What could be more romantic than enslaving animals and letting them fight against other animals, so you can enslave those, too?
Have you ever wanted to date a fictional animal that could kill you within a second? Neither have we, but Palworld has still announced a dating sim.
Just An April Fools' Joke?
It all started on March 31, 2024. That's when Palworld announced a Pal-dating sim on their official X account. The release date in the trailer was April 1, 2025:
#Palworld Dating Sim"Palworld! ~More Than Just Pals~"Will you remain friends or fall in love?Or dismantle and eat them...Pals take off their clothes An adult version will also be released#AprilFoolsDay*Update for Palworld is coming soon! pic.twitter.com/SHZF5QatLw
— Palworld (@Palworld_EN) March 31, 2024
When a user informed them that it was a bit early for an April Fools' joke, they just replied, "Early bird-pal catches the worm-pal" - Well, maybe it wasn't as much of an April Fools' joke as we thought and they were right to post it on March 31...
Palworld Announces Pal♡world! ~More Than Just Pals~
What no one took seriously a year ago has now been picked up again by Pocketpair, Palworld's developers. Exactly one year later (still not April 1), they have now doubled down on their dating sim plans and added a new trailer as well as a (very cursed) Steam page:
Steam Page LiveA Palworld school romance VN?! Palworld! ~More Than Just Pals~https://t.co/tXgVcWyTbnThe new trailer introduces new characters!Wishlist NOW on Steam pic.twitter.com/m5nw6nFJZA
— Palworld (@Palworld_EN) March 31, 2025
The page, however, doesn't specify a release date, but it does offer an equally unsettling game description:
You, the protagonist, enroll as a transfer student in the prestigious Palpagos Private Academy. You will meet unique friends (pals) and enjoy school life through friendship and romance. It's up to you whether you stay friends with the pals, develop romantic relationships with them, or even dismember and eat them. - Pocketpair on SteamAh, yes, what's more romantic than dismemberment?
April Fools' Giveaway
One April Fools' joke wasn't enough for Pocketpair this year: They're also doing a giveaway where two contestants can win...a Lovander Body Pillow - no, we're not joking, see for yourself:
Lovander Body Pillow GiveawayA Palworld school romance VN?! Palworld! ~More Than Just Pals~Giveaway promotion to celebrate the Steam page! https://t.co/tXgVcWyTbnHow to enter: Repost this post & Like & FollowAdd #PalworldVN and reply or RT with the Pal you... pic.twitter.com/bxe6N7EjDy
— Palworld (@Palworld_EN) March 31, 2025
What do you think about this elaborate April Fools' joke? Will you try the Palworld dating sim? Is it funny, disturbing or both? Are you a dismembered and eaten Pal whose vengeful ghost has come to the real world to avenge yourself on your ex-lover?