Palworld and Pokémon share quite a few similarities, with one of the most notable being their creature typing systems, which significantly affect combat. Both games boast a lineup of elements that are almost identical, offering unique strengths and weaknesses depending on the title. While the two manage balance in this realm, Palworld has one element that falls short—the Neutral type. Drawing parallels to Pokémon’s Normal types, these Neutral pals often end up overlooked due to their limited advantages and frequent downsides.
Since Palworld’s launch on January 19, 2024, it’s been clear that each element generally has one type it’s strong against and one it’s weak to, with fire as a notable exception in its dual strengths. Unfortunately, the Neutral type doesn’t share this benefit, having no upper hand over others and being vulnerable to Dark types. This places it in a less favorable position, especially when compared to Pokémon’s Normal types, which carve out their niche with quirks and versatility that make them contenders.
When you examine Palworld’s element chart, it’s no surprise that many players find Neutral Pals to be the least appealing choice for battle. Unlike Pokémon’s Normal types that, while not strong against others, boast immunity to one, Neutral Pals have no such edge. They must depend on a mix of powerful moves to stay relevant—something Normal types can sometimes bypass with just basic attacks. Additionally, some of the weaker Normal types can evolve to acquire a second type, allowing them to better compete, while Neutral Pals lack such growth potential.
It’s clear to many that Neutral Pals are often seen as the weakest link in Palworld, and this perspective isn’t hard to understand. For them to stand on par with Pokémon’s Normal types, significant changes are necessary, and there’s hope that Pocketpair will address this.
There’s potential for Pocketpair to make Neutral Pals more competitive by introducing secondary typings, similar to Pokémon, which could give them much-needed advantages in certain battles. This shift could transform them from mere background players into essential team members, possibly altering the combat dynamics and renewing interest in the game.
As Pocketpair continues to develop Palworld, there might be plans to revamp some Pals, particularly the Neutral types. An overhaul is crucial if they are to become equal to or even surpass Pokémon’s Normal types in utility. Time will tell if these changes take place, but the game’s future could depend on it.
