TL;DR
- Sakurajima Island is located northwest of the main map, accessible immediately but designed for endgame content
- Minimum recommended player level is 45+, with Pals ranging from level 42-50+ and dangerous level 45 NPCs
- Human NPCs pose the greatest threat, capable of eliminating high-level Pals in seconds
- Proper preparation includes specific Pal combinations, equipment upgrades, and strategic approach paths
- The island features progressive difficulty scaling with higher-level threats in deeper exploration areas
Palworld’s expansive Sakurajima DLC introduces substantial new gameplay elements, but initiating this content requires understanding specific geographical access points. The update represents the game’s first major expansion, delivering an entirely new explorable region, numerous additional Pals, and extended progression through five additional Technology tiers. While certain features become available immediately upon loading existing saves, the primary DLC experience necessitates reaching a precise map coordinate.
Below, discover comprehensive navigation strategies to efficiently access Sakurajima’s challenging new environment.
The majority of expansion content concentrates within the newly introduced Sakurajima Island. This territory exists within the same world map as the original Palpagos Islands rather than operating as a separate instance. However, visibility remains restricted initially upon loading either new or existing game files. Players must actively explore and reveal the island’s geography using the same cartographic principles applied to the base game’s regions.
Sakurajima Island occupies the northwestern quadrant of the established world map. Positioned directly north of both Icy Wind Island and Forgotten Island, it lies southwest of the Astral Mountains biome. Following DLC installation, initial map loading displays extensive obscured areas. Persistent navigation into these concealed zones rapidly reveals Sakurajima’s distinctive landmass.
The location of Sakurajima Island.
Accessibility doesn’t equate to advisability for immediate exploration. PocketPair’s development team intentionally designed Sakurajima as endgame content within Palworld’s progression structure. Consequently, under-leveled adventurers will encounter overwhelming opposition from indigenous Pals inhabiting the region.
Based on extensive field testing, Sakurajima’s least formidable Pals commence around levels 42-43. However, specimens within this lower tier remain relatively scarce, with most early-zone inhabitants occupying mid-to-upper 40s level brackets. As exploration extends further inland, Pal levels systematically escalate beyond 50 thresholds. While numerous Sakurajima Pals don’t present extreme individual threats, collectively they possess sufficient strength to decimate unprepared teams.
The new region in Palworld is not friendly to new players.
The predominant hazard on Sakurajima Island emerges from human NPC adversaries. A newly introduced faction occupies the territory, consisting entirely of level 45 combatants who demonstrated capability to eliminate level 51 specimens including Jettragon, Blazamut, and Orserk within mere seconds. Although certain Pals can create difficulties, these human opponents represent the primary survival concern, particularly for players below level 50.
Strategic preparation should include assembling a balanced team with elemental advantages, upgrading weapons and armor to maximum available tiers, and stockpiling healing items and revival materials. Players should prioritize acquiring high-mobility Pals for rapid escape from overwhelming encounters. Additionally, establishing a nearby fast travel point before deep exploration provides crucial safety redundancy.
Common mistakes include underestimating NPC aggression ranges, neglecting to bring specialized counter-element Pals, and attempting to engage multiple hostile groups simultaneously. Advanced players recommend scouting perimeter areas thoroughly before committing to interior zones and utilizing elevated terrain for tactical advantage during engagements.
Successful Sakurajima exploration demands methodical approach strategies beyond simple level matching. The island’s environmental challenges include complex vertical terrain, limited safe zones, and aggressive patrol patterns that differ significantly from base game regions. Environmental mastery becomes as crucial as combat proficiency for survival.
Optimal team composition should include at least one tank-type Pal with high durability, a primary damage dealer with type advantages against common threats, and a support Pal with healing capabilities. Players should coordinate their Class Guide knowledge with Pal abilities for maximum synergy.
Resource management proves critical, as Sakurajima’s distance from established bases limits resupply opportunities. Carrying adequate ammunition, construction materials for emergency shelters, and multiple sets of backup gear significantly increases expedition longevity. Implementing these Complete Guide principles to your Palworld approach enhances overall survival probability.
Progression optimization involves systematically clearing perimeter zones before advancing inward, utilizing stealth approaches to avoid unnecessary combat, and establishing forward operating bases for resource caching. These strategies align with advanced Weapons Unlock methodologies applied to Palworld’s unique systems.
Time investment for initial Sakurajima clearance typically ranges 8-12 hours for adequately prepared players, though completionists may require 20+ hours to fully experience all content. The island’s scaling difficulty ensures continuous challenge progression aligned with player advancement.
Action Checklist
- Achieve player level 45+ with fully upgraded equipment
- Assemble balanced Pal team with elemental coverage and escape capabilities
- Stockpile healing items, ammunition, and construction materials
- Navigate to northwestern map coordinates to reveal Sakurajima Island
- Establish forward base near island perimeter for resupply access
- Systematically clear perimeter zones before advancing to interior regions
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Palworld – How To Start Sakurajima DLC Complete guide to accessing Palworld's Sakurajima DLC island with essential level requirements and survival strategies