When you dive into the worlds of Palworld and Pokémon, the parallels between them are hard to miss. Both games feature creatures with elemental typings that play a crucial role in combat. They share similar elements, yet each game introduces unique strengths and weaknesses, adding layers of strategy. However, a particular typing in Pocketpair’s Palworld appears to be at a distinct disadvantage. Much like Pokémon’s Normal types, which are known for their neutrality, Palworld’s Neutral element is similarly intended but ends up being less appealing due to its drawbacks.
Following Palworld’s launch on January 19, 2024, the game established that every element has strengths and weaknesses against another—except for fire, which is effective against two. Unfortunately, this balance doesn’t extend to the Neutral typing. It offers no real advantage and is vulnerable to Dark types, making it arguably the weakest element in the game. In contrast, even Pokémon’s Normal types have certain advantages that make them worth considering in battles.
The game’s community often labels Neutral Pals as the least favorable choice in combat when compared to Pokémon’s Normal types, and here’s why:
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Immunities and Vulnerabilities: Normal-type Pokémon, while not strong against any specific type, benefit from immunity against a type, a feature that Neutral Pals lack.
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Move Diversity: Neutral Pals need a range of powerful moves for viability. On the other hand, Normal-type Pokémon can be formidable with simple attacks due to their diverse abilities.
- Evolutionary Growth: Many weaker Normal Pokémon can evolve to gain a secondary type, improving their combat capabilities. Neutral Pals, however, don’t have this opportunity for growth.
Given these points, it’s clear why many players find Neutral Pals underwhelming. For them to compete on par with Pokémon’s Normal types, significant changes are necessary.
Enhancing Neutral Pals for Better Combat Viability
While Palworld’s chart positions Neutral Pals as underperformers, Pocketpair has the opportunity to make improvements. Introducing dual types could give Neutral Pals better matchups and increase their strategic value in battles. Such adjustments could elevate them from basic utility roles to key team members, potentially altering the game’s meta and sparking renewed player interest.
Pocketpair’s roadmap hints at room for updates and changes, and there’s hope that some Pals, particularly Neutral ones, will receive necessary reworks. Bringing these elements up to par or surpassing Pokémon’s Normal types requires careful attention and timely updates, but only future developments will reveal if these changes come to fruition.
