If you're anything like me, you've probably spent the first few dozen hours in Palworld taming every creature in sight, building an elaborate base, and maybe accidentally angering a Syndicate Thug or two. But have you ever stopped to ask: Is anyone actually living out here besides bandits and pals? Surprisingly, yes! Scattered across the map are a handful of settlements—some bustling, some forgotten—that hold incredible value for any savvy explorer. In 2026, as the game has evolved with new updates and a thriving community, these locations have only become more important. Let’s take a tour of every village, town, and ruin worth visiting, and I’ll tell you exactly what awaits.

🏠 The Small Settlement – Your First Pit Stop

Most players stumble upon this cozy cluster of huts early on, and for good reason. It sits right near the Plateau of Beginnings, practically begging to be your introduction to Palworld’s NPC world. The name isn't an exaggeration; it really is small. Just a handful of peasants and a couple of merchants huddled together. But don’t let its size fool you. This place is a beginner’s lifeline. The merchants here sell almost everything you’ll need during the early-to-mid game: from basic crafting materials to schematics for better gear. Feeling stuck on how to get high-quality Pal oil or wondering where to buy wheat seeds? They’ve got you covered. I always make it a point to teleport back here whenever my inventory is bursting with gold and I need a quick restock.

🏜️ Duneshelter – Beauty in the Barren Sands

When you first glimpse the sprawling desert northeast of the map, you might think it’s nothing but sand and angry Heat-based Pals. But smack in the middle of the dunes lies Duneshelter, an abandoned town that time forgot. And honestly? It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the game. Why should you venture all the way out here? Three reasons: merchants, a Black Marketeer, and pure atmosphere. Despite being unoccupied by regular folk, several wandering traders set up shop in the ruins. Right outside the entrance, along the outer wall, you’ll find the shady Black Marketeer – a guy who’ll buy and sell Pals with zero questions asked. Need to offload some ill-gotten Pals or pick up a rare species you can’t be bothered to catch? This is your spot. Just be prepared to fight off high-level Pals on the way there.

🎣 Fisherman's Point – More Than Just Fish

Tucked away in the southern region of Mount Obsidian, Fisherman’s Point is hands-down the most important trading hub in Palworld. Yes, it’s remote, and yes, the surrounding volcano can be treacherous, but what’s waiting for you is well worth the trek. This settlement is relatively large and bustling with NPCs. Among them is the Pal merchant, the one who can sell you something that every endgame player dreams about: a Huge Dragon Egg. And we’re not talking about any ordinary dragon; this egg hatches into Jetragon, arguably the fastest and most lethal flyer in the entire Paldeck. If you’re looking to dominate the skies, you need to visit Fisherman’s Point. Even if you aren’t chasing a Jetragon, the sheer number of general good merchants here makes it a prime location for selling off treasures and buying rare cooking ingredients.

🏰 Ruined Fortress City – A Mythical Stronghold

Up on the northern coast of Obsidian Mountain, you’ll find a place that looks like it was ripped straight out of a dark fantasy novel. Ruined Fortress City is completely uninhabited by humans, but the vibe is off the charts. Why visit a ghost town? For the hidden eggs, of course. Tucked away in corners and behind crumbled walls are egg spawns that frequently yield rare pals, including – you guessed it – another shot at a legendary Jetragon egg without paying a single gold coin. But here’s what makes it even cooler for creative players: the city is surrounded by towering rocks and the ocean, forming a natural, nigh-impregnable fortress. In multiplayer servers running into 2026, this has become one of the absolute best base-building locations. Imagine your guild’s headquarters nestled within ancient stone walls. Perfect defense, stunning views, and zero rent.

🗿 The Nameless Abandoned City – A Flyer’s Treasure

Finally, we have a settlement so forgotten it doesn’t even have a proper name on most maps. You’ll locate it near the No Man’s Trail, at the foot of the Astral Mountain. This city is a labyrinth of crumbling passages and overgrown courtyards worth exploring slowly. What’s the draw? An egg that hatches into Sukaku Aqua, a powerful Water-attribute Pal that can also fly. In the current meta of 2026, having a solid aquatic flyer gives you a huge edge against Fire-type bosses roaming the volcanic zones. Wandering through the ghostly alleys, I’ve often felt a mix of melancholy and excitement – like I’m unearthing secrets that most players simply zoom right past. Don’t be that player. Take your time, check every nook, and you’ll walk away with a companion that changes your travel game.

Is That All?

Funnily enough, these six spots are just the beginning. The world of Palworld is teeming with tiny unmarked camps, traveling merchants, and even secret underground rooms that can appear randomly thanks to post-launch updates. But whether you’re a fresh-faced survivor or a seasoned Pal trainer, mapping these key settlements to your mental GPS will make your journey infinitely smoother. So, next time you’re soaring high on your Nitewing and spot a cluster of buildings below, ask yourself: What am I missing out on? Usually, it’s something great.