PETA responds to Palworld’s animal cruelty by suggesting a “vegan guide”

Ethan Dean
Palworld PETA Animal Cruelty

Palworld’s questionable ethics around Pal treatment have reached PETA who responded with a suggestion to even things out.

Palworld is the most popular game in the world right now and it’s currently dominating the Steam charts in every metric. With a peak player count of over 2 million, the game’s success is record-breaking.

Of course, the hit survival/creature-collection title is not without its detractors. Palworld has been steeped in drama since its early access launch with the developers have reportedly received death threats over unsubstantiated claims of AI usage and plagiarism of Pokemon models.

One claim that might be a little easier to back up, depending on your perspective, is that Palworld glorifies animal cruelty. The assertion has been backed by many on social media and even animal rights non-profit PETA has caught wind of it.

A screenshot from the game Palworld
These Lifmunk look fine to us.

PETA addresses animal cruelty in Palworld

Playing devil’s advocate, it’s understandable that some people would perceive Palworld’s gameplay as a justification of animal cruelty. It certainly rewards a sort of ruthless pragmatism relating to the treatment of your adorable Pals.

When you’re not beating, hacking, or shooting at them, Palworld revolves around forcing them into indentured servitude in efficient little work camps. If you’re particularly cruel, those who step out of line due to poor working conditions can be butchered and fed to the others. Not that we condone that sort of thing mind you.

The topic of animal cruelty in Palworld may not have received as much traction as other criticisms but it has reached the ears of PETA. Responding to questions about the topic from the folks at Insider Gaming, the animal rights organization relayed suggestions of a vegan guide for the game.

“PETA has already heard from many Palworld fans who have no interest in eating ‘Pals’ and want a vegan guide created for the game,” a PETA spokesperson revealed. “It’s ‘Veganuary’ after all, and gamers want to help animals by eating vegan in their game worlds and outside.”

Palworld Hot Spring
Okay, we’ll build another Hot Spring for our slav… uuuh… Pals.

These animal cruelty claims may be the next big controversy for opponents of Palworld to champion now that the claims of 3D modeling theft have been walked back.

Of course, you can run through Palworld on a diet that consists solely of Berries but they just don’t offer as much nutrition as Chikipi Poultry or a Lamball Kebab.

About The Author

Ethan Dean is a Staff Writer on the Australian Dexerto team. He graduated from RMIT with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and has been freelance writing in the gaming space ever since. His favorite game is the third-person, open world flavor of the month and when he doesn't have a controller in his hands, there's a paintbrush in them. He's a self-described Warhammer nerd and a casual DnD player too. You can contact Ethan at ethan.dean@dexerto.com