As a long-time content creator for compare.edu.vn, specializing in detailed comparisons of various phenomena, the explosive popularity of Palworld has been impossible to ignore, especially when placed side-by-side with the behemoth that is Pokémon. For years, the monster-taming genre has seen titles drawing inspiration from Pokémon, from the charming world of Temtem to the Studio Ghibli-esque Ni no Kuni. However, Palworld, often dubbed “Pokémon with Guns,” struck a different chord, immediately sparking debate and drawing intense comparisons.
The initial trailer, showcasing a heavily armed character using creatures reminiscent of Pokémon as shields, was both darkly humorous and undeniably attention-grabbing. While the shock value of its concept is clear, the core issue that quickly emerged, and continues to be a hot topic, is the striking resemblance between Palworld’s creatures, known as Pals, and numerous Pokémon designs. This has ignited discussions about inspiration versus imitation, and even potential copyright infringement, particularly as The Pokémon Company has officially announced legal action against Palworld developer Pocketpair regarding patent infringements.
As someone deeply familiar with the Pokémon universe, the similarities are hard to dismiss. Creating a monster-collecting game inspired by Pokémon is one thing, but the extent to which Palworld’s creature designs echo existing Pokémon raises serious questions. While the CEO of Pocketpair, Takuro Mizobe, has publicly denied plagiarism allegations and even reported receiving death threats amidst the controversy, the visual parallels are undeniable. Pikachu might not directly appear in Palworld, but many Pals exhibit designs that are, at the very least, strikingly familiar. Whether it’s combining elements of multiple Pokémon into a “Frankensteinian” Pal or showcasing near-identical designs, the similarities are strong enough to warrant scrutiny, and certainly caught the attention of The Pokémon Company, who released a statement indicating their intent to investigate potential intellectual property infringement.
Before diving into a detailed comparison, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Palworld innovates beyond just creature collection. Gameplay videos clearly demonstrate that while monster taming is present, Palworld distinguishes itself with survival mechanics, crafting systems, and a gritty, open-world environment that starkly contrasts with the traditional Pokémon experience. The technical polish, or lack thereof in recent Pokémon titles, also sets them apart. However, the core of the controversy, and the focus of this comparison, remains the creature designs. For many devoted Pokémon fans, myself included, these creatures are more than just game assets; they are characters we’ve grown up with and hold dear. Seeing designs that feel so derivative is, for many, disheartening.
This analysis will categorize Pal and Pokémon comparisons based on the degree of resemblance. We’ll begin with examples where inspiration is evident but the designs remain distinct, progressing towards instances where the similarities become increasingly difficult to ignore. Let’s explore the world of Pals and Pokémon and see just how much they truly compare.
Palworld vs. Pokémon Creature Design Comparison
Fair Play: Inspired, Not Imitated
These first examples showcase Pals that clearly take inspiration from Pokémon archetypes, but ultimately forge their own distinct identities. This demonstrates that Palworld’s designers are capable of creating original creatures within the monster-tamer genre.
Pengullet
The blue penguin Pal, Pengullet, immediately brings to mind the blue penguin Pokémon Piplup. Both share the penguin motif and a similar color palette. However, Pengullet’s design execution is distinctly different. It adopts a more rounded, almost chibi-like aesthetic, with larger eyes and a softer overall appearance compared to Piplup’s more streamlined and arguably “cuter” design. While the inspiration is clear, Pengullet stands on its own as a unique creature.
Jormuntide
Jormuntide, a powerful Pal, is undeniably a Chinese water-dragon, a creature archetype famously embodied by the Pokémon Gyarados. Both are serpentine, water-type dragons with a majestic presence. However, Jormuntide’s design diverges significantly. It features sharper, more angular features, prominent wings, and a darker color scheme, giving it a more formidable and less overtly “friendly” appearance than Gyarados. While both draw from the same mythological inspiration, their visual interpretations are distinct.
