Make friends with the villagers in Palia with our character guide

Palia has plenty to offer, including farming, designing, multiplayer event madness, and—arguably most importantly—a colorful cast of characters. Part of the charm of the cozy MMO is building relationships (both platonic and romantic) with the 24 characters the game currently has.

Each character has their own personality, and it can be hard trying to figure out who you want to get to know first. Here’s a quick look at all of them, including a few gift ideas for everyone.
 

Ashura

When you first get to Kilima Valley, you’ll be directed to speak with Ashura. He’ll help you kick off your Palia journey, pointing you toward people to talk to and helping you get started. He starts to feel like a father figure the more you befriend him, and he’s always willing to help you out if he can.

Some easy gifts to give him include Carrots, Potatoes, and Shells.
 

Auni

If you’re looking to catch Bugs, then Auni will be your best friend. He’s another friendly, helpful villager despite his young age, and he spends his days wandering around Kilima Valley delivering mail. He can be a bit mischievous, and some of his friendship quests are fun because of this.

As expected, Auni loves Bugs, so they make perfect gifts for him.
 

Badruu

Whether you love or hate puns, it’s hard to hate the corny farmer, Badruu. While his sense of humor isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, he’s more than willing to teach players how to farm and sustain themselves. He’s genuine, and if you get close to him, then he’ll be a devoted friend you can rely on.

To get closer to Badruu, you can give him any kind of Crop or Fertilizer.
 

Caleri

Caleri is one of the prickliest characters in Palia. She’s your typical stubborn librarian who wants peace and quiet—and for you not to look too closely at the books in the library. As you get closer to her, she’ll share the reason she’s so cold, but making friends with her is worth it. She’s involved in a lot of the main missions of the game.

If you want to get closer to her, try giving her Fur or Pickled Vegetables. 
 

Chayne

Despite being friendly with the residents of Kilima Valley, Chayne keeps a healthy distance from everyone emotionally. Even as you get friendlier with him, it’s more of a symbiotic teaching relationship where you both teach each other. However, he’s a well-respected member of the valley.

You can befriend Chayne with Shells, Wild Garlic, and Sundrop Lilies.
 

Delaila

Delaila is as friendly as her husband, Badruu, but she’s much more stern. She values helpful and hard workers, and getting closer with her requires proving your mettle. However, once you’re close, you’re basically part of the family.

Of course, she won’t turn down any Fruit or Vegetables you give her. 
 

Einar

Einar is one of the two Galdur beings in Kilima Valley, and he’s quite ancient. Befriending (or romancing) him shows just how emotional the Human-like robot is, and his story is quite touching. He’s also the main fisherman on the island.

As one can expect, this master angler is thrilled to receive any kind of Fish along with any Veggies.
 

Elouisa

There are several people in Palia who have a thirst for knowledge, and Elouisa is one of them. While her twin sister, Caleri, satiates her desire for information with books, Elouisa explores the world to learn. She enjoys the weird things in life, and if you get close to her, you’ll be dragged along on some of her expeditions. 

Elouisa enjoys Bugs and anything you can gather from the overworld like Sundrop Lilies or Wild Green Onions.
 

Eshe

One of the most intimidating people in Palia is Eshe. She’s the mayor’s wife, but she’s the true powerhouse behind Kilima Village, and she’s not interested in a Human coming to stay nearby. However, befriending her leads to at least a mutual understanding that you both want the best for the village. 

Eshe is used to the finer things in life, so you can only impress her with gifts like Silk, Pearls, and Rubies.
 

Hassian

Master hunter Hassian might be prickly, but he’s a fiercely loyal companion once you’ve gotten close to him. He’s also got quite a bit of backstory to learn, and his history ties in with several of the other characters. Plus, Tau is always hanging around Hassian, so it’s easy to get close to both him and his loyal pet Plumehound. 

Getting close to Hassian means giving him gifts like Fish and Arrows, which you can buy directly from him. 
 

Hekla

Hekla is like the robotic version of a teddy bear. She’s incredibly close to her friend, Jina, and she’ll be just as close to you if you befriend her as well. 

To get close to Hekla, you can give her any kind of Seed or Fertilizer. 
 

