Summary

  • Palworld is getting a Pokemon mod that incorporates popular Pokemon characters into the gameplay.
  • Some gamers are criticizing Palworld for its similarities to Pokemon, claiming that it has crossed the line in terms of copying designs.
  • The mod not only changes the appearance of characters and creatures but also alters text and introduces iconic Pokemon elements like the Pokedex.

Pocket Pair’s Palworld is getting a Pokemon mod that introduces various characters from the popular Nintendo franchise into the game. Since the release of the first Palworld trailer back in 2021, the game has turned heads for having elements that bear a striking resemblance to Pokemon, from some of the Pals such as Lamball and Direhowl to even the device used to capture these creatures, Pal Spheres. These similarities have led gamers online to refer to the game as “Pokemon with guns.”

Gamers are comparing the designs of Pals and Pokemon that they believe were copied and pasted from Game Freak’s title. While there have been many monster-catching games that were influenced by Pokemon, some fans believe that Palworld has taken it a step too far.

Angry Pikachu doodle with Palworld logo and characters on blue background
Some Pokemon Fans Are Not Happy About Palworld

A vocal portion of the Pokemon fandom takes to social media to share some harsh opinions about Palworld, the latest day-one Xbox Game Pass title.

By 

Now, just days after Palworld has become one of Steam’s most popular paid games, YouTuber Toasted Shoes has released a preview of a mod that not only turns the player character into Ash Ketchum from Pokemon but also the Pals into Pokemon. The short video showing the mod in action opens up by showing Ash lying on the beach surrounded by Torchic, Pikachu, and Wooloo before transitioning to various scenes showcasing Palworld’s gameplay of working on bases and exploring the world, only this time with Pokemon. The preview also gives players a glimpse of the Paldeck, Palword’s version of the Pokedex, which now has a combination of Pals and Pokemon, including Pansage and Oddish.

Additionally, Ash comes across other Pokemon characters, such as his allies Brock and Misty, as well as Jessie from the nefarious Team Rocket, who has replaced Zoe and Grizzbolt as the bosses of the Rayne Syndicate Tower. While the Palworld mod seemingly goes beyond graphically altering the game by also changing the text to reflect the Pokemon and character names, some entries in the Paldeck still refer to the corresponding Pal that has been replaced, such as with Pengullet and Gumoss. According to Toasted Shoes, they plan on releasing a video tomorrow showcasing the full capabilities of the mod.

Palworld achieved a momentous milestone during the game’s launch weekend, surpassing Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077’s concurrent player counts, and so far, it does not seem like it is slowing down. Considering the current conversations comparing the title to Pokemon and the fact that the game currently does not officially have mod support, according to the Palworld FAQ on Steam, there is a possibility that Pocket Pair or even Nintendo will take steps to prevent the release.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
Palworld Tag Page Cover Art

Palworld
Display card tags widget
Open-World
Shooter
Survival
Display card system widget
Systems
PC-1 PlayStation-1 Xbox-1
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 71 /100 Critics Rec: 58%
Display card main info widget
Released
January 19, 2024
ESRB
T For Teen Due To Violence
Developer(s)
Pocket Pair, Inc.
Publisher(s)
Pocket Pair, Inc.
Engine
Unreal Engine 5
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
Xbox Series X|S, pc
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

In this game, you can peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals or risk your life to drive off a ruthless poaching syndicate. Pals can be used to fight and breed, or they can be made to work on farms or factories. You can even sell them or eat them.
Survival: In a harsh environment where food is scarce and vicious poachers roam, danger waits around every corner. To survive, you must tread carefully and make difficult choices...even if that means eating your own Pals when the time comes.
Mounts & Exploration: Pals can be mounted to traverse the land, sea and sky—allowing you to traverse all kinds of environment as you explore the world.
Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!

Genre(s)
Open-World, Shooter, Survival