Palworld 1.0 Update Sparks Pal Redesign Hype as Fans Notice Model Tweaks

Palworld players are noticing that Pocketpair has revised several Pal character models ahead of the full 1.0 release, and many say the new designs feel less like direct echoes of well-known Pokémon.

1.0 release brings visible Pal model tweaks

Pocketpair rolled out extensive patch notes for Palworld’s 1.0 update earlier this week, with hundreds of additions, adjustments, and improvements listed. Even so, the published notes don’t appear to cover updates to multiple Pal appearances, which has led players to compare the new models themselves rather than relying on the documentation.

Now that Palworld 1.0 is live, the community is putting the spotlight on changes to Verdash, Robinquill, Fengallop, and Grintale. Before the update, these Pals were frequently described as looking closer to Cinderace, Decidueye, Cobalion, and Galarian Meowth, respectively.

What changed in the updated Pals

Players report that Verdash has shifted toward a more squirrel-like look, replacing the stronger resemblance to the soccer-themed rabbit it previously evoked. Robinquill, meanwhile, has lost its red cape—an element that helped define its silhouette for Pokémon fans. Fengallop now reads as more deer-like, with color changes intended to separate it more clearly from its earlier inspiration. Grintale’s redesign also affects its face, as the mouth has been reworked so its facial features feel more original.

On the Palworld subreddit, a long-running discussion is largely upbeat, with many arguing the new models look better. Still, the idea that these Pals resemble specific Pokémon remains part of the conversation, even among players who approve of the updates.

• Verdash: more squirrel-like; less like the soccer rabbit it previously resembled
• Robinquill: removed red cape, changing its silhouette
• Fengallop: more deer-like; colors adjusted for clearer separation
• Grintale: redesigned mouth; facial elements feel less directly reused

Community reactions and the ongoing Pokémon comparison

Several comments celebrate the revisions. One Palworld fan, DefaultProducts, wrote, “Can’t believe that they actually went back and improved them to make them feel less kitbashy or repurposed,” adding that the earlier look felt like pieces swapped from various Pokémon.

Another user, Mr_w00fy, said they were glad the deer design was redone, describing the prior version as too close to a “femme fluffy” Coballion.

Omnifob focused on the Cinderace comparison, writing, “I’m glad they redesigned green Cinderace. It was too close to its inspiration, now it looks really cute,” and also praised the Robinquill update, saying the original bothered them.

Vvattvery explained they previously avoided Verdash and Robinquill because they looked too similar to their inspirations, but now said they can see themselves using them.

Not every community space is as positive. Over on ResetEra, where some users argue the designs should never have been that similar to begin with, the revisions are treated more like damage control. Greywaren summed up the sentiment with, “Better late than never, I guess!” They also pointed to how obvious some model similarities were, noting that defenders still existed during the initial controversy.

KezayJS1 called the changes an “admission of guilt” in a sarcastic phrasing, while still framing the update as a good step—claiming many early Pal designs were blatant mashups of recognizable Pokémon elements.

These comparisons to Pokémon have been present since before Palworld’s launch. When the game first released, many accused Pocketpair of “ripping off” Pokémon designs. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company also took interest, moving to file a patent dispute tied to gameplay similarities. In the initial lawsuit, the companies asked Pocketpair to pay 5 million yen (about $30,000) each, plus late payment damages, and to face an injunction that would block Palworld’s release. A judgement has been expected later this year, and Pocketpair has already altered parts of the game’s mechanics, which is widely believed to be connected to the legal pressure. For comment, IGN reached out to Pocketpair.

Players looking for a broader take on the 1.0 update can check out IGN’s Palworld review so far.