As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases and other schemes. Learn more.

Palworld faded after launch, but now it's back with a whole new island

A big Palworld update introduces new island continent Sakurajima, new raid, a raised level cap, and plenty of extra Pals to discover.

It's been quiet on the Palworld front of late, with the ambitious 'Pokemon with guns' survival game sensation soaring on Steam at launch before settling down amid other launches such as Enshrouded, Soulmask, Manor Lords, and the Valheim Ashlands update. Developer Pocketpair has always maintained that it's perfectly happy with this, promising players reasons to return in the future – and now a major update introducing a new continent and a fresh crop of Pals to the fray has arrived. It's time to come back to Palworld.

The survival game. First and foremost is the eponymous island itself. Sakurajima is controlled by a new faction called The Moonflowers, and you'll be tasked with wresting its stunning landscapes back from their grasp.

YouTube Thumbnail

The island locale is also packed with a wealth of new Palworld max level cap has been raised to 55.

Alongside Sakurajima comes the appearance of a new Oil Rig stronghold in the ocean. Under the control of the Rayne Syndicate, this stronghold is home to valuable resources including crude oil, used for crafting a range of new high-tier equipment, which can be yours if you're able to overcome the challenges within. If you're in the mood to challenge other players, meanwhile, an arena has set up shop in the Desiccated Desert.

There's a whole heap more to discover. A new accessory box increases your capacity to carry accessories, while a new ring ups your carry weight capacity. There are a heap of new weapons including a laser rifle, flamethrower, gatling gun, and multiple missile launchers, a range of new active and ive skills for your Pals to learn, and a selection of cosmetic hats for both you and your Pals to wear.

Palworld Sakurajima update - New raid boss Blazamat Ryu.

Base building has been overhauled and improved, and there are five helpful new buildings available to construct. Pocketpair also introduces the ability to change your Pal's designs at the Pal Dressing Facility. Crafting now allows you to make items in stacks of 100 at a time, and a lockpicking feature lets you crack your way into locked treasure chests with a new mini-game. Last but not least, there's a new event that brings meteorites crashing down from outer space – and if you're fortunate, they might even have a mysterious Pal with them.

The Palworld Sakurajima update and patch 0.3.1 are out now on Steam. It's certainly sounding like more than enough reason to check back in with the action if you haven't played in a while.

If you're jumping back in for the new update and are wondering what else is worth checking out, here are the best open-world games instead.

You can also follow us on Google News for daily PC games news, reviews, and guides, or grab our PCGN deals tracker to net yourself some bargains.