Pocket Pair has officially confirmed that Palworld will leave early access and launch in its full version 1.0 in 2026. The announcement was made through the developer’s social media channels, where the studio also expressed gratitude to its global fanbase for their continued support since the game’s debut.
The development team explained that while the past 20 months have seen a steady stream of large content updates, the focus now shifts toward preparing the game for its milestone release. Since its early access launch, Palworld has expanded with five major updates, introducing features such as raids, new islands, additional creatures, crossplay functionality, and even a crossover with Terraria. These additions have gradually shaped the title into a broader and more polished experience, but Pocket Pair acknowledges that technical issues and “jank” remain and must be addressed before a full release.
According to the studio, the remainder of 2025 will be quieter in terms of content output, with the winter update expected to be smaller in scope compared to earlier expansions. However, the developer assured players that several surprises are still planned for the year, while much of the team’s efforts will be dedicated to refining performance, visuals, and gameplay balance ahead of the 1.0 launch. Pocket Pair emphasized that the intention is not to slow down development but to ensure the final version delivers a higher quality experience.
In addition to work on Palworld, the studio also discussed broader company goals. Earlier this year, Pocket Pair launched Pocket Pair Publishing, a label designed to support independent developers with funding, marketing, and distribution. While it will not create games directly, the initiative aims to help other studios bring their projects to market. Alongside this, Pocket Pair noted that several smaller internal teams are experimenting with new ideas for future games, though most of the company’s resources remain focused on Palworld.
First released in January 2024 in early access on PC and Xbox platforms, Palworld quickly gained international attention for its unusual blend of monster-taming, survival mechanics, and firearms, earning it the nickname “Pokémon with guns.” The game has since become one of the fastest-selling titles of its kind, surpassing 15 million copies sold within its first year and attracting over 32 million players worldwide. With the transition to version 1.0 now set for 2026, Pocket Pair appears committed to cementing Palworld as a long-term success in the multiplayer survival space.
