Palworld 1.0 is the full-release version of Pocketpair’s open-world survival and creature-collecting game. It launched on July 10, 2026, ending the Early Access period that began in 2024. The update is much larger than a routine patch: it expands the world, advances the main story, adds dozens of Pals, and reworks major systems used in exploration, combat, base building, and multiplayer.
The short answer
Palworld has now left Early Access. Version 1.0 adds the floating island of Sunreach, opens the long-awaited World Tree chapter, and introduces 72 new Pals, bringing the official total to 287. Pocketpair also added Awakening and Mutation systems, rebalanced existing Pals, and changed several of the game’s underlying systems.
Existing owners receive the 1.0 update through their platform. Players returning after a long break should back up their save and remove old PC mods before launching the new version. Pocketpair warns that simply disabling an outdated mod may not be enough because files left in the installation folder can still load.
Palworld 1.0 at a glance
| Detail | Current information |
|---|---|
| Release status | Version 1.0 launched on July 10, 2026. |
| Developer and publisher | Pocketpair. |
| Major new area | Sunreach, a floating island. |
| Story focus | The World Tree becomes part of the playable story. |
| New Pals | 72, for an official total of 287. |
| Platforms | Steam, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and macOS versions are listed by official channels. |
| Existing saves | Pocketpair has not presented 1.0 as a mandatory save wipe, but backing up first is sensible. |
| Old PC mods | Remove outdated mod files and mod loaders before updating. |
Availability, update timing, and online features can differ by platform and region. Check the store page attached to your copy before troubleshooting a missing update.
What changed in the full release
The easiest way to understand 1.0 is to separate new content from system changes.
The new-content side includes Sunreach, the World Tree story, new Pals, new encounters, and additional technology shown in the official launch trailer. These additions give returning players places and objectives that were not part of the earlier build.
The system side is broader. Pocketpair says 1.0 changes Pal progression through Awakening and Mutation, rebalances stats and abilities, and overhauls parts of base building, multiplayer, graphics, and other core features. This means familiar teams and routines may not behave exactly as they did before the update. A strong pre-1.0 build may need new equipment, different Pal assignments, or a fresh look at its combat setup.
For a concise tour of the largest changes, read Palworld 1.0 patch notes: the biggest changes explained.
What returning players should do first
Before opening an old world, take a few minutes to protect it:
- Install the platform’s current Palworld update.
- Make a separate backup of your save data where your platform permits it.
- On PC, manually remove old mods and mod loaders from the game folder.
- Start the unmodified game and confirm that your world and character load correctly.
- Check your bases, Pal assignments, equipment, and server settings before starting a long session.
If you use mods, follow the fuller Palworld 1.0 mods and save-data checklist. Do not reinstall a mod until its creator explicitly says it supports the current 1.0 build.
Is this a new game or a free update?
Palworld 1.0 is not a separate sequel. It is the full-release milestone for the existing Palworld game. If you already own Palworld on a supported platform, you should receive the update through that platform rather than buying a second product called “Palworld 1.0.”
New players are buying the full version that replaced the Early Access build. Prices, discounts, subscription access, and cross-platform availability can change, so use the official Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, or macOS store listing for a current purchase decision.
Can you keep an Early Access world?
Pocketpair’s public guidance around the launch focuses on backing up data and removing incompatible mods, not on forcing everyone to start again. That makes an existing unmodified save the reasonable first option. Still, a large system update can expose problems caused by old mods, unusual server settings, or damaged files.
Keep the original backup untouched until you have played long enough to confirm that important bases, characters, and progression are present. Server owners should also preserve a copy of the server data before applying the update.
Official information
Pocketpair announced that Palworld 1.0 launched on July 10 and published the official 1.0 release changelog through Palworld’s Steam news channel. PC players using modifications should also read Pocketpair’s official warning about old mods.
FAQ
Is Palworld 1.0 out now?
Yes. Pocketpair released version 1.0 on July 10, 2026.
Did Palworld leave Early Access?
Yes. Version 1.0 is the full-release milestone for the existing game.
How many new Pals are in Palworld 1.0?
Pocketpair’s official changelog says 1.0 adds 72 new Pals, bringing the total to 287.
What is Sunreach?
Sunreach is a new floating island added in version 1.0. It is one of the update’s major exploration areas.
Is the World Tree available in Palworld 1.0?
Yes. Pocketpair identifies the World Tree as a central part of the story added with the full release.
Do I need to start a new save?
Pocketpair has not described a new save as mandatory for every player. Back up your existing world, remove old mods, and test the unmodified game first.
Should I remove Palworld mods before updating?
Yes, if you have used PC mods. Pocketpair specifically advises manually deleting outdated mod files and mod loaders rather than only disabling them.