Developer Pocketpair has rolled out a new update for its smash-hit survival game Palworld, but this time, the changes have sparked significant backlash. Released in early 2024, Palworld quickly became one of the year’s biggest successes, blending survival mechanics with monster-catching gameplay reminiscent of Pokémon. Dubbed “Pokémon with guns,” the game amassed a massive player base on PC and Xbox, despite some critiques that its creature designs were too similar to Nintendo’s franchise.
Since its early access launch, Palworld has enjoyed consistent updates, ranging from bug fixes to major content drops. However, the latest patch, while minor in scale, has proven to be the most divisive yet.
The Update That Changed Everything
The recent patch introduces two notable changes:
- Summoning Pals: Pals now always appear near the player instead of being deployed at the location where a Pal Sphere is thrown.
- Aiming Reticle: The reticle now only appears when players are actively aiming.
While the change to the reticle has been relatively well-received, the adjustment to summoning mechanics has not gone over well. Players took to Reddit and social media to air frustrations, highlighting both gameplay and technical issues.
The most prominent concern stems from the inability to control where Pals are summoned, which players argue removes a strategic layer from the game. Additionally, the update has introduced technical glitches, with Pals being summoned inside walls or objects.
Speculation of Nintendo’s Influence
Many fans speculate that the summoning change is related to Nintendo’s legal pressures on Palworld—though there’s no official confirmation. The similarities between Palworld and Pokémon have long been a talking point, and fans theorize this adjustment could be an attempt to avoid further scrutiny. However, in the absence of concrete details, the community is left to debate the rationale behind the change.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
While criticism is widespread, a portion of the Palworld fanbase is rallying behind Pocketpair. Supporters argue that the developer’s hands may be tied due to legal constraints and are urging patience as the team works to resolve the technical issues.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Upcoming Island Update
Amid the controversy, there is excitement for Palworld’s next major update, which promises to add a massive new island to the game. Described as six times the size of Sakurajima, the island is expected to deliver new challenges and opportunities for players. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details, speculating that an announcement might come during The Game Awards on December 12.
While Palworld navigates this rocky patch, its loyal community hopes that upcoming content and potential fixes will restore balance to the gameplay. Whether the developers can provide a solution that satisfies both legal and player demands remains to be seen.
