If you’ve ever dreamed of a mix of Pokemon, Stardew Valley and Rust, Palworld is the fever dream you never knew you had. This unusual survival game will take you to an island of cute creatures called Pals.. Sounds nice, right? But behind this appeal lies a surprisingly dark and often violent underbelly.

More than meets the eye

At first glance, Palworld attracts with its bright colors and cross-eyed friends. Catching these creatures is easy; throw food, knock them out and ugh – they’re on your team. Friends become versatile tools: farm mates, factory workers, mounts, and even war partners. The “gotta catch ’em all” vibe blends seamlessly with the casual base building that defines the genre.

The Dark Side of Palworld

This is where things get interesting. Your friends are not just helpers; they are resources. Do you need food? Of course, but you can always eat the Friend (and his unique abilities will be lost forever). Is your weapon broken? Melt down a friend for spare parts. It’s a cruel system that presents you with strange ethical dilemmas as you weigh your love for one creature against the fact that you have yet another log to cut down..

War, chaos and a hidden secret

Palworld’s combat adds to its unique charm. You and your friends use weapons against poachers and rival creatures in wonderfully frantic battles. The violence contrasts with the flashy visuals, adding a chaotic and desperate element to the fights..

Exploring the world also reveals a deeper layer of weirdness. Abandoned factories, strange temples, and bizarre boss battles hint at a hidden backstory that Palworld forces you to piece together.. This mysterious theme contrasts nicely with the light-hearted side of the game.

To be clear, Palworld isn’t perfect. The world may seem barren and some systems may seem unnecessarily complex. However, this raw, experimental feeling is one of the reasons why I can’t stop playing. It combines consistently amazing, casual gameplay with plenty of awkward decisions..

If you’re looking for a standard monster-taming or farming adventure, Palworld will have you confused. But if you’re looking for a game that has a fun mix of sunshine and violence, this could be your deliciously weird jam.