Following a very successful early access exit last July, Pocketpair has announced that the first major post-launch update for Palworld, Side by Side, will go live this Winter. The timing implies a reveal at The Game Awards 2026 on December 10th, combined with a shadow drop, so mark your calendars.
The developer promises more details “soon,” but the teaser image provides a few hints. It features the silhouettes of Zoe, Auri and Saya, coincidentally the three most popular characters from a recent poll. Perhaps the update allows recruiting the latter two, who were introduced in 1.0 and the Sakurajima update as Tower Bosses.
That doesn’t quite answer why Zoe is standing side by side with them, however. But assuming they’re recruitable, can players also bring their respective Pals along as units? Time will certainly tell.
Of course, Pocketpair likely has even more planned with this major update, so stay tuned. All we know is that players shouldn’t expect No Man’s Sky-level support or simple additions like ten more levels to grind out.
Palworld is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Xbox One. Check out our review of 1.0 here, which we praised for its addictive gameplay loop and new features (including the 72 new Pals).

