The new MMO Palia focuses on fishing, farming, and housing. It aims to combine these elements with the social aspects of MMOs. It is developed by veterans who previously worked at Blizzard and Riot Games. In Discord, they have answered numerous questions and revealed new details about Palia.
What kind of game is this? Palia emphasizes the cozy aspects of an MMO. Instead of constantly battling huge monsters and crawling through stuffy dungeons, you should preferably build your own house in Palia and get to know your neighbors.
- You play a human who can decorate their house with over 1,000 items
- Various activities like fishing, farming, or hunting await you in the game
- You can marry NPCs or form friendships with them
- Fights are possible, but play a minor role
We from MeinMMO have already introduced you to the basics of Palia in this article.
In further interviews and in Discord about the game, many new details have been announced. It becomes clear that Palia primarily targets fans of games like Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley and wants to bring them into an MMO world.
Palia does without player death and time gating
What we know about the game world: Palia is said to feature a large world that partially contains instances. The world can be explored on foot, but also with a glider. There will be a fast travel system so you don’t always have to cover huge distances.
Overall, the game world places a strong focus on the lore. You can experience this through conversations and books, for example. Additionally, players should be able to influence the story themselves.
One hour in the real world is supposed to equal one day in Palia. So there are 15 minutes each for morning, noon, evening, and night.
As of now, all houses in the game world are accessible. However, there will be certain times when NPCs lock their houses, such as at night when they want to sleep. The developers also promised many Easter eggs that players will be able to discover in the world.
What we know about character creation: Players creating a character in Palia have the choice between two body shapes, one of which is somewhat masculine and the other feminine. There will not be fixed genders. Both body shapes share the same hairstyles but have different faces.
Currently, character creation is kept simple, but many options are planned for the future. Elves will also be a race alongside humans. Whether there will be more races has not yet been revealed by the developers.
What we know about crafting: The developers emphasize that there will be no options like stamina, monetary investment, or waiting times that could restrict you in crafting or gathering. The currently known content related to gathering and crafting includes:
- Hunting
- Your own farm
- Cooking
- Fishing
- Logging
- Crafting your own gear
- A possible animal taming system, which is only planned for the future
There has been extensive discussion about fishing. It is expected to be roughly based on the system from Stardew Valley and connected with a mini-game. The entry into fishing should be relatively easy, but there is a learning curve, so you will need to engage thoroughly with the mechanics.
What we know about housing: You earn your own house by completing quests for villagers. Your house and garden are instantiated and your retreat point, but other players can visit you and help with decorating in the future.
While furniture may not be placed everywhere, if you want your bed in the kitchen, you can do that. Overall, there should be no maximum number of items you can place in your house.
Your land always belongs to you, and there should be no ways to sell it. Also, stealing items will not be possible.
What we know about the combat system: In the current version of Palia, there are no real fights yet. The most action-packed content is hunting, where you can hunt animals for food production. For this, you use the bow with a crosshair.
A combat system is planned for the future; however, there will be no player deaths and magic will also be omitted. Furthermore, there will be no Holy Trinity of tank, healer, and damage dealer.
Dungeons are planned for the future, but they should be done casually and without much preparation. A group should consist of up to four players.
However, the developers have repeatedly emphasized that all content related to fighting and all tougher challenges are optional. Those who wish to can experience Palia in a relaxed way. This also applies to possible PvP, which is possible in the form of challenges, but should never take place in the open world.
The first test is under NDA, the release is planned for as many platforms as possible
What we know about the pre-alpha: The pre-alpha is expected to happen in a few months, but not in “quarters or years”. For this pre-alpha, you can register (via Palia) and will be notified later via email if you are allowed to participate.
The first test is under NDA and will not contain all important features yet. However, progress made during the game will be deleted before the release.
What we know about the release: Palia is supposed to be released for PC. Additionally, a mobile version has high priority. In general, the release is planned for as many platforms as possible. If crossplay is possible, it shall also be implemented.
There have already been remarks about the release time frame. Palia is set to be released in “less than 3 years”.
Where can I learn more about Palia? Most of this information comes from the Discord about the game (via Discord). There you can ask questions to the developers in chat.
What do you think of the new MMO Palia? Does the concept appeal to you, or do you think combat is essential to MMOs? Feel free to let us know in the comments.
If you’re looking for an interesting MMO right now, you might find it in this list: The 15 currently best MMOs and MMORPGs 2021.
