Pocketpair advises PC players to remove outdated Palworld mods before starting version 1.0. Disabling a mod inside a manager may not be enough: old files and mod loaders left in the installation folder can still load when the game starts. The developer warns that incompatible files can cause crashes, damaged saves, failed save loading, or quests and events that cannot progress.
The safest order is simple: back up your data, manually remove old mod files, launch the unmodified game, and only restore mods after their creators confirm 1.0 compatibility.
Before you update
| Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Back up save data | Gives you an untouched recovery point if the updated world does not load correctly. |
| Remove old mods manually | Disabled files may still be present and loaded by the game. |
| Remove old mod loaders | A loader can affect startup even when individual mods appear inactive. |
| Launch without modifications | Separates a game problem from a compatibility problem. |
| Keep the backup untouched | Repeatedly opening or overwriting it can remove your clean recovery point. |
Pocketpair’s warning is aimed especially at players returning with files installed in earlier versions, including mods left in place since 2024. Even a cosmetic mod can depend on data structures that changed in 1.0, so do not assume it is harmless because it does not alter combat or progression.
How to protect an existing world
Use the backup method supported by your platform or server setup. On PC, preserve the folder that contains your world and character data before changing the installation. If you run a dedicated server, stop it cleanly and copy its current save data before applying the update.
Keep at least two copies during the first few days:
- One untouched pre-1.0 backup.
- One working copy used to test the updated game.
Do not store both copies only inside the game’s installation folder. Repairing, reinstalling, or cleaning that folder may remove files you expected to keep. A separate local folder or another storage location makes the backup more useful.
Pocketpair maintains a Palworld Q&A and support site with current notices about mods, save data, and known issues. Follow its platform-specific instructions if your save appears missing.
Why disabling a mod may not work
Mod managers usually track the items they installed, but manual files, older loaders, and abandoned dependencies can remain behind. Pocketpair states that those files may still be loaded from the game folder even after a mod is switched off.
That is why the official advice says to delete old mod files manually. If you are unsure which files belong to a mod, use the mod’s original installation instructions to identify them. Do not delete folders at random, and do not delete your save-data backup while cleaning the installation.
After removing mods, use your game launcher to verify or repair the official files. This can restore files that were replaced by a modification without touching the separate backup you made first.
A safe first launch on version 1.0
Start Palworld without mods and check the basics before playing normally:
- Confirm that the main menu shows the current version.
- Open the correct world and character.
- Check important bases, storage, equipment, and map progress.
- Play briefly without saving over every backup.
- Exit normally and confirm that the world loads a second time.
If the game works in this state, you have a clean baseline. Add only one confirmed-compatible mod at a time. Launch and test after each addition so that a problem has an identifiable cause.
What to do if Palworld crashes after 1.0
If the game crashes at startup or while loading a world, return to the unmodified setup before assuming the save is lost:
- Remove remaining mod files and loaders.
- Verify the official game files through the launcher.
- Check Pocketpair’s current notices for a known issue or hotfix.
- Test a new temporary world to distinguish startup trouble from save-specific trouble.
- Restore a copy of the backup only after preserving the failed save separately.
Avoid downloading unofficial “save repair” tools from unknown sites. A tool that asks you to upload a save or run an unsigned program can create a larger privacy or security problem.
Can old mods be reinstalled later?
Yes, once the mod author explicitly supports Palworld 1.0 and any required loader has also been updated. Check the release date, supported game version, dependencies, and recent issue reports before reinstalling.
Do not treat an update timestamp alone as proof of compatibility. Read the author’s notes and confirm that the update targets the current build. If the mod changes world data, keep your clean backup even after the first successful launch.
For the content and system changes in the release, see the Palworld 1.0 patch notes summary. The Palworld 1.0 overview covers release status, platforms, Sunreach, and the World Tree.
Official guidance
Pocketpair’s official mod warning for version 1.0 says old mod data can cause crashes, corrupted or unreadable saves, and blocked quest or event progress. The notice recommends backing up save data and manually deleting old mod files before updating.
FAQ
Do I need to delete Palworld mods for 1.0?
Pocketpair recommends manually removing outdated mods and mod loaders before updating, especially if they have been installed for a long time.
Is disabling Palworld mods enough?
Not necessarily. Pocketpair warns that files left in the installation folder may still load even when a mod appears disabled.
Will Palworld 1.0 delete my save?
The update is not described as intentionally deleting saves, but incompatible mods or other problems can make data fail to load. Back up before launching 1.0.
Should I start a new Palworld world?
A new world is not presented as mandatory for everyone. First test a backed-up existing world in the unmodified game.
When can I reinstall a mod?
Wait until the author confirms support for the current 1.0 build and all required loaders or dependencies are compatible.
Where should I check known Palworld issues?
Use Pocketpair’s official Palworld news and Q&A pages, plus the official announcement channel for the platform where you play.