Palworldis a hybrid monster-capturing and survival game that has clearly taken some inspiration from one of its biggest competitors,Pokemon. While it borrows a few things from one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises, it does at least put a few spin on what it offers to give itself its own identity. Though this has led to issues such as thelawsuit betweenPokemonandPalworld, it hasn’t derailed the latter’s path toward finding more growth opportunities, emphasized by the confirmation of the game heading to mobile devices. That said, perhaps Pocketpair should consider borrowing another trick from its competition, something it has been doing for years to great success.
In the Fall of 2024, Krafton and Pocketpair entered a partnership where the former obtained the licensing agreements ofPalworld’s IP, resulting in the development of the game’s mobile version. While it was stated to be faithfully reinterpreted to be playable on the phone, it won’t exactly be a 1-to-1 port, opening up speculations on what the differences could be. One of the potential things that Pocketpair could do is borrowPokemon’s trick of having version-exclusive monsters, but in this case, it will be implemented in the mobile version ofPalworld. With the phone port of the game and its PC and console counterparts already confirmed to have a few differences, such a move could be what Krafton and Pocketpair need to do.
Why Palworld’s Mobile Port Should Have Version-Exclusive Pals
While there are already many uniquePals within the worldPalworld, there is still the potential to have even more, especially given the game’s futuristic, fantasy, and industrial-like setting. Though there’s no way to tell what could end up being created, the nearly endless possibilities mean content for all versions for years to come. But Pocketpair should consider giving the mobile port its own exclusive Pals, as it can benefit the game in ways such as:
Palworldcoming to mobile means it needs somethingunique and having version-exclusive Pals could be exactly what it should be given. While it will be tough for Krafton and Pocketpair to work around having all versions compatible enough to trade with one another, the benefits of doing so are likely to be worthwhile.
What Version-Exclusive Pals Could Potentially Introduce to Palworld
Ifthe mobile version ofPalworldhas version exclusives, Pocketpair could use it to introduce a new element to the game. The 9 available in the early access state already do a fine job making battles more engaging, but adding more can deepen the intricacies of combat while providing more content. The phone port could be the first to have it, making it a significant addition that will grab the attention of fans and show the potential of what else could be introduced in the future. This could eventually lead to the PC and console versions having their own exclusives tied to the new element, emphasizing that while there are things between the different platforms, they still provide the same monster-capturing experience.
The mobile version ofPalworldcould be a great home forPokemon’s feature of having version exclusives, as it presents the game with many opportunities that will help it grow. If Pocketpair and Krafton realize the potential, players will likely have even more Pals to look forward to.
Palworld
WHERE TO PLAY
In this game, you’re able to peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals or risk your life to drive off a ruthless poaching syndicate. Pals can be used to fight and breed, or they can be made to work on farms or factories. You can even sell them or eat them.Survival: In a harsh environment where food is scarce and vicious poachers roam, danger waits around every corner. To survive, you must tread carefully and make difficult choices…even if that means eating your own Pals when the time comes.Mounts & Exploration: Pals can be mounted to traverse the land, sea and sky—allowing you to traverse all kinds of environment as you explore the world.Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!