While many of Palworld’s 100+ Pals exhibit original designs similar to these examples, a subset of creatures display a much stronger, and arguably more problematic, resemblance to specific Pokémon. In these cases, the line between inspiration and imitation becomes significantly blurred.
A Little Something Borrowed: Familiar Faces
These Pals share striking facial similarities with particular Pokémon, suggesting a more direct borrowing of design elements, particularly in key identifying features like the face.
Mozzarina
Mozzarina, a bovine Pal, possesses a face that is almost a direct copy of Snorlax’s iconic sleepy expression. The droopy eyes, relaxed mouth, and even the slight underbite are strikingly similar. The only notable difference is the reversed direction of the teeth. While the body and overall concept differ, the facial resemblance is undeniable and immediately recognizable to any Pokémon fan.
Grintale
Grintale, a feline Pal, exhibits facial features that are remarkably similar to Galarian Meowth. The shape of the face, the positioning of the eyes, nose, and mouth, and even the characteristic “smirk” are all shared between the two. The primary difference lies in the pupils and overall coloration. Again, the body and overall design differ, but the facial similarities are hard to ignore.
Dumud
Dumud, a Pal with a somewhat goofy appearance, bears a striking facial resemblance to Slowpoke. The derpy expression, the perpetually open mouth, and the overall shape of the face are almost identical. The minor difference is the presence of teeth on both the top and bottom jaw for Dumud, whereas Slowpoke only has a single set. Despite the different body type, the facial similarities strongly evoke the iconic Slowpoke.
A Striking Resemblance: Signature Elements
These Pals are largely original designs, but incorporate very specific and recognizable signature elements from particular Pokémon, suggesting a deliberate lifting of key visual identifiers.
Kingpaca
Kingpaca, an alpaca-like Pal, features a prominent crown on its forehead that is strikingly similar to Empoleon’s signature trident beak. Beyond this, both Kingpaca and Empoleon share a tall, somewhat egg-shaped body when viewed from the front. While Kingpaca is clearly based on an alpaca and Empoleon is a penguin, the deliberate inclusion of Empoleon’s distinct crown element on Kingpaca is noteworthy.
Univolt
Univolt, an electric Pal, is clearly inspired by the Pokémon Zebstrika, a black and white electric zebra. Both share the zebra/equine inspiration and electric typing. However, Univolt incorporates enough distinct elements to avoid being a direct copy. Univolt’s color scheme is inverted to white and blue, and its mane and overall design are more stylized and less directly “zebra-like” than Zebstrika. While the inspiration is obvious, Univolt carves out its own visual identity.
Robinquill
Robinquill, an archer bird Pal, shares a very specific combination of design elements with the Pokémon Decidueye. Both feature a similar color scheme (greens and browns), a cape-like feature, and are thematically linked to archery and birds of prey. Robinquill even wields a bow and arrow, mirroring Decidueye’s archer theme. While Robinquill is not a direct copy, the confluence of these specific elements, particularly the color scheme and archer theme, makes the Decidueye connection very apparent.
Tocotoco
Tocotoco, a peculiar bird Pal, exhibits a color palette (green, yellow, black, red) very similar to the Pokémon Xatu. Furthermore, its beak shape also bears resemblance to Toucannon, another bird Pokémon with a distinctive beak. Tocotoco appears to be a composite of bird design elements, drawing heavily from the visual language established by Pokémon bird creatures, particularly Xatu and Toucannon, in terms of color and beak structure.
The Resemblance Is Uncanny: Doppelganger Designs
In this category, the Pals begin to resemble Pokémon doppelgangers. The underlying structure and silhouette of the Pal are strikingly similar to a specific Pokémon, even if surface-level design elements are altered.
Sparkit
Sparkit, a small, yellow, furry electric Pal, is clearly intended to evoke Pikachu, Pokémon’s mascot. While its outward design might be considered “inspired by,” the underlying model appears to be almost identical to Pikachu’s evolution, Raichu. Note the identical tail shape, the dark-colored paws, and the slight hunch in the back, all unique characteristics of Raichu. Sparkit feels less like a unique creature and more like a Raichu reskin.
