Palworld Online revealed as a mobile-exclusive MMORPG, and it's not just a port

Garena has officially unveiled Palworld Online, a mobile-exclusive MMORPG built under license from Pocketpair, coming later this year. Announced on August 3, the upcoming title plans to adapt the core ideas of Palworld for IOS and Android devices, while also introducing new story content and multiplayer.

Garena is developing and publishing the title independently. Pocketpair has agreed to supply their IP and oversight, but this isn't a straight port. Palworld Online has its own story and side quests, separate from the PC and console versions' narratives, alongside a "seamless open world" for exploring, capturing Pals, and uncovering lore.

Players can expect to build shared settlements, teaming up for PvE encounters including world bosses, or fighting each other in PvP. Pals can also be deployed to automate crafting and defend bases, mirroring the automation systems that made the original a hit. Garena says the controls have been rebuilt for mobile, with a touch-friendly interface and optional one-tap shortcuts for construction, base relocation, and assigning Pals to jobs. 

Garena president Terry Zhao framed the project as an extension of the franchise rather than a replacement: "Palworld is a widely recognized IP, and we see an opportunity to bring the essence of the PC title to mobile in a way that encourages players to connect and venture together." He added that the team is "focused on preserving the depth, immersion, and freedom that define Palworld, while thoughtfully optimizing the experience for mobile play." Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe echoed the sentiment, citing Garena's track record with live-service mobile games as the reason for the partnership: "We are pleased to work with Garena on the licensed development of Palworld Online and look forward to seeing a new Palworld experience brought to players worldwide." 

Not the first mobile Palworld game

Fans may note that Palworld Online isn't the only mobile version of the game currently available. Krafton has already come out with Palworld Mobile, a closer adaptation of the base survival game rather than a full MMO. Garena's project is the more ambitious, but it also means Pocketpair is now betting on two different mobile strategies landing at once. Forbes contributor Paul Tassi expressed skepticism about their approach, noting that "mobile" is a term that "can make many wince" among PC-first fans, and questioned how monetization will work given that the original Palworld has no microtransactions. GamesRadar raised a similar concern, noting the mobile-only rollout "might limit its player base" compared to a multiplatform release.

Regardless, Pocketpair timed the announcement well, as Palworld enjoys its biggest year yet. Its 1.0 launch pushed concurrent Steam players close to a million, on top of more than 30 million lifetime sales. Whether that momentum carries over to phones, where Palworld Online will have to win over a new gaming audience, remains to be seen. Let's hope Garena has an exciting answer.