Why Pokémon’s Normal Types Outshine Palworld’s Neutral Element

When you compare Palworld to Pokémon, you’ll quickly notice they share a few striking similarities, especially regarding their creatures’ types that play a crucial role in battles. Both games offer a list of elements with unique strengths and weaknesses, creating a balanced playing field. However, there’s one type in Palworld, akin to Pokémon’s Normal types, that doesn’t quite measure up: Neutral Pals. These creatures often find themselves overlooked due to their numerous disadvantages.

Since its launch on January 19, 2024, Palworld has clearly defined each element’s strengths and weaknesses. All are countered by one other type, except for fire, which stands out by being effective against two. Unfortunately, the Neutral type doesn’t benefit from this system. Instead, it’s vulnerable to Dark types and lacks any offensive advantage, rendering it potentially the weakest element in the game. In contrast, even Pokémon’s Normal types, which also lack a specific elemental advantage, possess unique traits that make them viable choices.

Examining Palworld’s elemental chart reveals why Neutral Pals are considered one of the poorer options for battle. Placing them next to Pokémon’s Normal types highlights several inadequacies:

1. Unlike Normal types in Pokémon, which are immune to one other type, Neutral Pals offer no such benefit.
2. Neutral Pals must be backed by powerful moves to remain competitive, whereas Normal Pokémon can be threatening even with basic attacks.
3. Some weaker Normal Pokémon evolve to gain additional types, expanding their combat potential. Neutral Pals lack such an evolutionary advantage.

These factors contribute to the general perception that Neutral Pals are the least effective in Palworld. If they hope to compete with Pokémon’s Normal types, substantial modifications are required.

### Enhancing Neutral Pals for Better Combat Performance

Palworld’s Neutral Pals might currently be at a disadvantage, but there’s room for improvement. By introducing secondary typings, these creatures could gain strategic advantages in battles, something they currently miss out on. This change would not only elevate their status from merely being support roles to genuine combat contenders but could also shake up the game’s meta, encouraging more players to experiment with them.

Pocketpair’s development plans for Palworld include potential updates and changes. With any luck, these will address the shortcomings of the Neutral type. Such an overhaul is critical if these Pals are to match or exceed the effectiveness of Pokémon’s Normal types. We’ll have to wait and see if future updates bring these much-needed changes.