Anubis
Anubis, a humanoid dog-warrior Pal, bears an uncanny resemblance to the Pokémon Lucario. The humanoid body structure, the shape and positioning of the pointy ears, and the overall stance are strikingly similar. While Anubis is adorned in Egyptian-themed armor, the underlying model is almost indistinguishable from Lucario, simply with different textures and details applied.
Foxparks
Foxparks, a fire fox Pal, strongly resembles a Fire-Type version of Nickit, a fox Pokémon. Adding to this, the fiery tail evokes elements of both Vulpix and Charmander’s iconic flames. Foxparks appears to be a combination of existing fox Pokémon elements, particularly Nickit’s body structure, with fire-type characteristics layered on top.
Grizzbolt
Grizzbolt, a large, yellow, electric Pal, shares the distinctive yellow color and lightning bolt pattern of Electabuzz. Its body shape also closely resembles Zangoose, a bipedal, weasel-like Pokémon. Grizzbolt seems to be constructed from elements of Electabuzz and Zangoose, combining their visual traits into a new Pal.
Elizabee
Elizabee, an insect Pal, exhibits a body structure almost identical to the bee Pokémon Vespiquen. The snatched waist, long, arm-like appendages with pointy “bug-hands,” and the dress-like abdomen are all shared characteristics. Elizabee appears to be a near-direct adaptation of Vespiquen’s unique body plan.
Astegon
Astegon, a dragon Pal, possesses a build and shape that is remarkably similar to Mega Aggron, the mega-evolved form of Aggron. The bulky, armored body, the posture, and the overall silhouette are strikingly alike. Astegon appears to be heavily inspired by Mega Aggron’s imposing physique.
Incineram
Incineram, a dark-colored Pal, strongly evokes the Pokémon Zoroark, a dark-type creature known for its illusionary abilities. The overall body shape, the head structure, and the dark color scheme are highly reminiscent of Zoroark. Incineram could easily be mistaken for a Zoroark variant or regional form.
Orserk
Orserk, an Electric/Bug type Pal, appears to be a reimagining of Garchomp, a dragon/ground Pokémon, as an electric/bug type. Orserk retains Garchomp’s distinctive horns and wing-like appendages, but features a new color scheme and insectoid details. Orserk strongly suggests a deliberate reinterpretation of Garchomp within the Palworld aesthetic.
Twinning: Almost Identical
This is where the Pals transition from strong resemblances to near-identical copies of Pokémon designs. These Pals are so visually similar to existing Pokémon that they appear to be barely altered versions.
Jetragon
Jetragon, a jet-dragon Pal, is a near-perfect replica of the legendary Pokémon Latios and Latias, the jet-dragon duo. Everything from the body shape, wing structure, head design, and even the color scheme is almost indistinguishable from Latios and Latias. Jetragon is arguably the most blatant example of design copying in Palworld.
Lamball
Lamball, a sheep-like Pal, is essentially Wooloo, a sheep Pokémon, with minimal alterations. Giving Wooloo a “haircut” and slightly altering the facial features is not enough to establish Lamball as a distinct design. The core model and overall concept are virtually identical to Wooloo.
Fenglope
Fenglope, a quadrupedal Pal, looks as if Cobalion, a legendary Pokémon, was caught in a strong wind. The body shape, horn structure, and overall posture are remarkably similar to Cobalion, albeit with a more windswept and “fluffy” aesthetic. Fenglope appears to be a slight variation on Cobalion’s design.
Broncherry
Broncherry, a dinosaur Pal, is essentially Meganium, a grass-type Pokémon, with a new “hairdo.” The body shape, neck frill, and overall dinosaurian design are almost identical to Meganium. The primary difference is Broncherry’s floral “hair,” which is a minor alteration to Meganium’s core design.
