Summary
- Pals in Palworld have designs inspired by dogs, combining elements of foxes, wolves, and other animals.
- Each dog-like Pal offers unique abilities, such as increasing attack power, easier Pal finding, and riding.
- From loyal guardians to mythical fire beings, dog-inspired Pals like Cremis, Yakumo, and Kitsun enrich Palworld gameplay.
In Palworld, plenty of Pals have designs inspired by a vast array of different animals. It’s no surprise that dogs have been used as inspiration for several Pals, seeing as they are one of the most popular pets for households around the world.
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We will be looking at some of the best dog-like Pals in Palworld with designs inspired by man’s best friend. Some of the Pals on this list have designs inspired by a combination of animals, but they all have some "dogginess" to them in one way or another.
8 Cremis
Common Normal Pal
- Increases the attack power of Normal Pals when on the team
- Will sometimes drop Wool when assigned to a ranch
- Farming level one
- Gathering level one
Cremis is one of the cutest Pals in the game thanks to its puppy-like looks. That being said, there are definitely some elements of other animals mixed into Cremis’ design too, such as foxes, and even a bit of sheep. Cremis has a similar look to Eevee from Pokemon, and it has the same small dog appearance thanks to its fluffy white fur, small body, large pointed ears and big, golden eyes.
In terms of gameplay, Cremis is a good Pal to add to the team at the start of the game thanks to its buff which increases the attacks of Normal Pals when it is on the team. When a ranch has been added to the player's base, Cremis can drop Wool — a helpful resource — when assigned there.
For an adorable puppy Pal that gives the best cuddles while also being a useful Pal to have around a base, Cremis is the perfect choice.
7 Yakumo
Common Normal Pal
- Rideable
- Easier to find Pals with the same passive skill as Yakumo when part of the team
- Gathering level two
Yakumo is a Pal with a design strongly inspired by dogs, though it has a particular look that also seems to have been modeled on the Chinese guardian lion architectural ornaments (known as lion dogs).
Yakumo’s official description refers to it as a Pal with a “strong sense of justice” who will act as a “faithful and loving companion.” This description is in line with the traditional trait of loyalty often associated with dogs, emphasizing Yakumo’s dog-like nature.
This is a Pal that can be ridden, but its passive skill can also be useful for those looking to add more Pals to their collection, as it makes it easier to find Pals that have the same passive skill as Yakumo. A cuddly and loyal guardian of a Pal, Yakumo is one of the more overtly dog-like Pals in Palworld.
6 Direhowl
Common Normal Pal
- Rideable
- Moves faster than most mounts
- Gathering level one
When it comes to a Pal that is great to ride around the islands in Palworld, Direhowl is a great choice. As the name suggests, Direhowl is more wolf-like than dog-like, but it qualifies for this list due to it still falling under the canine category. Direhowl has a design clearly based on a large wolf, though its doggy nature is also undeniable.
Direhowl is one of the best mounts in the game due to its speed, especially when it is completely leveled up. Players can get around in the game much faster with Direhowl than with other mounts, making it a useful Pal to have around as well as a cute pup companion.
5 Rayhound
Rare Electricity Pal
- Rideable
- When being ridden, Rayhound can double jump
- Generating Electricity level two
Next up is an Electric-type Pal that not only has a dog-like design, but is based on a specific dog breed. As the name suggests, Rayhound is designed to look similar to a greyhound. It has a lithe body and long face, but it also has design elements that reflect its electrical nature, such as hair tufts, markings, and a tail tip shaped like lightning bolts.
Rayhound is another dog-like Pal that can be ridden, but it has the unique ability to double jump while the player is riding it. This can be incredibly useful when exploring the world, especially when navigating mountainous terrain or escaping from attacking Pals. For a Pal that is all dog with a little bit of electrical devastation thrown in, opt for Rayhound.
4 Nox
Rare Dark Pal
- When in the team, Nox will apply Dark damage to player attacks
- Gathering level one
Nox is a Pal that is similar to Cremis in that it’s design seems to have mostly been inspired by a fox. However, in the same way as Cremis, it’s hard not to see the puppy elements mixed in with the fox features. This is another Pal that has a similar look to Eevee from Pokemon, though it has a pale blue coat and large pink eyes.
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Although Nox isn’t too useful to have around a base — as it only has level one gathering skills — it is a great Pal to have as part of an exploration team thanks to its Kuudere partner skill. This ability will apply Dark damage to the player’s attacks when Nox is on the team.
3 Kitsun
Rare Fire Pal
- Rideable
- Heat or cold will not affect the player when Kitsun is being ridden
- Kindling level two
Kitsun is another Pal that is inspired by a fox, though it also has dog-like features too. Kitsun is clearly inspired by the Kitsune, a mythological fox from Japanese folklore. However, Kitsun has a strong body more akin to a wolf or large dog breed rather than a delicate fox.
This Pal has a distinctive look and color palette, including a white coat with tufts of swirling fur and blue markings that blend into the white on its paws, tail, face, and the ends of its fur tufts. The most noticeable element of Kitsun’s appearance is the giant bright blue flame that surrounds its head and neck, emphasizing its mythological nature and Fire-type abilities.
Kitsun can be ridden, but its special skill makes it even more useful as a mount, as the player will be unaffected by heat or cold when they are riding it. It also has a range of great Fire-type abilities that get even better when Kitsun is leveled up. This mythical dog/fox Pal is a must for those looking for a strong and adorable canine companion to join them on their Palworld adventures.
2 Dogen
Rare Normal Pal
- Will move to the closest base when its Homeward Prayer skill is activated, though this can’t be used in dungeons
- Deforesting level two
- Gathering level two
- Handiwork level three
- Medicine Production level one
- Transporting level two
Despite the name suggesting that Dogen would have a completely dog-like design, this isn’t the case. Instead, Dogen has an appearance that seems to combine a few different animals, such as a goat, a rabbit, and — of course — a dog. The dog aspects of Dogen come from its super long tail and ears (though the long ears are also reminiscent of a bunny rabbit) as well as its cute face. However, it also has an anthropomorphic body that gives it a human vibe.
Dogen is a relatively new addition to Palworld, released as part of the Sakurajima Summer 2024 update. Its name is a reference to Dōgen, a Japanese Zen Buddhist monk from the 13th Century. This reference relates to Dogen’s peaceful nature. It won’t engage in a fight without provocation and can be seen praying over its fellow Pals who have fallen.
Dogen is a strong Pal, even with its peaceful tendencies. It is also a great Pal to keep around on a base thanks to multiple work abilities that range from level one to level three.
1 Anubis
Epic Earth Pal
- Will apply Earth damage to the player’s attacks when on the team
- Can sometimes dodge attacks with its high-speed sidestep
- Handiwork level four
- Mining level three
- Transporting level two
Last but not least is Anubis, who is based on the Egyptian god of the same name. Its design is entirely inspired by Anubis, with the same jackal head and anthropomorphic body. Anubis is more dog-like than its Egyptian inspiration though, with paws and a tail rather than an entirely human body.
As Anubis is an Epic Pal, it is particularly powerful and can deal a huge amount of Earth-type damage thanks to its Guardian of the Desert partner skill and its Earth Emperor passive skill, which increases Earth attack damage by 20%.
Anubis might not be the easiest Pal for players to get their hands on, but it is certainly a Pal worth working towards, as well as the best dog-like Pal in Palworld.
Palworld
- Released
- January 19, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Pocket Pair, Inc.
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Shooter, Survival