Smoky is a dark Pal with a wide range of uses, useful not so much for combat as for Chromite mining. This charming dog from the Palpagos Islands outperforms metal detectors in efficiency, and with the right leveling, it can reliably meet all your needs for this rare resource. We’ll tell you where to find Smoky in the Scorched Hills, how to breed him, what items he drops, and why this Pal is the best Chromite farming companion in version 1.0.
Table of Contents
Where to Find Smoky in Palworld and Map Locations
Smoky lives on Faebreak Island in the Palpagos Archipelago, in the deserted area of the Scorched Hills. I’ve personally found groups of Smoky at coordinates (-933, -1278)—they run away quickly, so be sure to have orbs ready. Another pack is listed at coordinates (-946, -1423), near where Alpha Pal Gildane spawns. Their level is approximately 50-53.
You can also fight several Smokys as level 60 Alpha Palas in the Sealed Realm of the Little Hero, located south of the Loess Plains fast travel point. However, some sources list level 55—this likely depends on the game version and difficulty.
In version 1.0, released on July 10, 2026, 73 new Palas were added, including the Smoky Crist variant—a dark ice subspecies with stats designed for cold biomes. It has the same base stats (85 HP, 90 Attack, 90 Defense), but instead of Harvest, it has Chill at level 2. If you’re hungry for more Palas, Crist is an excellent candidate for your collection.
How to Breed Smoky and Best Breeding Combinations
If you’d like to try hatching Smoky instead of catching it, here are a few combinations that will hatch Smoky:
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Chikipi + Verdash
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Tanzi + Gumoss
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Foxsparks + Gobfin
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Vulipop + Svi
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Ruby + Munchill
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Leafmunk + Daehaul
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Bigard + Hangu
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Kelpsy + Daedrim
We haven’t listed all the combinations—there are many, but these are some of the most accessible early on.
Smoky vs Metal Detector for Chromite Farming
Chromite is a key component for Hexolith, and farming it requires either a metal detector or Smoky. Both methods unlock at Tech Level 56 (some guides even mention Tech Level 58—check the patch for the latest version). But Smoky’s compact size and easy access to resources for harnessing make it a favorite.
Metal Detector Operation and Crafting
Unlocks at level 56. Requires: Plasteel x30, Paldium Shards x100, Circuit Boards x30, Night Sand x20. It emits a sound that increases in frequency when approaching a node, and changes color from blue to red. It works even while mounted on a ground-based Pal.
Smoky Companion Skill and Chromite Farming Bonus
Smoky’s Harness is also level 56, but the resources are much more modest: Leather x20, Fiber x50, Dark Shards x10, Paldium Shards x40. Activate the companion skill “Dig, Smoky, Dig!” and Pal will visually find and dig up Chromite. Smoky also increases the amount of Chromite mined—approximately doubling, and with full condensation, up to three times.
Metal Detector vs Smoky Comparison
Final Verdict: The best strategy is to combine these two. Ride with the detector activated to quickly scan the area, and summon Smoky for the bonus before mining. This will allow you to accumulate Chromite much faster.
Leveling Smoky to 4 Stars and Condensing Palas
Bonuses and Yield Boosts from Smoky Condensation
Each level of condensation increases the Chromite yield per node accordingly. At 4 stars, the bonus reaches its maximum value—approximately triple the yield of a standard Smoky. Even uncondensed Smoky provides a significant boost.
Amount of Smoky Needed for Full 4 Star Level
Full condensation requires 116 Smokys (1 base + 115 for upgrades). Catch every Smoky you encounter in the Scorched Hills—precision is key, but you don’t need a ton of time either: 15-20 minutes of farming is enough for the first levels.
Best Places and Spots for Farming Smoky
Same locations: groups at coordinates (-933, -1278) and (-946, -1423). Alpha battle in the Sealed Realm of the Little Hero—levels 55-60, depending on the patch. Chromite can also be obtained through Pal Expeditions (Faebreik’s Dark Cave and Forbidden Market of the Eternal Flame), as well as from the Alpha Pal of Silvegis.
Practical conclusion: if you need large quantities of Chromite for Hexolith, Smoky’s condensation pays off faster than you think. Start by catching every specimen you come across, and you’ll feel the difference after just your first run through the Scorched Hills.
Smoky Weaknesses Drops and Job Skills
Element and Weaknesses: Dark type, weakness: Draconic.
Dropped Items: Chromite (some sources mention bones and crude oil, but the main drop is Chromite).
Job Skills: Harvesting – Lv. 2
Companion Skill: “Dig, Smoky, Dig!” – Detects Chromite and increases loot in battle.
Smoky Maximum Stats and Passives
The table below shows Smoky’s maximum HP, Attack, and Defense stats depending on her configuration:
Attack Passives: Mr. Muscle, Fierce, Lucky, Legendary.
Passives for defense: Brutal, Masochist, Thick-Skinned, Legendary.
Good luck catching (or breeding) Smoky in Palworld. New opportunities, such as the Cryst variant and combo farming, await you on Faebreak Island.
