21 Mar 2024 11:09 AM +00:00 UTC

5 games like Pokémon and Palworld

For decades, the Pokemon franchise has been a gaming juggernaut, captivating players with its monster-collecting gameplay, engaging stories, and unforgettable characters. Many games have tried to capture that magic, with some coming closer than others including Palworld, a recent release, has sparked particular interest for its resemblance to Pokemon. But what are other games like Pokemon and Palworld?

This list will help you remember and discover some classic and exciting games that share core features with Pokemon and Palworld. Whether you are an experienced monster collector or a new adventurer, these titles offer unique worlds and creatures to tame and train. So, dive in and keep the monster-collecting spark alive!

5 games similar to Pokemon and Palworld

1. Nexomon: Extinction

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Developer: VEWO Interactive Inc.
Publisher: PQube, VEWO Interactive Inc.
Release Date: August 28, 2020

Calling Nexomon: Extinction a Pokemon clone is no understatement. You catch creatures, and battle trainers, and work your way through a monster-filled world. However, Nexomon offers a few twists on the formula.

Unlike Pokemon's linear world, Nexomon: Extinction allows you to explore a vast open world. You can tackle challenges at your own pace and discover hidden secrets.

The story in Nexomon: Extinction is surprisingly mature compared to Pokemon. It features a darker tone and memorable characters, including your sassy cat companion who throws shade at JRPG tropes.

While the core gameplay is familiar, Nexomon stumbles in a few areas. The monster designs often feel derivative, and the mobile version is riddled with in-app purchases that lock essential features behind paywalls. These include the ability to fast travel and freely swap party members, features most players would expect in the base game. It is a great alternative to Pokemon especially if you are into the open world, but a few drawbacks, including in-app purchases, may drag you away from the monster-filled world.

2. Moonstone Island

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
Developer: Studio Supersoft
Publisher: Raw Fury
Release Date: September 20, 2023

Moonstone Island combines farming, monster collecting, and exploration into a single experience. Players take on the role of a budding alchemist tasked with honing their skills for a year. This involves managing a farm, crafting items, and battling other alchemists' spirits in card-based duels.

Similar to Pokemon and Palworld, Moonstone Island revolves around collecting and battling creatures. Here, these creatures are called spirits, each with unique abilities and a dedicated card deck for combat. Players tame spirits using crops grown on their farm, adding a strategic layer to resource management.

Unlike some monster-collecting games, Moonstone Island offers a vast open world. Instead of a linear path, players explore 100 procedurally generated floating islands, each harbouring secrets, resources, and challenges. This open-ended approach allows players to progress at their own pace, befriending townsfolk, cultivating crops, and delving into dungeons at their leisure.

This blend of activities provides a refreshing take on the monster-collecting genre, offering a satisfying mix of resource management, exploration, and strategic combat.

3. Shin Megami Tensei V

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Atlus (Japan), Sega (North America), Nintendo (Europe, Australia)
Release Date: November 11, 2021 (originally), June 21, 2024 (Vengeance)

Shin Megami Tensei V might look like a typical monster collecting game on the surface, but it has a darker, more mature twist compared to Pokemon or Palworld. Instead of cutesy creatures, you'll befriend demons through negotiation and then fuse them to create even more powerful ones. Similar to Pokemon and Palworld, you'll be capturing and battling creatures, but in Shin Megami Tensei V, it's all about exploiting enemy weaknesses and strategically managing your demon team to survive challenging encounters.

This game is a great fit as it offers a unique and challenging monster-collecting experience with a mature storyline. If you're looking for a dark JRPG with deep turn-based combat and strategic demon collecting, Shin Megami Tensei V is a must-play.

4. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the Witch

Platforms: PlayStation 3 (Initial Release), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Developer: Level-5
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release Date: * PlayStation 3: * Japan: November 17, 2011 * North America: January 22, 2013 * Australia: January 31, 2013 * Europe: February 1, 2013 * Switch, PS4, Windows: Worldwide: September 20, 2019 * Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S: Worldwide: September 15, 2022

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch throws you into the shoes of Oliver, a young boy who ventures into a fantastical world to bring his mother back to life. The story tackles mature themes of loss and overcoming grief, while also weaving in heartwarming tales of friendship and courage.

The gameplay feels familiar to creature collection RPGs like Pokemon and Palworld. You'll encounter and capture a variety of Familiars, adorable and powerful monsters that fight alongside Oliver. Unlike a simple capture mechanic, Ni no Kuni offers a deeper system. You'll use alchemy to tame captured Familiars, turning them into loyal allies. These Familiars then evolve and gain new abilities, adding a strategic layer to the real-time combat. Battles are fast-paced and require careful use of Familiars' unique skills and cooldowns to overcome enemies. With a captivating story and a rich world brimming with Studio Ghibli's charm, Ni no Kuni offers a compelling JRPG experience.

5. Monster Hunter Stories

Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Mobile (iOS & Android), PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch (upcoming June 14, 2024)
Developer: Capcom & Marvelous
Publisher: Capcom & Nintendo
Release Date: Nintendo 3DS (October 8, 2016), Mobile (iOS & Android) (Late 2017 - Japan, September 2018 - Worldwide), upcoming remastered version: Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch (June 14, 2024)

Monster Hunter Stories offers a fresh spin on the Monster Hunter franchise. Instead of hunting monsters, you become a Rider who befriends and fights alongside them, called Monsties. Similar to Pokemon and Palworld, you hatch eggs, collect adorable and powerful creatures, and customize their abilities. Battles are turn-based, with strategic use of attack types and well-timed teamwork with your Monstie the key to victory.

The story follows a young villager who uncovers a mysterious illness plaguing the land. Forge bonds with your Monsties, explore vibrant environments, and face a mad scientist as you unravel the secrets of this illness.

If you enjoy creature collecting, turn-based combat, and building a connection with your companions, Monster Hunter Stories offers a charming and unique adventure.

If you haven't played any of these, we suggest you jump into their beautifully created worlds and see for yourself what great adventure they offer.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides , Pokémon , and Palworld pages.