GamesSurvivalPalworld10 games like Palworld for more creature-catching, raiding, and survival crafting adventuresWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesSurvivalPalworld10 games like Palworld for more creature-catching, raiding, and survival crafting adventuresWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Pocketpair)

There’s something about games likePalworldthat makes them near impossible to put down. As we say in ourPalworld review, Pocket Pair’s immensely popular game “embraces the standards of the popular survival-crafter wholeheartedly” to create a living sandbox for players to really make their own, and the unique type-specific Pals you capture in the wild help build a thriving headquarters. It’s fast becoming one of the most talked about andbest Xbox Game Pass gamesever, and if you’re wondering if there are any existing games out there that feel similar to it, you’re in luck.
No matter what you love best aboutPalworld, whether it be the creature-catching elements as seen in thebest Pokemon games, the management sim-like base construction, open world exploration and tower defence, or the simple joys of survival crafting, we’ve found plenty of alternatives that fit the bill. You’ll find a range of games like Palworld below, each reflecting at least one of the core gameplay systems themega-hit survival gameon everyone’s lips.
With Palworld being an Xbox console exclusive, we’ve made sure to include a variety of games to suit your setup of choice – including some games like Palworld for PS5 owners or Nintendo Switch fans to try out if you’re feeling left out of the hype.
10. Cult of the Lamb
(Image credit: Devolver)

Developer:Massive MonsterPlatform(s):Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
If you find the autonomous building crafting systems of Palworld super satisfying, Cult of the Lamb is worth a try. This roguelike-meets-management sim has you collecting cute Followers out in the wild (not unlike your adorable Pals) to bring back to the cult grounds as your adoring minions. The thing that makes Cult of the Lamb similar to Palworld is how you basically don’t have to lift a finger to construct anything in your camp yourself, since your Followers carry out chores autonomously. Likewise, Palworld’s focus on crafting sees type-specific Pals helping out according to their strengths – water-type Pals water plants, for example – meaning you can spend more time exploring the land while your lackeys do the grunt work for you.
9. Rust
(Image credit: Facepunch)

Developer:Facepunch StudiosPlatform(s):PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac
Open-world online multiplayer game Rust has a lot in common with Palworld. As one of thebest Steam gamesout there, Rust is a survival crafting experience centered around banding together with fellow players to set up camp, farm for materials, and raid other encampments across a huge map. The risk of getting raided and carrying out attacks against other live players is something that Palworld fans will find familiar, especially if the tower defense and guild alliance elements are your favorite things about it. Plus, Rust can be played on PC, Mac, and PS4 platforms, making it a great alternative for those without access to a PC or Xbox.
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8. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
(Image credit: Nintendo)

Developer:NintendoPlatform(s):Nintendo Switch
7. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
(Image credit: Nintendo)

Developer:Game FreakPlatform(s):Nintendo Switch
An obvious game like Palworld is, well, any of Game Freak’s Pokemon games. More specifically, Pokemon Legends: Arceus feels extremely similar to Palworld as a creature-catching RPG set in a semi-open world. Pals and Pokemon creatures themselves strike an uncanny resemblance to each other at times, and you capture Pals much in the same way you capture Pokemon: with Pal Spheres, the legally-distinct answer to Poke Balls. That being said, your Pals are much more useful than their Game Freak counterparts, as not only can they battle other Pals out in the open world, but they make very helpful crafting minions back at camp.
6. Temtem
(Image credit: Crema)

Developer:CremaPlatform(s):PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PC
5. Cassette Beasts
(Image credit: Raw Fury)

4. Valheim
(Image credit: Iron Gate)

Developer:Iron Gate StudioPlatform(s):PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One
Another one for fans of a good survival crafting experience,Valheimwill fill the Palworld-shaped hole in your heart if you’re craving more open-world antics. Just like Palworld, Valheim launched into Early Access and went on to attract a similarly dedicated fanbase. Its brooding Viking theme might not match Palworld’s vividly bizarre aesthetic, but if you’re after a gigantic survival crafting experience with complex management and building systems, it’s well worth a try.
3. Scrap Mechanic
(Image credit: Axolot)

Developer:Axolot GamesPlatform(s):PC
2. Minecraft Legends
(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Developer:Mojang StudiosPlatform(s):PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
1. Ark: Survival Evolved
(Image credit: Studio Wildcard)

Developer:Studio WildcardPlatform(s):Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
One of Palworld’s best alternatives is a game the developers saypartially inspired it. Ark: Survival Evolved is a dino-infested sandbox where you can either eliminate or domesticate some fearsome prehistoric beasts, much in the same way you collect Pals in Palword. It’s a first-person experience that feels a lot grittier and darker than the splashy colorful vibe of Palworld, but it lays a lot of groundwork in terms of survival crafting, scavenging, and automatic management systems that Pocket Pair would go on to emulate. It’s worth trying Ark: Survival Evolved if you’re on the hunt for more games like Palworld, especially since it’s a little more accessible across a broad range of platforms.
For more Palworld alternatives, why not check out thebest survival games?
TOPICSGame Freak
TOPICS
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More about survivalPalworld drops a massive update that further distances the survival game from Pokemon following the Nintendo lawsuit, and fans couldn’t be more proud: “Justice for Palworld"Core Keeper creators channel Terraria with a gorgeous multiplayer survival game “where every pixel is yours to shape, mine, build, or explode"LatestI can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speedsSee more latest►
More about survivalPalworld drops a massive update that further distances the survival game from Pokemon following the Nintendo lawsuit, and fans couldn’t be more proud: “Justice for Palworld"Core Keeper creators channel Terraria with a gorgeous multiplayer survival game “where every pixel is yours to shape, mine, build, or explode”
More about survival
Palworld drops a massive update that further distances the survival game from Pokemon following the Nintendo lawsuit, and fans couldn’t be more proud: “Justice for Palworld"Core Keeper creators channel Terraria with a gorgeous multiplayer survival game “where every pixel is yours to shape, mine, build, or explode”
Palworld drops a massive update that further distances the survival game from Pokemon following the Nintendo lawsuit, and fans couldn’t be more proud: “Justice for Palworld”
Palworld drops a massive update that further distances the survival game from Pokemon following the Nintendo lawsuit, and fans couldn’t be more proud: “Justice for Palworld”
Core Keeper creators channel Terraria with a gorgeous multiplayer survival game “where every pixel is yours to shape, mine, build, or explode”
Core Keeper creators channel Terraria with a gorgeous multiplayer survival game “where every pixel is yours to shape, mine, build, or explode”
LatestI can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speedsSee more latest►
Latest
I can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds
I can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds
I can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds
See more latest►
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”