Palworld and Pokémon followers are arguing over whether or not a brand new whale Pal known as Panthalus copies the Pokémon, Kyogre.
Palworld creature Panthalus is a large legendary blue-green whale with a white stomach, flared fins and tribal-like markings throughout its physique, plus a big bronze ornament. Beloved Pokémon Kyogre, in the meantime, is a legendary blue whale with a white stomach, flared fins and tribal markings throughout its physique, with no bronze ornament.
Writing on social media, some followers have mentioned that the design of Panthalus is “clearly impressed” by Kyogre, even when the idea of a legendary whale will not be distinctive to Pokémon. One fan dubbed the design as “brazen,” although others mentioned it appeared “legally distinct” sufficient.
“I really feel like the same artwork kinds make the comparisons inevitable,” tweeted online game content material creator Josh Scorcher. “Like, Sport Freak would not personal the idea of a legendary/divine whale creature… However it’s a must to be extremely dishonest to not instantly consider Kyogre if you see this.”
Others, nevertheless, have dismissed the comparability. “Actually the one factor they’ve in frequent is that they are each whales,” one fan said. “Panthalus seems NOTHING like Kyorge,” another added. “Idea is there, however I can simply visually distinguish them.”
oh my god the folks saying panthalus doesnt even RESEMBLE kyogre are coping so unbelievably exhausting bro pic.twitter.com/1Ph4IJR39Q
— Decaticon (@Decaticon) July 14, 2026
This pal is clearly impressed by Kyogre which is not inherently a foul factor. Nonetheless as a result of palworld creatures are principally impressed by pokemon it makes their designs really feel fairly uninspired. Palworld’s designs would tremendously profit from taking extra inspiration outdoors of pokemon https://t.co/FvnG2JLucX pic.twitter.com/dA5Jv0waP9
— doodlelotl (@Doodlelot) July 14, 2026
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Panthalus 🐳, ein Pal aus Palworld von Pocketpair Inc. & Kyogre 🐋, ein Pokemon von Gamefreak / Nintendo#pokemon #palworld pic.twitter.com/2XQhZXWNvv
— PokéTen @Eurofurence 30 (@poketen_) July 15, 2026
Panthalus’ introduction comes simply as followers found that a number of different Pal species have quietly had their designs modified in Palworld’s large 1.0 replace. Regardless of a whole lot of different additions and tweaks being listed in developer Pocketpair’s patch notes, there was curiously no point out of alterations to Verdash, Robinquill, Fengallop, and Grintale, which beforehand displayed extra distinct similarities to acquainted Pokémon species Cinderace, Decidueye, Cobalion, and Galarian Meowth.
IGN contacted Pocketpair for remark about these adjustments, however obtained no response.
Comparisons between Palworld’s Pal designs and Pokémon are nothing new, in fact, and followers have been mentioning similarities between species since earlier than Palworld’s authentic launch, when many accused Pocketpair of “ripping off” Pokémon designs.
And naturally, all of this comes amid the continued authorized battle between The Pokémon Firm and Pocketpair over the usage of patents, which seemingly prompted the latter to make gameplay adjustments as a way to nullify its claims. A judgment is anticipated later this 12 months.
Palworld’s 1.0 launch landed earlier this month, lastly bringing the sport out of early entry. Pocketpair mentioned on the time that it will not increase the sport’s value past $29.99 as Palworld has “grow to be successful past our wildest goals.” That assertion probably displays the truth that greater than 40 million gamers have dipped their paws into Palworld since its early entry launch.
Our Palworld Interactive Map has been up to date for 1.0, together with Watchtower Areas, so you may make positive to uncover every thing new. We’ve additionally received a information to 1.0 Pal Breeding Combos and The way to Get Hardwood, plus the Greatest 1.0 Mounts to Catch in Order, and the Quickest Flying Mounts in 1.0.
Picture: Decation/X.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You possibly can attain Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social