Hodari

When it comes to reliable villagers, Hodari is definitely at the top of the list. However, he’s not exactly the kind of guy to make friends easily, but earning his friendship (or his love) leads to learning a lot about him and his daughter, Najuma. 

To get close to Hodari, give him any kind of Seed, Fertilizer, or Pickled Vegetable. 
 

Jel

Fashionista Jel is one of the romanceable characters who has a quirky side. Getting to know him is as fun as it is rewarding, and so is getting to see his creative side come out. 

Luckily, befriending him isn’t too difficult—give him rare Bugs and Fish or materials like Fabric. 
 

Jina

One of your biggest cheerleaders in Palia is Jina. She was the one to find you, and she’s willing to do anything to help you learn about the history of Humans. While your relationship with her is mostly founded on her interest in research, it can blossom into something really serious. 

Jina loves anything and everything Mushroom-related, including any you find or cook. 
 

Kenli

Kenli is one of the more frustrating characters in Palia. He’s the mayor, but most of his responsibilities fall on his wife, Eshe. At first glance, he seems too carefree to be in charge, but getting to know him can lead to him getting a bit of confidence that, in theory, should help him lead the village in the future. 

To befriend Kenli, you can give him any Vegetable or Fertilizer.
 

Kenyatta

Kenyatta might look and sound like your typical alternative, rebellious daughter, but there’s more to it than that. While she does enjoy antagonizing her parents, Eshe and Kenli, she’s also searching for how to make her life her own—and becoming her friend helps her with that.

If you want to get close to Kenyatta, then you can give her any Arrows you have.
 

Nai’o

Nai’o is one of the most relaxing people to be around in Palia. He’s pretty laid-back, and he doesn’t get serious even after you’ve gotten close to him. His relationship with Kenyatta is fun to dissect though, and you learn quite a bit both from befriending him and getting into a romantic relationship with him.

To get closer to Nai’o, give him any Crop or Seed. 
 

Najuma

As the single daughter of the protective Hodari, Najuma has a bit of a strained relationship with her father. However, if she opens up to you, you can help her get closer to her only family member. It’s not easy though, but it is the key to learning some of the most emotional backstories in Palia.

Najuma loves Fireworks, and she also enjoys almost all the Fish you can catch in the game.
 

Reth

Reth is Kilima Village’s resident “bad guy” despite doing very little to earn that title. He’s very loyal to his sister, Tish, and he’s close with Jel as well, bringing them food on the daily. Getting this chef to open up to you reveals his past trauma and his struggles with the rest of the town, and you can show him you don’t care about any of it by romancing him.

To get close to Reth, you can give him any Fish. 
 

Sifuu

Hassian’s mother and the town’s blacksmith, Sifuu, is one of the friendliest people in Palia. Getting close to her helps you learn about her family’s past, but earning—and keeping—her trust isn’t a walk in the park.

In order to get close to Sifuu, you’ll need to give her lots of Arrows.
 

Tamala

Tamala is the closest thing to a witch that Palia has, brewing potions for anyone who dares to use them. While you can befriend and even romance her, Tamala stays an enigma. However, she’s not as evil as many in the village view her. 

Tamala enjoys rare Bugs and Fish, and she also loves Apples.
 

Tau

Animal lovers rejoice—Tau is now able to be befriended. The adorable Plumehound sticks close to Hassian, and getting friendly with the pooch lets you see how much the rest of the town loves him. 

You can give Tau any Fish and he’ll be happy.
 

Tish

Tish is one of the sweetest characters in Palia, but that’s not all there is to her character. Despite being a veritable ball of sunshine most of the time, you’ll find that she has a darker side sometimes too, and her past is anything but easy. She’s also incredibly smart, breaking stereotypes across the board. 

You can get close to her by gifting her Flowers and Shells.
 

Zeki

As the only Grimalkin in Kilima Valley, you would think Zeki would want to be a shining example for his race. However, he’s a sneaky shopkeeper who goes so far as to run the black market in Palia. He’ll do anything to get one up on the wealthier members of society, and his quests lead you on some fun adventures.

If you want to befriend Zeki, you can give him any kind of Fish.

That’s everything you need to know to jumpstart your journey with the characters of Palia. If you haven’t gotten to meet them yet, you can download Palia on the Epic Games Store.