Dive into the best games like Palworld to master vibrant and challenging survival experiences in distant realms.
Pocketpair’s overnight sensation has turned into a massive commercial success for its developer. It also became one of the best games of the open-world survival genre with its Pokemon-like creatures and base management elements.
While Palworld on Game Pass and Steam are now incredibly popular, it just might not cater to your tastes. Or maybe you’re just burnt out on Palworld and all of its pal-taming endeavours. Regardless of the reason, the best games like Palworld, will surely keep you satisfied.
5. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Obviously, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is easily one of the best games like Palworld. It’s part of the legendary franchise that actually became one of the primary reasons behind Palworld’s incredible success.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers a story-driven adventure set in the prehistoric era of Pokemon. As the latest instalment in the legendary franchise, it takes you on a mesmerising adventure set in the Sinnoh region. Indeed, we’ve seen Sinnoh before throughout earlier Pokemon games. But Legends Arceus offers a much different setting that’s, in essence, a departure from the traditional Pokemon formula.
It also comes with a dynamic, open world where players can capture and interact with Pokemon in a more innovative way than the previous games. Even those who didn’t play the earlier Pokemon games will find much to love in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Release Date: January 28, 2022
Metacritic Score: 83
4. Cassette Beasts
Cassette Beasts is also one of the best games like Palworld. Although it doesn’t have a vibrant, sprawling open world, Cassette Beasts provides a refreshing experience with its distinctive blend of music and gameplay.
Its unique selling point is its brilliant Fusion System that allows you to fuse monsters into new, powerful ones. It’s a great monster-catcher like Palworld, although it features side-scroller content and turn-based combat.
Release Date: April 26, 2023
Metacritic Score: 83
3. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Palworld on PlayStation 5 can consider getting Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as well. As the newest additions to the Pokemon franchise, they bring an innovative take both to their genre and franchise. With upgraded graphics and new gameplay mechanics, these titles offer a visually stunning and immersive experience as well.
The allure lies in the exploration of vibrant, dynamic worlds teeming with diverse Pokemon species. This duo of games are two of the best games like Palworld for a couple of reasons. For instance, the thrill of discovering and capturing new Pokemon is definitely there. Moreover, there’s nothing like experiencing that nostalgic Pokemon feeling with a more modern touch.
Release Date: November 18, 2022
Metacritic Score: 71
2. Valheim
It’s impossible not to talk about Valheim when it comes to the best survival games out there. Although it doesn’t have a heavy focus on monster-hunting like Palworld, Valheim is a brilliant game that adds a unique flavour to the genre.
It also provides a rich and immersive world for players seeking a break from Palworld’s core loop of pal-hunting. On the other hand, it offers a lot more layered gameplay with base-building mechanics and dangerous creatures. It’s also a solid pick for those who enjoy Viking mythology.
Release Date: February 2, 2021
Metacritic Score: –
1. ARK: Survival Evolved
ARK: Survival Evolved is easily one of the best games like Palworld. In fact, fans of the survival genre consider Palworld a blend of Pokemon and ARK: Survival Evolved. They are definitely not wrong, as ARK offers a vast open world filled with dinosaurs, mysteries, and challenges like Palworld.
Although the creatures in ARK: Survival Evolved are not that lovely, the emphasis on taming and riding creatures is there. If you somehow missed ARK and want to break through beyond Palworld’s boundaries, this is the best game for you. Its expansive landscapes and diverse ecosystems will keep you busy for a long time, that’s for sure.
Release Date: August 27, 2017
Metacritic Score: 70
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that Palworld on Game Pass and Steam will continue to expand its domain in the gaming world. That’s natural when considering its masterful execution of the genre’s core tenets.
But it’s also perfectly natural for anybody to miss out on it. Not everybody has to enjoy the Pokemon-catching formula in a survival setting. Moreover, you might not be able to play it since it’s not available on PlayStation and Nintendo. That’s when you can try the best games like Palworld, as they can be as satisfying alternatives.
Author Profile
- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.