Palworld officially leaves early access as developer Pocketpair releases version 1.0 on Friday, Oct. 10, bringing a major content expansion that includes the previously inaccessible World Tree region, more than 20 new Pals and wide gameplay changes. The studio also announced the game has surpassed 40 million players across platforms and confirmed the price will remain at US$ 29.99.
Availability and rollout details
Pocketpair said the 1.0 update began rolling out at about 0:30 a.m. Brasília time on Oct. 10, though it warned that distribution times could vary slightly. The full version is free for existing owners and is available on Steam, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, the Microsoft Store, Game Pass and the Mac App Store.
World Tree opens as endgame region
The long-visible World Tree, which had been unreachable since the game’s initial release, is now explorable and functions as the endgame area. With this opening comes new enemies, fresh resources and the conclusion of Palworld’s main campaign.
In addition to the World Tree, the update adds Sky Islands — floating islands that expand the game map with new biomes, villages and unique creatures.
Roster expands with over 20 new Pals
Version 1.0 expands Palworld’s bestiary by more than twenty Pals. Notable additions listed by the developer include the Sky Dragon, Sword Eel (which can be used as a weapon), Tree Guardian, Giant Whale, additional dragon-type creatures and a new panda-shaped Pal.
Pocketpair also overhauled breeding by introducing Genetic Recombination, a mechanic that allows rare traits to be combined between Pals to produce more powerful offspring.
Combat and creature interaction updated
Responding to community requests, Pocketpair adjusted how players face hostile monsters in the field. Players can now equip tools and items to push away aggressive creatures during combat encounters.
However, the studio maintained that it is still not possible to permanently eliminate Pals, preserving a core design philosophy of the game.
Base building, bosses and quality-of-life changes
The 1.0 release includes numerous quality-of-life and structural updates: new on-water building structures, improved building snapping, a redesign of Wildlife Sanctuaries, exclusive arenas for each Tower Boss and the option to recruit bosses after defeating them.
Pocketpair said the patch notes span 27 pages, representing the largest set of patch notes the studio has issued.
Save files and recommendations
Existing save files remain compatible and players do not need to start over. Pocketpair nevertheless recommends beginning a new campaign to fully experience the revised progression, balance and systems introduced in the complete version.
Legal dispute does not restrict 1.0
Pocketpair addressed the ongoing legal action brought by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, stating that changes made during early access narrowed the dispute to older versions of the game. As a result, Palworld 1.0 is not subject to any restrictions related to that lawsuit, which continues to proceed in Japanese courts.
Post-launch plans
With the transition out of early access, Pocketpair said it will continue to develop and release additional content for Palworld in the coming months.
