Palworld Gets Crossplay Late March as Part of Big Update

Palworld developer Pocketpair is finalizing its highly anticipated cross-play update, slated for release in late March 2025. A recent X/Twitter post confirmed the update will introduce cross-platform multiplayer, allowing players across all platforms to team up. It will also add world transfer functionality for Pals. While specifics remain scarce beyond a promotional image depicting Palworld characters battling a colossal Pal, Pocketpair Communications Director and Publishing Manager John 'Bucky' Buckley hinted at "a few little surprises" included in the March update.

This news is a boon for the 32 million players who've embraced Palworld since its early access launch in January 2024. Pocketpair has unveiled an ambitious 2025 content roadmap, encompassing the cross-play update, an "ending scenario," and additional content for this popular creature-catching survival game.

Palworld's initial launch on Steam ($30) and simultaneous arrival on Xbox and PC Game Pass a year ago shattered sales and concurrent player records. The game's success was so overwhelming, according to Pocketpair boss Takuro Mizobe, that the developer couldn’t initially manage the immense profits. Undeterred, Pocketpair swiftly leveraged Palworld's breakout success, partnering with Sony to establish Palworld Entertainment, a new venture focused on expanding the IP and launching the game on PS5.

However, a shadow looms: a lawsuit from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. They're seeking "an injunction against infringement and compensation for damages," alleging Palworld infringes on "multiple" patent rights. Pocketpair has responded by identifying the patents in question and modifying the Pal summoning mechanic within the game. Despite this, Pocketpair remains resolute, stating: “We will continue to assert our position in this case through future legal proceedings.”