Palworld removes creature-based gliding after Pokémon lawsuit pressure

Pocketpair has announced new gameplay changes to Palworld, citing ongoing legal issues with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo. The update is part of Patch v0.5.5 and introduces another mechanic adjustment following earlier modifications made under legal pressure.

In a statement shared via their official X account on May 8, 2025, Pocketpair revealed that players must now use a glider item from their inventory to glide—replacing the previous feature that allowed gliding with the help of in-game creatures known as Pals. While Pals in a player's team will still offer passive buffs to gliding, they will no longer be used directly for airborne movement.

“We regret to inform our players that with the implementation of Patch v0.5.5, we must make yet another compromise,” the developer wrote. Pocketpair acknowledged player disappointment but stressed that these changes are necessary to prevent further legal disruption to the game's development.

This change follows a previous adjustment made in November 2024, when Pocketpair removed the familiar mechanic of summoning Pals by throwing Pal Spheres. That patch came after the company revealed that Nintendo and The Pokémon Company had filed a lawsuit seeking ¥10 million (approximately $66,000 USD), with potential penalties to be added for any late payments.

In closing, Pocketpair apologised to fans for the ongoing uncertainty caused by the litigation. “We remain committed to developing Palworld and delivering exciting new content,” the company said.

Despite legal hurdles, the developers reaffirmed their focus on growing the game and maintaining support from their player community.