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Review: Palworld (PS5) – Expansive Catch ‘Em All Gives Pokémon a Run for Its Money
Push Square has reviewed Palworld on PS5, following the game's move from early access to a full 1.0 release by developer Pocketpair. The monster-taming survival title, which blends elements of ARK: Survival Evolved and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, faced lawsuits from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company over its creature-capturing mechanics, which delayed development while the studio reworked features and added new content.
The game supports solo play, four-player co-op, and online multiplayer with up to 32 players per server, plus a Guild system letting groups share resources and bases securely. Players customise a castaway character, gather resources to craft tools and Pal Spheres, and capture any of 287 Pal species across nine elemental types, each suited to different combat roles and base tasks. The open-world Palpagos archipelago offers varied terrain and activities, including eight faction towers to conquer, dungeons, puzzles and random events, though the review notes occasional traversal glitches such as clipping through terrain.
In short
- Palworld launches its full 1.0 version on PS5 after early access.
- Nintendo/Pokémon Company lawsuits previously delayed development.
- Features 287 catchable Pals, co-op and 32-player online multiplayer.
Explained simply
Palworld is a monster-taming game from developer Pocketpair in which players catch creatures called Pals and build bases to survive in an open world. The game blends mechanics similar to the Pokémon series with survival elements akin to games like ARK: Survival Evolved. It has drawn significant attention as a potential alternative to Nintendo's creature-catching franchises.
The game faced legal challenges from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company over its creature-capturing mechanics and design similarities. These lawsuits delayed Palworld's development whilst the studio modified features and continued creating new content. The game has now reached its full 1.0 release on PS5 and other platforms.
Palworld offers multiple ways to play, including solo campaigns, four-player co-op with friends, and servers hosting up to 32 players online. Players customise a character, gather resources to craft items and catching spheres, and capture from a roster of 287 Pal species suited to different roles in combat and base management. The game world features exploration across varied terrain, with dungeons, faction towers and various activities throughout its archipelago setting.