It’s not an April Fool’s joke: Palworld is actually releasing a dating sim

This dating sim might just ask you to ‘dismember and eat’ some of its characters—should we be asking for a safe word?

What started as an April Fool’s joke has turned into a full-fledged game. PocketPair, the developers of 2024 surprise hit Palworld has announced that they are developing Pal♡world! ~More Than Just Pals~, a full-fledged visual novel dating sim that involves some characters from Palworld, this time for real.

Palworld first teased the game on X and YouTube, as an April Fool’s joke last year on 1 April 2024, with a playful description asking if you will “remain friends or fall in love” or “dismantle and eat them”, and even went so far as to share that an “adult version will also be released.”

While most folks laughed about it and moved on last year, PocketPair has surprised everyone on 1 April, 2025 by saying that the game is actually in the works—complete with a store page on Steam, although no release window has been announced yet.

Updates in this second announcement seem more substantial, with a description of the game, who the characters are, and even some system requirements. 

What is the game going to be about?

In Pal♡world! ~More Than Just Pals~, players take on the role of a transfer student at Palpagos Private Academy. The protagonist will meet a cast of unique characters—referred to as “pals”—and experience school life through a mix of friendship, romance, and perhaps even darker decisions. Whether players choose to stay friends with their pals, develop romantic relationships, or opt for a more unsettling path is entirely up to them.

Who are the characters of Pal♡world! ~More Than Just Pals~?

The game is chockful of visual novel tropes, including characters who have very specific personalities. Here are some of the characters you’ll meet in Pal♡world! ~More Than Just Pals~:

• Katress: A mysterious transfer student with unique powers. She has a cute side, but can get a little jealous when you talk to other students.
• Lovander: A senior who makes a love approach to new students every year, calling it her “hunting” process.
• Chillet: A timid classmate who secretly asks for your help in the classroom after school.
• Zoe: A childhood friend who lost her parents at a young age and lives with her older brother, Grizzbolt. She’s cool and strong-willed, though she’s especially critical of you.
• Black Maketeer: The student council president, who is highly trusted by both students and teachers. However, there are rumours of a darker side to him.
• Chillet’s Little Sister, Chillet Ignis: A cheerful young girl who dotes on her older brother. She has a surprising bold side in front of the protagonist.
• Clumsy Quivern: A popular student known for his refreshing smile and innocent personality. Though he thinks he’s “cool,” others tend to think of him as “cute.”

• School Nurse Saya: A charming adult who secretly drinks alcohol while working. She is trusted by her students and often listens to their problems, but things get a bit more complicated when she toys with the protagonist.
• Bubbly Tarantriss: A spider-like student who can spin thread to create cocoons. She’s bright and cheerful, giving gifts like handmade scarves and accessories.
• Yandere Splatterina: A girl who carries a knife and exudes a dangerous, possessive aura. She’s incredibly jealous and will do whatever it takes to keep the protagonist to herself.

All these characters seem to be very well thought out, although the game clearly took notes from the many other dating sims out there. 

And although development is still ongoing, PocketPair is keeping the hype alive with a Lovander Pillow giveaway to mark the occasion. Based on announcement patterns, it looks like most players and fans will have to wait and see until April Fool’s next year to hear more about the game.