I've been exploring the vast world of Palworld since its explosive debut in 2024, and what a ride it's been! The game that captured 32 million hearts (including mine) by February 2025 has recently undergone some significant changes that have altered my gameplay experience. The most notable change came with the v0.5.5 patch, which transformed how we glide through this vibrant open world.

Gone are the days when I could use my trusty flying Pals as living gliders. Now, I need to equip an actual glider item to soar through the skies. While my Pals still provide passive buffs during flight, that magical feeling of using them directly as my wings has disappeared. This change wasn't just a random design decision – it stems directly from the ongoing patent lawsuit between Pocketpair and gaming giants Nintendo and The Pokemon Company.

The Legal Battle Reshaping Palworld

The legal troubles began shortly after Palworld's meteoric rise to fame. What started as playful community comparisons calling it "Pokemon with guns" evolved into serious legal action. Nintendo and The Pokemon Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Pocketpair, claiming various gameplay mechanics infringed on their intellectual property.

Pocketpair recently took to Twitter to explain these changes, expressing their reluctance but emphasizing they were necessary "in order to prevent further disruptions to the development of Palworld." As a dedicated player, I appreciate their transparency about this difficult situation.

This isn't the first time the lawsuit has altered the game. Back in November 2024, Pocketpair changed how we summon Pals using Pal Spheres. Instead of the dynamic catching animation that reminded many of Pokemon, we now see a static summon next to our character. Many players (myself included) suspected these changes were related to the litigation, and now we have confirmation.

People Also Ask

How has the Nintendo lawsuit affected Palworld's development roadmap?

The lawsuit has forced Pocketpair to divert resources toward legal defense and implement gameplay changes to avoid further legal complications. This has likely delayed some planned features, though the team remains committed to delivering new content.

Will Palworld ever restore the original gliding mechanics?

Unless Pocketpair wins the lawsuit or reaches a settlement with Nintendo that permits the original mechanics, it seems unlikely we'll see a return to Pal-based gliding. The developer appears to be taking a cautious approach to avoid further legal issues.

Are there any benefits to the new glider system?

While I miss using my Pals directly for gliding, the new system does standardize the gliding experience and still allows for Pal buffs. Some players have reported the dedicated glider item offers more consistent controls.

Adapting to the New Gliding System

Despite my initial disappointment, I've found ways to embrace the new gliding mechanics. The dedicated glider item offers reliable performance, and pairing it with different Pals for their passive buffs creates interesting strategic choices. My favorite combination is using the glider with my Petallia, which extends gliding time by 20% – perfect for exploring those hard-to-reach mountain peaks!

The gliding changes have also inspired a new approach to exploration. Rather than relying solely on my flying companions, I've become more thoughtful about my traversal routes. Sometimes the scenic path reveals hidden treasures I would have missed while soaring directly overhead.

Looking Forward: Pocketpair's Commitment

Despite these legal hurdles, Pocketpair has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In April 2025, they presented a robust defense against Nintendo's claims, showing their determination to fight for their creative vision. While they've had to make these compromises, the development team continues to work on exciting new content.

Their commitment to transparency has strengthened my loyalty to the game. Rather than making these changes silently, they've been upfront about the reasons behind them, acknowledging player disappointment while explaining the necessity.

The Community Response

The Palworld community's reaction has been mixed but largely supportive. Many players share my disappointment about losing the unique Pal gliding mechanics, but most understand the difficult position Pocketpair faces. Some creative players have even organized in-game protests, gathering at high points with their formerly glider-capable Pals in a show of solidarity.

Forums and Discord channels have been buzzing with discussions about the changes:

• 😢 Nostalgia for the original gliding mechanics

• 🤔 Speculation about future legal-influenced changes

• 💪 Support for Pocketpair's legal defense

• 🎮 Tips for mastering the new glider system

My New Palworld Routine

With these changes in place, my daily Palworld routine has evolved. I now:

1. Craft and upgrade gliders at my base

2. Strategically select Pals with complementary gliding buffs

3. Plan exploration routes with glider limitations in mind

4. Participate in community events celebrating the game's unique identity

The world of Palworld continues to captivate me, even as it evolves under legal pressure. The core appeal remains – building relationships with my Pals, constructing bases, and embarking on adventures across its diverse landscapes.

As I launch off a cliff with my newly crafted glider, my loyal Nitewing providing its flight buff beside me, I'm reminded of why I fell in love with this game in the first place. It's not just about the mechanics – it's about the world, the creatures, and the freedom to explore. While the lawsuit has changed how I soar through the skies, it hasn't diminished my enthusiasm for what lies on the horizon.

The journey continues, one glide at a time.