Palworld Teases Massive Version 1.0 Update & New Pals for 2026 Release
SYDNEY, 20 January 2026 – Developer Pocketpair has marked the second anniversary of its breakout survival-crafting game, Palworld, with a special video thanking its community and offering a first look at the creatures and content coming in the long-awaited Version 1.0 update, slated for release later this year.
Second Anniversary Celebration
To commemorate two years in early access, Pocketpair released a video message featuring CEO Takuro Mizobe and head of publishing and communications, John “Bucky” Buckley. In the address, the developers expressed gratitude to the player base for their support and confirmed that the team is “hard at work” on the game’s full release. Buckley stated that Version 1.0 is “shaping up to be our biggest update ever,” promising a significant expansion of the game’s world and systems.
New Pals & The World Tree
The anniversary video provided a glimpse of several new Pals—the game’s collectible creatures—through concept art. While official names and abilities were not revealed, the designs showcased include an electric-themed lion cub, a lotus-inspired dragon, a sword-like eel, a duo of nymphs, and a majestic ice bird. The teaser concluded with a dramatic shot of a player character riding a colossal, whale-like Pal soaring towards a gigantic, glowing “World Tree,” hinting at a major new explorable region central to the 1.0 narrative.
The Road to Version 1.0
Palworld launched into early access on 19 January 2024 and quickly garnered a massive following for its unique blend of creature collection, base building, and survival mechanics. The game has seen numerous substantial updates since, including the “Sakurajima” and “Feybreak” expansions. The upcoming Version 1.0 represents the culmination of this development period, transitioning the game from early access to a full, feature-complete release. The developers have indicated that this update will integrate all current content while introducing new gameplay elements, Pals, weapons, and a concluding story arc centred on the World Tree.
Key Facts & Figures
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer & Publisher | Pocketpair |
| Initial Early Access Release | 19 January 2024 |
| Current Platforms | PC (Steam, Microsoft Store), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 |
| Version 1.0 Target | 2026 (No specific date confirmed) |
| Key Teased Content | New Pals, the World Tree region, new weapons, expanded endgame |
| Player Milestone (as of Feb 2025) | Over 32 million players |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Palworld Version 1.0 be released?
Pocketpair has confirmed that the full Version 1.0 update is planned for a 2026 release. A specific launch date has not yet been announced.
On which platforms will Version 1.0 be available?
The update will be available for all current platforms: PC (via Steam and Microsoft Store), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. There has been no official confirmation regarding a Nintendo Switch version.
Will the game’s price increase after the 1.0 launch?
While not officially confirmed by Pocketpair, it is common industry practice for games to see a price increase upon leaving early access and launching their full 1.0 version. Players interested may wish to purchase the game at its current early access price.
What is the “World Tree” shown in the teaser?
The World Tree is a massive, central landmark visible in the Palpagos Island game world. The teaser suggests it will be a focal point for the new content in Version 1.0, potentially serving as an endgame area or a gateway to new regions.