Xbox Game Pass July 2026 free game line-up includes long-awaited Pokémon rival
Topics: Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, Free Games, Palworld, Pokemon
Featured Image Credit: Pocketpair
Topics: Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, Free Games, Palworld, Pokemon
Finally, after releasing in early 2024 on PC and Xbox, and a little later in the year on PlayStation, Palworld has been released in its full form, and Game Pass subscribers can play it at no extra cost.
It feels strange to say that Palworld will finally be released properly this time, considering that millions of gamers have been playing it for over two years already. However, when it initially launched in 2024, it was an early access title.
Over that time, the indie developers at Pocketpair have been working tirelessly to add new features, content, improve the world and gameplay, as well as make general bug fixes based on player feedback.
During that time, the Palworld developers have also had to deal with Nintendo lawsuits over claims of Pokémon copyright infringement. Of course, Pokémon creatures are totally original and in no way, shape or form have been inspired by the likes of Dragon Quest.
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The arrival of Palworld 1.0, it doesn't mean that it will be the end of content updates and general improvements, because they’re going nowhere. But in terms of what the developers envisioned the version of Palworld at release would be all those years ago, this is probably it.
In terms of improvements that are coming with Palworld 1.0, we’re getting a new region, new Pals to collect and train, new bosses to fight, dungeons to explore, improved combat and building mechanics, and much more.
Palworld 1.0 comes to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Premium on Friday, 10 July 2026.
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