In its latest update,Palworldintroduced some of its most fearsome Pals yet in the form of Predator Pals, who act as a late-game challenge for experienced players. Unsurprisingly, though, the new Predator Pals have reignited the debate aboutPalworld’s similarities toPokemon, particularly the similarly challenging Alpha Pokemon fromPokemon Legends: Arceus.
PokemonandPalworldhave a turbulent history, to say the least, leading to fan outrage on both sides, and even a lawsuit. But, despite all the trouble, the still growing indie gamerecently released the Feybreak Update, adding new Pals and new challenges to the game. Some players were quick to point out similarities between the new predator pals and the alpha Pokemon found inPokemon’s Hisui Region, suggesting that Pocketpair may still be finding inspiration in a familiar and controversial place. While some similarities are easy to find though, Alpha Pokemon and Predator Pals still share some important differences that help them stand apart from each other just enough to avoid major conflict between the two games.
Are Predator Pals Too Much Like Alpha Pokemon?
It’s no secret thatPalworldhas borrowed many ideas fromPokemon, leading to countless comparisons between the two. This isn’t uncommon though, as games often take inspiration from one another. Issues only start to arise when it becomes too difficult to tell the difference between inspiration and possible theft of ideas.
The Predator Pals' Appearances Don’t Lie
The most immediate argument that Predator Pals are a bit too familiar is the way they seem to mirror the appearance of Alpha Pokemon. In both cases, these creatures are best described as larger versions of the game’s typical monsters. Both Predator Pals and Alpha Pokemon are characterized by their size, as well as by theirglowing red eyes. This detail is one that may have crossed a line beyond inspiration, andcould be holding Predator Pals backfrom forming their own identity in the gaming landscape. However, it is worth noting that Predator Pals also have a mist-like red aura surrounding them that Alpha Pokemon do not.
Spawn Points Feel Familiar
Another mechanic that stands out to players is the way in which both sets of challenging creatures spawn. Predator Pals have set spawn locations where players can expect to find them, but some only occur under certain conditions, so they may not always be at their spawn location. This might feel familiar to fans ofPokemon Legends: ArceusbecauseAlpha Pokemon can usually be found in a certain part of the mapas well. The key difference is that whilePalworldcontains a set number of Predator Pals,Pokemon Legends: Arceusadds more Alpha Pokemon to certain areas after the player completes different parts of the story. This creates a feeling of more alphas appearing in new locations, givingLegends: Arceusa hybrid system of fixed and non-fixed spawn points.
Completion Rewards Set Predator Pals and Alpha Pokemon Apart
Game mechanics are the most important part of a game’s design, dictating how players will interact with it and why they want to continue playing. So, while it’s obvious that these sets of creatures have similar qualities, it’s just as important to analyze their mechanical differences. The reason to challenge these overpowered monsters is what helps them stand as separate entities.Pokemon Legends: Arceushas very different mechanics fromPalworld, helping divide the gameplay use of the games’ most challenging monsters.
Catching Alpha Pokemon to Strengthen a Team
Pokemon’s iconic ‘gotta catch em’ all’ catchphrase remains true even in the distant past of the series’ world. The challenge of defeating an Alpha Pokemon is rewarded by the chance to capture it, just like any other creature in the game.Alpha Pokemon are worth capturingnot only because of their larger size compared to typical Pokemon, but also because they often have access to powerful moves that normal versions of the same Pokemon cannot learn naturally. They also tend to have stronger EVs than normal Pokemon, making them a prize for competitive players.
Another difference worth mentioning is that there are 85 catchable Alpha Pokemon inPokemon Legends: Arceus.Palworldonly contains 33 predator pals.
Predator Pals Offer a Different Reward
By far the biggest difference between Predator Pals and Alpha Pokemon is that Predator Pals can’t be captured. No Pal Sphere in the game is powerful enough to contain a Predator Pal, meaning that players can’t add these powerful variants to their team or base. Instead, the goal of battling a Predator Pal is to defeat it outright.Players can gain Predator Cores by defeating Predator Pals. These, along with Giant Pal Souls, are valuable crafting materials, allowing players to become even more powerful in the islands ofPalworld.
Palworld
WHERE TO PLAY
In this game, you can 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!
