Welcome to Elderwood: Palia’s Magical New Chapter
Palia’s Elderwood expansion and console launch is shaping up to be everything a cozy gamer could ask for. Launching on May 13, this magical update brings a lush new forest zone and opens the world of Palia to console players for the first time.
Elderwood isn’t just another zone—it’s a vibrant, living forest filled with mystery and charm. Set beyond Kilima and Bahari Bay, it looks like a scene straight from a fairytale. Bioluminescent trees glow gently overhead, while mossy trails wind through ancient ruins and magical wildlife.
Players can meet new creatures, like the majestic Ogapuu, a glowing deer-like spirit, and the sneaky Shmole, a burrowing critter full of mischief. The zone is packed with rare materials, including Palium ore, perfect for high-level crafting.
The expansion also introduces Relics—powerful equipment that gives passive, party-wide buffs. Whether you’re teaming up or playing solo, Relics add exciting strategy to your journey.
In classic Palia fashion, there’s also a new villager to befriend, bringing fresh storylines and heartfelt questlines into the mix.
Whether you’re chasing fireflies, gathering herbs by moonlight, or uncovering ancient secrets, Elderwood invites you to slow down and explore. It’s a magical escape tailor-made for cozy gamers.
Read Polygon’s post expanding on the area here
Console Launch: Palia on PS5 and Xbox Series X
Palia is now officially on consoles! This cozy MMO marks a major milestone with its launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, arriving alongside the stunning Elderwood expansion. It’s a bold step for Singularity 6, expanding the game’s charming world to a whole new group of players.
Console users can enjoy native support on both platforms. Expect smooth frame rates, crisp visuals, and fast loading times, all powered by next-gen hardware. The experience feels not only polished but deeply immersive.
On PS5, the DualSense controller adds a new layer of interaction. The adaptive triggers change resistance during activities like fishing or mining. Even better, the Light Bar glows and shifts color based on what you’re doing in-game. It’s a subtle detail, but it draws you deeper into Palia’s relaxing rhythm.
On Xbox Series X, players have praised the fluid gameplay, minimal input lag, and clean UI scaling. It’s optimized beautifully for a larger screen. Combined with cross-save and cross-progression, your Palia adventure can now follow you from PC to console and back again—no progress lost.
🎮 Early Reviews Say… According to early player feedback, console performance, especially on PS5 and Series X, is “impressively stable” and “surprisingly smooth.” One Reddit user shared, “I’ve been playing Palia on PC since closed beta, and the PS5 version actually feels more optimized right now. The load times are lightning fast, and the lighting effects are beautiful on a big screen.”
Even cozy gamers new to the MMO genre are finding the console controls intuitive and polished. The game’s UI has been smartly reimagined for controllers, with radial menus, auto-sorting inventory, and quick access to emotes, tools, and quests—keeping things simple and immersive.
Console Debut Performance: A Smooth Transition?
Most players agree: the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of Palia offer a much smoother experience than the original Switch version. The game runs beautifully on next-gen hardware, with few bugs and strong frame performance even in crowded zones.
However, the Nintendo Switch version does have some rough edges. Players have reported longer loading screens, graphical downgrades, and occasional glitches. It’s still a good option for those who want to take the game on the go, but it’s not quite on par with the console or PC experience.
That said, fans are hopeful that the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 could offer a much better experience for cozy gamers on handheld.
Reference from a Reddit postReddit
❗Note on Nintendo Switch While Palia is also available on Nintendo Switch, it’s worth noting that performance has been mixed. Players report longer loading times and occasional graphical hiccups, especially in busier areas. That said, the Switch version still holds appeal for those who want to take the experience on the go—just expect a slightly more pared-down visual presentation compared to its console siblings. We expect the Nintendo Switch 2 will have a better performance experience
A Haven for Cozy Gamers
Palia continues to captivate the cozy gaming community with its blend of life simulation and fantasy adventure. Players delight in building and customizing their homesteads, engaging in community events, and exploring the whimsical world of Kilima Village. The game’s emphasis on relaxation and creativity makes it a perfect retreat for those seeking a serene gaming experience .
Looking Ahead: Palia’s Future Plans
Singularity 6 has outlined an ambitious roadmap for Palia, aiming to release major updates monthly, complemented by additional content drops. Palia’s Elderwood Expansion and Console launch is just the beginning, with plans to expand the game world beyond the Palia Republic, introducing deeper storylines and new quests . The developers are committed to enriching the Palia experience, ensuring that cozy gamers have much to look forward to.
You can also keep up on Palia’s blog here
Watch the Elderwood Announcement trailer below