and content additions are needed to enhance long-term engagement.
- “Palworld is so fun to play, from farming resources to building up your base this game offers so much replayability value that it will keep you hooked for hours and hours on end.”
- “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.”
- “This game also does not have much replayability, not only because you can't grow your early game pals and play this game the way you want it to be 'freely', but also because the location of everything is pretty fixed, including skill fruit trees, treasure chests, fast travel points, lifmunk effigies, mining sites, cavern, location of bosses, ...so, it is more like a linear action RPG than a real survival exploration RPG.”
- “It's fun for a week or two, but there's minimal replayability.”
- “Fun while it is, but I won't be returning unless there is a notable update to the game as replayability pretty much doesn't exist here as the grind stops being fun at about level 25 and is dreadful come level 30.”
atmosphere
238 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
45%
3%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its vibrant visuals, charming art style, and immersive sound design, creating a captivating and whimsical environment that draws players in. Many reviewers highlight the enchanting soundtrack that complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience, while some note that the lack of music during exploration can detract from immersion. Overall, the game successfully balances a playful tone with elements of survival, making it an engaging and enjoyable world to explore.
- “The visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments, and the soundtrack fits perfectly, enhancing the atmosphere.”
- “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.”
- “Music and atmosphere - this one I can excuse in early access, but right now the atmosphere and music in this game is ear-numbingly generic and boring.”
- “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.”
character development
174 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
64%
6%
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the charming and vibrant character designs that evoke a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of Pokémon, while others criticize the limited customization options and perceived lack of depth in character progression. Players appreciate the attention to detail in both character and environmental design, but some express disappointment over the derivative nature of the designs and the shallow storytelling that accompanies them. Overall, while the aesthetic appeal is strong, the depth of character development leaves 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.”
- “The narrative could benefit from more depth and stronger character development.”
- “This distinct lack of uniqueness is unfortunately present throughout all aspects of the game, from character design to mechanics.”