Palworld’s Sakurajima Update Could Lead It to ‘Steal’ Another Pokemon Trick

Palworld has recently undergone changes that aim to improve the game in many different ways. The Sakurajima update could be a good sign for fans as it shows Pocket Pair is willing to do what it takes to give players interesting and engaging content. One of the new additions that came with the major update is reminiscent of a particular Pokemon trick, and there’s a chance that the game may be reusing it in the future.

The recently released Sakurajima update for Palworld has provided many additions and improvements that are a promising sign for future updates. One of the biggest insertions is the new island, containing many never-before-seen Pals to discover and capture. While the new creatures are distinct and powerful in their way, they are not the only thing striking about the isle. The location’s environments are clearly Japan-inspired, showing that the developers are referencing real-life places to make new in-game areas. Pokemon has been doing something similar with its regions for decades, and it’s possible Palworld will be heading in that same direction with its islands.

How Palworld Could Use Real-Life Locations Like Pokemon

The release of Palworld‘s major update and the new Sakurajima island could be the start of the game referencing even more real-life locations. If it’s going to follow in the footsteps of Pokemon in this regard, it can at least do so uniquely. Here are a few methods that allow that:

• Allow the players to customize the looks of their structures to match the theme of the island where they were built
• Give the island-themed structures Pal activities that tie into the culture the area is referencing
• Let the island produce ingredients and materials that are native to the real-life place it’s alluding to
• Have craftable weapons and items that were popularized in the real-world location the island is based on

While Palworld has many amazing areas to explore, it could still benefit from new additions to make its world feel even more alive. These potential changes can do that while also helping the game avoid allegations that state that it’s just “stealing” an idea from Pokemon. Though chances of having a few similarities are still likely, there will be enough features to show that Palworld is doing something unique.

Why Palworld Should Consider Referencing Areas That Pokemon Hasn’t

Palworld isn’t escaping the Pokemon-clone allegations yet for a number of reasons, and basing an in-game area on a real-life location is one of them. If future updates decide to use the method for designing new islands, then Pocket Pair should consider referencing areas Pokemon has yet to cover. As of now, here’s what the current Pokemon regions are based on:

• The Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh regions are based on Japan
• The Unova and Alola regions are based on parts of the United States
• The Kalos region is based on France
• The Galar region is based on the United Kingdom
• The Paldea region is based on the Iberian Peninsula

Although Palworld‘s biggest competitor has used a lot of places rich with culture, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any ones left to reference. Places like India, South America, Egypt, and more are available for the taking and the developers can choose which could mesh well together to enhance the in-game world’s quality. It could even lead to other interesting results, such as Palworld players building incredibly realistic bases and showing what it could look like if Pals were to exist and operate in the real world.

Pocket Pair potentially borrowing a successful idea from their most popular competitor is a sign that the developer wishes for the game to reach greater heights. Though there will be some Pokemon fans who aren’t happy with Palworld if it does, it could stand to benefit both games in the long run. There may come a time that Pokemon might learn and copy a thing or two if Palworld decides to have more real-world-themed islands with unique features.

Palworld

Pocket Pair’s Palworld is a creature-collection game set in an open-world. Entering early access on January 19, 2024, the project blends survival, building, farming, monster breeding, and shooter elements.

Released

January 19, 2024

Developer(s)

Pocket Pair, Inc.

Publisher(s)

Pocket Pair, Inc.

Engine

Unreal Engine 5

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Violence

How Long To Beat

36 Hours

X|S Enhanced

Yes

File Size Xbox Series

6 GB (February 2024)

Number of Players

1-4 (Co-Op); 32 Players Server Limit

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