Pokemon fans are comparing the game’s monsters with those featured in Pocket Pair’s Palworld, highlighting major similarities between them.
The terms “Palworld” and “Pokemon rip-off” are trending on Twitter/X in Japan, as users are discovering a large number of similarities between monsters from both games. A side-by-side comparison has revealed that there is indeed some truth to it.
Palworld vs Pokemon Monster Comparison
A side-by-side comparison between monsters from both Palworld (left) and Pokemon (right) can be seen below. Coincidental similarities or blatant rip-off? We’ll let our readers decide.
For the uninitiated, Palworld is set in an open world inhabited by animal-like creatures called “Pals.” Players engage in battles to capture these Pals, utilizing them for tasks like base construction, traversal, and combat. Palworld supports both solo play and online multiplayer, accommodating up to 32 players on a single server. Initially revealed in 2021, the game entered early access for Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in January 2024. Its humorous concept, featuring firearms and armed Pals, led to it being nicknamed “Pokémon With Guns.” The game also gained attention for using creatures in various roles, including food production and work in mines and factories.
Palworld officially launched in early access, selling over three million copies within the initial 48 hours. Reception was generally positive, praising gameplay, content, and satirical elements, but criticism surfaced for reliance on shock humor and perceived lack of originality in design and mechanics. Players take control of a customizable third-person avatar, tasked with exploring the Palpagos Islands. The gameplay involves managing hunger, crafting tools, gathering materials, and constructing bases that serve as fast travel points. A technology tree unlocks new weapons, structures, and decorations for players to craft and use. The islands host over 100 creatures known as Pals. Combat with Pals involves weakening and capturing them using “Pal Spheres,” and players can also purchase or trade Pals with other players through NPCs.
