Players of the popular survival game Palworld have observed that developer Pocketpair has made notable changes to the designs of several "Pals" for the game's 1.0 launch. These alterations have led to discussions among the community, with some players suggesting that the redesigned creatures now bear less resemblance to the Pokémon species they were previously accused of closely imitating.
The extensive patch notes for Palworld version 1.0 detail numerous additions, changes, and improvements, but they do not specifically mention the modifications to these Pal designs. Instead, players have discovered these updated looks through gameplay. Among the Pals noted for design changes are Verdash, Robinquill, Fengallop, and Grintale. Previously, these Pals displayed more apparent similarities to Pokémon such as Cinderace, Decidueye, Cobalion, and Galarian Meowth, respectively.
Verdash, for example, has reportedly become more squirrel-like, diverging from its prior appearance that resembled a soccer-playing rabbit. Robinquill has lost a red cape that contributed to its silhouette being recognizable to Pokémon fans. Fengallop now features a more deer-like physique and altered colors intended to enhance its distinctiveness. Grintale, a feline Pal, has had its mouth redesigned to give its facial features a more original look.
Community reactions to these changes vary. On the Palworld subreddit, a prominent thread discussing the redesigns has seen largely positive feedback, with many users expressing that the updated models are an improvement. Players have commented that the revised designs feel less like "kitbashy or repurposed" elements from other franchises. For instance, one user noted that the original deer-like Pal now looks less like a "femme fluffy Coballion," while another expressed satisfaction with the redesign of a green Pal that was previously too close to its inspiration, now finding it "really cute."
However, discussions on other platforms, such as the ResetEra forums, have taken a more critical stance. Some participants have suggested that the initial designs should never have been so similar to Pokémon in the first place. Comments like "Better late than never, I guess!" and "It's hilarious how blatant some of the model rips were" reflect a sentiment that these changes are an overdue acknowledgment of the original designs' close parallels.
Comparisons between Palworld's Pals and Pokémon have been a recurring theme since before the game's launch, with many accusing developer Pocketpair of design imitation. This scrutiny extended to legal action, as Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed a patent dispute over gameplay similarities. While a judgment is anticipated later this year, Pocketpair has already made modifications to the game's mechanics, which are widely believed to be a response to these legal challenges. IGN has reached out to Pocketpair for comment on these design changes.