It’s been about a year and a half since Palworld launched in January 2024, and I’m still hooked. This open-world survival game with creature-collecting mechanics grabbed me with its mix of exploration, crafting, and charming yet deadly Pals. The Feybreak Update in December 2024 and Crossplay Update in March 2025 pulled me back in. Since then, the game feels bigger, fresher, and more vibrant, and I can’t stop exploring its new areas.
Building bases, catching Pals, and fighting poachers felt like a wild mix of Pokémon, Minecraft, and a bit of Rust. I spent hours breeding Pals, setting up automated farms, and laughing at the chaos of accidentally attacking a Mammorest in my base. But after a few months, the grind started to feel repetitive. Early on, the huge world felt empty and didn’t quite live up to its potential.

From Sakurajima to Feybreak
Sakurajima Update in June 2024 brought a beautiful new island and PvP, which kept me engaged, but I wanted more depth. Enter the Feybreak Update, and suddenly, Palworld feels like a whole new game. The new Feybreak Island, six times larger than Sakurajima, is a stunning, multi-biome world. From crystal caves to thick forests, every corner is a discovery, and I’ve spent hours exploring its landscapes.
Feybreak Update added way more than just a new map – it’s packed with content. Over 20 new Pals had me eagerly completing my Paldeck again. The new raid boss, Xenolord, is intense, and I’ve had fun moments summoning it at the altar, barely surviving its attacks. Additionally, new Hexolite-based weapons and armor, unlocked at level 60, give new goals, and I love the power of gear that makes my old stuff feel weak.
The March 2025 v0.5.0 patch added crossplay, which only made me play the game more since I could team up with friends now on different platforms. Another great addition is The Global Palbox that allows me to transfer Pals between worlds, perfect for starting fresh without leaving my favorite pal behind. Interestingly enough, I never was the fan of photo mode in games, but the one in Palworld had me snapping cool shots of everything aroud me.
I also tried the Hardcore Mode and thanks to the Pal Permadeath option, I ended up losing my prized Shadowbeak after a risky raid which was truly heartbreaking. The updated Random Pal Mode from February 2025 makes exploration fun by balancing Pal levels to their regions, so I’m no longer ambushed by overleveled Pals. These options let me freely switch between relaxed base-building or intense adventures, depending on my mood.

Palworld’s Future Still Looks Bright
My only complaint is that grinding to level 60 for the new gear can feel tough, especially with my packed schedule. But the customizable world settings, like tweaking XP rates or damage, let me enjoy the new stuff at my own pace. The 2025 roadmap, hinting at a final boss at the World Tree and more Pals, has me excited for what’s coming. I’m already picturing a new cosmic Pal element to fit Feybreak’s vibe, which could totally change up combat.
One thing worth mentioning is that Palworld still has its share of bugs, even if it’s better optimized now. I keep running into issues like Pals getting stuck in my base, enemies on oil rigs not attacking for no apparent reason, and big enemies spawning in the weirdest spots. While raids are a blast, the singleplayer experience still feels a bit underwhelming.
After nearly a year, Palworld is really finding its stride, with more on the way. Pocketpair’s dedication to improving the game, even with the Nintendo legal stuff, makes me optimistic about its future. If you haven’t played since launch, now’s a great time to dive back in. For me, it’s more than a game, it’s a world I keep coming back to with friends, and I’m already hyped for the next update.