Palworld took the world by storm when it was first released back in 2024, quickly earning the nickname "Pokémon with guns" when its first trailer was unveiled in 2021. Now that it has emerged from the shadows cast by a legal case from Nintendo and its partner The Pokémon Company over alleged patent infringement, it's back with another release.
Set in an open world complete with battles, base building, and traversal, Palworld quickly shot to the top of the Steam charts back in January 2024, becoming one of the PC storefront’s most successful games.
However, following comparisons of Pals and their Pokemon counterparts, Palworld soon found itself getting legal attention from Nintendo with the latter, as well as The Pokémon Company, filing a lawsuit against Pocketpair in September 2024.
Nevertheless, as of January 2026, no charges have been brought.
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So that brings us to now. Pocketpair have revealed that Palworld will be welcoming an official trading card game which is expected to launch on 30 July 2026.
Pokemon Trading Card Game... I Don't Know Her
This comes as Pokemon Trading Card Game reaches Pokémania levels of hype from the 90s, with cards selling for silly numbers (even if some of them are fake). Of course, Pokemon don't own the concept of a trading card game, but the timing, the popularity and the existence of the legal case make us raise our eyebrows a bit.
According to Palworld's official website, the game will be a 2-player competitive card game where players can enjoy “strategic and tactical battles through deploying various Pals”.
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Furthermore, players will be able to fight alongside their Pal companions with gathering resources and building bases, even contributing to your victory.
By using their own unique traits, your Pals will lead you to victory.
Not Just a Reskin
“Team up with your trusty Pals and experience the thrill of overcoming formidable enemies through this exciting trading card game.”
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There is no denying that Pokemon still leads the charge when it comes to trading card games but it seems as though Palworld is not simply releasing a reskin, as it is providing a chance to contribute some other gameplay mechanics such as resource gathering and base building to help with victory.
As of right now, that is all the information we currently have about the Palworld trading game.
As such, we are yet to receive a list of potential cards, starter packs and, of course, that much-needed price tag.
However, with the game set to release this summer, we do not have long left to find out.
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“Okay, now they're doing it just to p**s off Nintendo,” one Twitter user joked.
With many pointing out the direct correlation to Pokemon once again, others are hoping that this will be a physical release, not just digital. It seems as though Palworld is back in the spotlight which is incredible news for the hardcore monster-tamers out there.
Are you still playing? Or will you stick with Pokemon TCG?