The life sim MMO Palia has quietly built a dedicated community since launching in open beta in August 2023. With over 6 million players across PC, Nintendo Switch, and now PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, developer Singularity 6 is keeping the momentum going with Elderwood, the game’s first major expansion. Set to launch alongside the new console versions on May 13, Elderwood introduces an expansive new zone, magical artifacts, and even deeper customization options.
A New Chapter in Palia’s Story
For the uninitiated, Palia is a cozy, combat-free MMO where you’ll focus on farming, fishing, cooking, and building their dream home. However, there’s an overarching mystery woven throughout the game’s world: why did humans disappear from Palia thousands of years ago?
Elderwood expands on this narrative with a new zone brimming with enchanted forests, towering trees, and hints of long-lost magic. Unlike the previous regions, which leaned on a familiar pastoral aesthetic, Elderwood fully embraces the fantasy elements of Palia. You’ll uncover relics tied to ancient civilizations, adding a new layer of intrigue to the game’s story.
New Features and Systems
One of the marquee additions in Elderwood is the artifact and relic system. As you explore the expansion’s dense forests, you’ll uncover artifacts that can be pieced together to unlock relics—powerful items that grant buffs to both the player and their party. These relics can be leveled up, adding an RPG-like progression system to the game’s otherwise laid-back loop.
For those who prefer the creative side of Palia, the expansion adds even more customization options. The housing system, already a major draw, now boasts over 1,000 unique items, allowing for near-limitless design possibilities. Elderwood also introduces new home decor crafted from materials found in the new region, further integrating exploration with personalization.
PlayStation and Xbox Join the Cozy MMO Party
With Palia launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, console players will immediately have access to Elderwood and all the content added since the game’s debut. The game supports full cross-play and cross-progression, meaning you can seamlessly switch between platforms without losing progress.
The developers have also worked to ensure Palia’s intuitive controls transition smoothly to consoles. Features like placement mode, which allows you to manually arrange every item in your home, have been adapted to work with a controller while maintaining their original precision.
More Than Just a Relaxing Life Sim
While Palia has always been about creating a relaxing experience, the Elderwood expansion introduces a sense of adventure without disrupting the game’s core philosophy. You can now hunt new wildlife species, catch rare insects, and even engage in social activities like hot pot, a multiplayer card game reminiscent of Go Fish.
Beyond the new content, the Elderwood update reinforces Palia’s identity as a game that thrives on player-driven experiences. Whether it’s spending hours decorating a house, tending to a garden, or just chatting with NPCs and fellow players, Palia provides a space where cozy gaming meets community-driven exploration.
The Future of Palia
Singularity 6 has consistently delivered monthly updates, and Elderwood looks to be its most ambitious yet. With the expansion, console launch, and a growing player base, Palia is shaping up to be a long-term staple in the cozy gaming genre. For those who haven’t jumped in yet, May 13 might be the perfect time to start their journey.
Palia: Elderwood launches May 13 on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
