Palworld, the breakout hit that blends creature collection with survival crafting, has just received its first major update, and it’s a doozy. The Sakurajima Update, released for the Steam version as v0.3.1 (with the Xbox version to follow), introduces a wealth of new content that promises to expand and enrich the Palworld experience significantly. From new areas to explore, to expanded gameplay mechanics and a host of quality-of-life improvements, this update is set to breathe fresh life into the already popular game.
New Frontiers: Sakurajima Island and Beyond
The centerpiece of this update is undoubtedly the new island of Sakurajima. This beautiful new area is under the control of a mysterious new faction called “The Moonflowers.” Players will need to conquer a tower protected by this group to liberate the island. Sakurajima isn’t just a pretty face, though – it’s also home to numerous new Pal species, giving collectors plenty of new creatures to discover and capture.
But Sakurajima isn’t the only new location on offer. The update also introduces an arena in the Desiccated Desert, where players can engage in multiplayer battles to prove their worth. For those who prefer cooperative play, there’s the new Oil Rig stronghold controlled by the Rayne Syndicate. This challenging area requires teamwork to overcome powerful enemies, but the reward – access to the new crude oil resource – is well worth the effort.
Expanded Gameplay and Progression
The Sakurajima Update significantly expands Palworld’s gameplay systems. The player level cap has been raised to 55, unlocking new technologies and increasing the upper limit for Pal capture bonuses from 10 to 12. This higher level cap allows for more extended progression and gives veteran players new goals to strive for.
The introduction of crude oil as a new resource opens up exciting crafting possibilities. Players can extract this valuable material using the new crude oil extractor building. Crude oil is used to create Plasteel, a material used in crafting high-tier equipment and spheres, adding a new layer of progression to the game’s item system.
New Challenges and Events
For players seeking greater challenges, the update delivers in spades. Each tower boss now has a hard mode, allowing players to face souped-up versions of these formidable foes. Additionally, a new raid boss, Blazamut Ryu, has been introduced and is touted as the strongest Dragon Pal in the game.
The update also adds dynamic world events to keep players on their toes. A new meteorite event will occasionally see space debris or supplies raining from the sky – and there are hints that these events might even introduce extraterrestrial Pals to the game.
For those who enjoy a bit of treasure hunting, a new lockpicking mini-game has been added. Players can now attempt to crack open locked chests using a Lockpicking Tool, adding a new dimension to exploration and scavenging.
Expanded Arsenal and New Items
The Sakurajima Update significantly expands the player’s arsenal with the addition of several new high-tech weapons. These include a Laser Rifle, Flamethrower, Gatling Gun, Grenade Launcher, Guided Missile Launcher, Multi Guided Missile Launcher, and even a Meteor Launcher. These powerful new tools should give players plenty of options when facing the game’s tougher challenges.
On the item front, several new accessories and consumables have been introduced. The Mysterious Accessory Box permanently increases the number of accessory slots by one, while the new Ring of Freight boosts carrying capacity. For Pal trainers, the Concentrated All-Purpose Pal Extract allows players to increase a Pal’s rank by one.
A series of new remedies (Vital, Stamina, Might, Speed, and Burden) offer a way to permanently increase the player’s base stats, allowing for customization beyond the standard level-up system.
Customization and Cosmetics
The update brings a host of new customization options for both players and Pals. New NPC cosmetic hats allow players to dress up as their favorite boss characters, while Pals can now sport hats themed after various species. More excitingly, a new Pal Dressing Facility has been added, introducing the concept of Pal Skins. While only one skin (Sunglasses Cattiva) is currently available, the developers promise more options in future updates.
Base Building Improvements
Significant improvements have been made to the base building system. The construction process has been reworked to be more intuitive and smooth. New structural elements like pillars have been added to prevent accidental collapses, and an axis alignment function helps create more precise builds. The ability to connect various elements (roofs, walls, stairs, and pillars) directly to foundations offers greater flexibility in design.
New building materials like glass allow for more varied and aesthetically pleasing constructions. The maximum base level has been increased to 25, and players can now have up to four bases at this level. Various quality-of-life improvements, such as private locks for chests and the ability to permanently assign Pals to specific facilities, should make base management more convenient.
Pal Management and Skills
The update brings several improvements to Pal management. The Pal Box capacity has been doubled from 480 to 960, allowing players to collect even more creatures. A new lock function in the Pal Box menu and improved sorting options make it easier to organize large collections.
Numerous new Pal skills have been added across various elemental types, giving players more strategic options in battle. New passive skills like Philanthropist (faster egg production), Impatient (reduced skill cooldowns), and Nocturnal (night-time work capability) add further depth to Pal selection and team building.
World Enrichment and Multiplayer Features
The game world has been enriched with the addition of junkyards scattered around the map, offering new locations for valuable scavenging. A new random event featuring “Monster Nests” adds an element of risk and reward to exploration.
For multiplayer, a new setting to automatically reject guild invites has been added, giving players more control over their social interactions.
Technical Improvements and Bug Fixes
The update addresses several technical issues, including mitigations for PC freezes when closing the game and improvements to the grappling gun to reduce instances of getting stuck. A warning system for outdated GPU drivers has been implemented to help players maintain optimal performance.
Soundtrack Expansion
Music lovers will be pleased to know that six new tracks have been added to the game’s soundtrack, further enhancing the auditory experience of exploring the world of Palworld.
Conclusion
The Sakurajima Update represents a massive expansion to Palworld, addressing many areas of the game from content and progression to quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes. With new areas to explore, creatures to collect, challenges to overcome, and systems to engage with, this update promises to keep Palworld players busy for many hours to come. As the game continues to evolve, updates like this demonstrate the developers’ commitment to expanding and refining the Palworld experience, ensuring its place as a standout title in the creature-collection and survival crafting genres.