Wixen
Wixen, a fox-like Pal, appears to be inspired by Delphox, a fox Pokémon. However, the resemblance extends beyond just Delphox itself and aligns even more closely with a fan-made, alternate design of Delphox that circulated on PokemonPets.com. This suggests a potentially direct borrowing from fan-created content, rather than just official Pokémon designs.
Cremis
Cremis, a cream-covered Pal, is a blatant copy of Gigantamax Eevee, Eevee’s giant, fluffy Gigantamax form. Simply covering an Eevee model in “whipped cream” does not constitute a new creature design. Cremis is almost indistinguishable from Gigantamax Eevee.
Mish-Mashed: Frankensteinian Combinations
These Pals appear to be constructed by combining distinct parts and features from multiple different Pokémon, creating a “Frankensteinian” creature from pre-existing elements.
Verdash
Verdash appears to be a combination of elements from multiple Pokémon. Its base body and structure closely resemble Cinderace, a rabbit-like Pokémon. To this, the designers seem to have added the ears of Leafeon and the distinctive mane of Hisuian Arcanine. Verdash feels less like a unique design and more like a composite of existing Pokémon parts.
Azurobe
Azurobe, a blue, snake-like Pal, appears to be constructed from parts of Serperior and Primarina. Its body structure is almost identical to Serperior, a serpentine Pokémon. The large, flowing blue “hair” is strongly reminiscent of Primarina’s signature hairstyle. Azurobe feels like a combination of Serperior’s body and Primarina’s hair.
Dinossom
Dinossom, a green dinosaur Pal, appears to be a mishmash of features from Goodra, Lilligant, and Meganium. Its body structure is similar to Goodra, a dragon-type Pokémon. It features Lilligant’s distinctive crown-like head adornment and Meganium’s large, rounded eyes. Dinossom appears to be a combination of these disparate Pokémon features.
Lyleen
Lyleen, a floral Pal, strongly resembles Mega Gardevoir, Gardevoir’s mega-evolved form, with Bellossom’s signature flowers added. Lyleen’s overall “ballroom gown” silhouette is directly reminiscent of Mega Gardevoir. The addition of Bellossom-like flowers on top further solidifies the impression of a Pokémon hybrid.
Lovander
Lovander, a more controversial Pal, appears to combine Mewtwo’s distinctive “thicc” legs with Salazzle’s overtly feminine wiles. This combination has drawn criticism for its potentially suggestive design, but also highlights the “mish-mash” approach to Pal design, drawing seemingly disparate elements from existing Pokémon.
It’s Like Looking Into a Mirror: Direct Clones
Finally, these Pals are almost mirror images of their Pokémon counterparts, exhibiting minimal alterations and appearing to be direct clones in all but name.
Boltmane
Boltmane is essentially a “shiny” Luxray, a popular electric-type Pokémon. The design is virtually identical to Luxray, with the only notable difference being the color scheme, mirroring Luxray’s “shiny” variant. Interestingly, while preview images showcased Boltmane, it is currently unavailable in the released version of Palworld, suggesting it may have been removed or is planned for future inclusion.
Direhowl
Direhowl is little more than a recolored Lycanroc, a wolf-like Pokémon. The body shape, posture, and facial features are almost identical to Lycanroc. Direhowl’s darker color scheme is the primary, and arguably only, distinguishing feature. It functions as a near-direct color-swapped clone of Lycanroc.
These comparisons highlight the spectrum of creature design similarities between Palworld and Pokémon. While some Pals demonstrate fair inspiration, others venture into territory that raises serious questions about originality and potential copyright infringement. The extent to which Palworld’s creature designs are considered “inspired” or “copied” is ultimately subjective, but the visual evidence presented here strongly suggests a pattern of deliberate borrowing from the Pokémon franchise.
What do you think about these Palworld and Pokémon comparisons? Were there any other Pals that struck you as particularly similar to Pokémon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
