Looking for a dose of comfort gaming to unwind this weekend? Palia, the free-to-play fantasy MMORPG inspired by cozy classics, just smashed its own player record thanks to its first major expansion-Elderwood. If you’ve ever wished Stardew Valley was online and a little more magical, now’s the perfect time to jump in.
With its gentle blend of crafting, foraging, and wholesome socializing, Palia was already carving out a unique space for itself. Now, the Elderwood Expansion has sent its concurrent player count soaring by 150%-from an average of 6,000 adventurers up to a record-breaking 17,000. For a budding MMO, that’s a massive leap in a matter of days.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Singularity 6 |
| Release Date | Expansion live May 2025 (base game 2023) |
| Genres | MMORPG, Cozy, Social, Crafting |
| Platforms | PC, Nintendo Switch |
What’s drawing crowds? Elderwood offers a bountiful list of new features, including sprawling forest zones, fresh quests, unique creatures to discover, and adorable pets for players to adopt. The most intriguing new face is Ulfe, a mysterious boy who’s made his home among the enchanted trees of the Elderwood. While his secretive backstory gives a dash of narrative intrigue, most of the update skews toward inventive, wholesome fun-think more “garden party” than “demon-slaying.”
This surge in popularity is a promising sign for Palia’s community-driven model. Reviews on Steam continue to trend “Very Positive,” with newcomers praising the game’s relaxing pace and friendly player base. The MMO genre is notoriously tough for cozy games to crack—most opt for combat or competition—but Palia’s runaway numbers suggest there’s plenty of appetite for online tranquility.
It’s not just the numbers: the Elderwood update also sets a bar for how cozy MMOs can sustain and grow their communities after launch. With the addition of new activities, creatures, and mysteries, Palia is clearly doubling down on what makes it special—not fighting, but friendship and creativity.
Palia remains free-to-play on PC and Nintendo Switch, with new content clearly breathing life into its virtual villages. The question is: can it keep this momentum as the novelty of Elderwood wears off? For now, though, it’s a shining example of how welcoming design and regular updates can capture—and keep—the hearts of online gamers.
TL;DR: Palia’s Elderwood Expansion has drawn in record-breaking player numbers, adding lush new zones, quests, and creatures to its already welcoming MMO world. With a focus on crafting, community, and cozy vibes, this free-to-play game continues to win over new fans seeking a low-stress online adventure.
Source: Singularity 6 via GamesPress