Xbox Game Pass Welcomes ‘Pokémon With Guns’ – Palworld Launches Soon!

Palworld, the game that turned heads with its peculiar blend of Pokémon-like creatures armed with modern firearms, is set to make its debut in early access on January 19, as revealed in a new trailer. The title, which initially surfaced in a surprising 2021 trailer, caught the gaming community’s attention for its unconventional concept—featuring creatures called Pals—and its incorporation of weaponry. What makes it even more intriguing is the announcement that Palworld will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, marking Xbox’s foray into a Pokémon-esque experience.

The game’s first trailer, released last year, offered a glimpse into the bizarre combination of adorable Pals and contemporary firearms. As more details emerged, it became apparent that Palworld goes beyond the conventions of typical Pokémon games, allowing players to engage in activities such as hunting, fighting, selling, eating, and even exploiting the cute and cuddly Pals. The unique twist includes constructing a factory, placing a Pal within it, and witnessing them work diligently until their inevitable demise—a feature emphasized on the game’s Steam page.

Palworld’s intriguing mix of satire and edgy marketing prompts questions about its ultimate reception. Is it a clever, satirical take on Pokémon games, or will it risk falling flat despite its unconventional approach? While these questions linger, one thing is certain: the game is set to launch soon.

The new trailer, unveiled on January 9, officially confirms Palworld’s arrival on January 19 in early access on Steam. Notably, the developers have also disclosed that the controversial survival and crafting game, which draws inspiration from the likes of Minecraft and Fortnite, will be included in the Xbox Game Pass lineup on the same day. This means it will be accessible on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.

In the latest trailer, the seemingly cute Pals showcased in Palworld exhibit an unexpected ability—they can wield guns during combat and, in turn, can be shot and killed. However, Palworld isn’t solely about the controversial concept of hunting Pals with firearms; it incorporates various gameplay elements. The upcoming release promises features such as base building, crafting, dungeons, enemy factions, giant Pal bosses, mounts, and multiplayer interactions. Palworld is set to accommodate up to 32 players at launch, with plans to introduce PvP options in subsequent updates. PocketPair, the studio behind the game, has affirmed its commitment to expanding the game post-launch by adding more types of Pals to the evolving world of Palworld.

As the community awaits the release, the question lingers: Will Palworld captivate audiences with its unusual blend of concepts and secure a lasting presence, or will it become a fleeting curiosity? With its imminent Game Pass launch, a broader audience is sure to explore this distinctive and enigmatic game, making its debut an event worth watching.