Pocketpair has unveiled Palworld: Love and Bonds, a dating sim set in its wildly popular monster-collecting universe, confirming it’s no April Fools’ prank.
The creators of 2024’s Pokémon-inspired survival hit shared plans to weave romance into their lineup on March 31. Such an announcement might typically go unquestioned, but with April Fools’ Day looming, fans remain skeptical as developers often unleash fake game reveals and quirky stunts come April 1.
Pocketpair is emphatic for skeptics: Palworld: Love and Bonds is a genuine video game. The concept appears to stem from its 2024 April Fools’ gag, which teased the dating sim as a playful jest. Now a reality, the game is slated for a future PC release on Steam.
Palworld: Love and Bonds promises a bold twist to Pocketpair’s beloved universe. Its premise invites players to connect with student Pals at Palagos Private Academy, fostering friendships or sparking romance. The game’s official Steam page showcases characters like the charming yet enigmatic Katress and the shy Chillet, drawing names from Palworld’s creature roster.
“As a transfer student at the esteemed Palagos Private Academy, you’ll encounter unique Pals and dive into school life through bonds of friendship or love,” Pocketpair’s official description reads. “Choose to nurture friendships, pursue romance, or take a darker path by battling and consuming your Pals.”
This isn't an April Fools' joke :)
— Bucky | Palworld (@Bucky_cm) March 31, 2025
Pocketpair’s Palworld marked its one-year milestone in January, with ongoing updates fueling anticipation for the dating sim. A recent update introduced crossplay support, Blueprint enhancements, photo mode, and more. While hopes linger for a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Palworld, fans can dream that Palworld: Love and Bonds might one day grace the console.
