10 major changes with Palworld Sakurajima update

Palworld recently received its first major free update, with Sakurajima, adding a huge new island to the game world. It is a massive update, changing quite a bit about the game for the better. From improvements to camps, to simply adding new ways to play the game, there’s a lot to love about this most recent patch. But what are the biggest updates to the game?

There’s so much to love about the new Palworld Sakurajima update, that we picked out perhaps the ten biggest changes to the game, so you know exactly what to look forward to if perhaps you dropped the game for a while.

NOTE: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinion.

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Great changes that came with Palworld’s Sakurajima update

1) PVP Arena added to give structured Player vs. Player combat

The PVP Arena is the real test of Pal Training skill. (Image via Pocketpair)

PVP was already a thing that existed in Palworld, but the Sakurajima update gave players a little more structure, thanks to the Pal Arena PVP mode. It allows players to battle each other without having to worry about stealing each other’s Pals. Instead, it’s pure PVP, with 4v4 teams. Each Trainer will get to control one of their Pals, while the other two will act on their own.

While it does take a little work to set up - you need to be in Multiplayer Mode, and you need to have other players actively in your world queuing up, it’s worth it if you’re a fan of PVP. If you were looking for an action-packed version of Pokemon Stadium, here it is.

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2) Blazamut Ryu Raid Boss

Blazamut Ryu is a truly mighty Pal. (Image via Pocketpair)

Sakurajima also brings a new, challenging raid boss to the field to defeat, or perhaps capture - Blazamut Ryu. A Dragon/Fire type, Water Pals are going to have a field day against this foe. You’ll need to use a Summoning Altar to challenge him, which is similar to how one would approach Bellanoir.

Between simply having the ability to ride around on Blazamut Ryu to having awesome attack skills like Beam Slicer, Brawn Impact, Comet Strike, and Magna Crush, there’s a lot to love about this particular Pal. He also has Mining Work 4 and Kindling 3, so he even has value in your camp.

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3) An increase in technology level, alongside a new Sphere

Is this our Master Ball? Or is there perhaps something beyond it? (Image via Pocketpair)

The Palworld Sakurajima update brought with it the first major update to Technology in the game. That means players can go beyond Level 50, and unlock some pretty incredible new stuff. In particular, the best part about this is the Ultimate Sphere. Their description makes them sound like a Master Ball, stating that almost nothing can escape their grasp.

However, unlike the story-related ball in Pokemon, you can actively craft Ultimate Spheres in Palworld if you have the resources and Technology level to do so. This makes it more important than ever to be caught up on the latest Technology levels. If you want to catch new, powerful Pals, you need better tech.

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4) Pals that only show up via special events (Space Pals)

Xenovader's one of the new Space Pals. (Image via Pocketpair)

Events weren’t really a new thing, but Palworld’s Sakurajima update offered up something interesting: events that spawned particular Pals. We consider this to be different from raid bosses since these spawn outside of the player’s control. Meteorite events are home to some new Pals, like Xenovader and Xenogard.

This could change later, but for now, these two only appear in the Meteorite events, and nowhere else. It’s a unique way to find powerful new Pals, and it made sense because these two came from outer space.

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5) Oil Rig Stronghold now available

Be careful when flying towards the Oil Rig Stronghold. (Image via Pocketpair)

While the Oil Rig does have a particular set of coordinates to go after, if you aren’t aware, you just have to fly around in a foggy ocean trying to locate it. It’s more than simply just landing on the Rig and getting into battle, though. That’s what makes this Stronghold so interesting.

Your instinct will be to fly in, but the Oil Rig in Palworld’s Sakurajima update has anti-flying lasers. Instead, you have to swim to get on board. It’s still going to feature waves of Syndicate enemies, and thankfully, you only have to deal with the lasers once - if you disarm them - but it’s a fresh, new challenge on the first attempt.

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6) A New Tower boss, in Saya

Moonflower Tower hides a pair of incredibly mighty opponents. (Image via Pocketpair)

Saya and Selyne might be one of the greatest challenges in the Palworld period, thanks to the Sakurajima update. Saya and Selyne as a team can easily knock out many of the best Pals in the game, and even if you bring Dragon-type Pals to come help you out, Saya is smart. Selyne has Ice attacks as well, which can knock out your Dragons in short order.

The duo aren’t impossible to deal with, not by a long shot. With a Rocket Launcher and a strong team, they can be taken down, but they represent a brand-new challenge, and that’s always exciting in a game like this.

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7) New way to farm powerful items in Supply Drops

Supply Drops are a solid way to farm up more items. (Image via Pocketpair)

The only real negative to Supply Drops in Palworld is that they share an icon with Meteorite Events. They both use a Meteor icon, but it makes sense because they both come plummeting out of the sky. They’re also both worth taking part in. While you don’t really get any new Pals out of this, you do get something just as good.

You get items! You’re guaranteed a set of five item types, though the rarity will vary. It can be a great way to farm up Schematics you don’t have, or simply to get more Elixirs without crafting them. It’s a fun new event type, and though you still have to beat up Syndicate members to claim it, it shouldn’t be too hard for players to overcome.

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8) A wealth of new weapons added to the game

The Flamethrower is such a simple, but effective weapon. (Image via Pocketpair)

Who doesn’t love a fun new weapon in Palworld? All of these weapons are high-tech and potentially quite devastating. It pairs nicely with the improvement to the overall tech level in the game right now. Laser Rifle, Flamethrower, Gatling Gun, Grenade Launcher, Guided Missile Launcher, Multi Guided Missile Launcher, and Meteor Launcher all came with this update.

That doesn’t guarantee they’ll be the best item for every situation, but they sure do bring something new and exciting to Trainer combat in Palworld.

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9) Cosmetics for your Pals now available

Want cool hats or sunglasses for your Pals? It's possible. (Image via Pocketpair)

“Pal Skins” sounds like something Cruella DeVille would be more interested in, in 101 Dalmations, but in this case, it’s something a bit less distressing. The Sakurajima update essentially allows players to put cool cosmetics onto their Pals, as they run around with them.

Right now it’s mostly hats, but there’s no telling where it will go from here. Perhaps players will be able to unlock alternate versions of Pals, or other interesting cosmetics. It’s still a very neat way to add a little flair to your Pals before heading into battle with them.

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10) Plenty of great new Pals and Skills added to the game

There are so many new Pals to catch in this update! (Image via Pocketpair)

This really was a massive update for Palworld. Unlike Pokemon, which only receives new Pokemon in paid DLC updates, or new versions of the game, Palworld received 24 new Pals in this free update. From Mimog to Blazamut Ryu, there is something for every type of Pal trainer. There were plenty of very interesting dual-types too, such as the Dark/Neutral Selyne.

In addition, there were plenty of passive and active skills added to the game. One great one in particular was Philanthropist, which greatly reduces the time required to produce eggs - though that one could have been named something different. You can also get a reduced cooldown on skills with Impatient, and an advantage when dealing with merchants, through Noble.

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Check out our other Palworld guides:

• How to set up dedicated Xbox server
• Remedy Recipes and uses explained
• How to reach Sakurajima Island