Palworld is just days away from leaving Early Access, and developer Pocketpair has shared new details about when players can expect Version 1.0 to go live. While the studio stopped short of confirming an exact launch time, it also offered guidance for longtime players wondering whether they should continue with their existing save files or begin a brand-new adventure.
The highly anticipated update arrives on July 10 and is expected to be the largest in the game’s history. Alongside major gameplay overhauls, new content, and extensive balance changes, Pocketpair says Version 1.0 includes so many additions that the patch notes span 27 pages. The developer believes the update fundamentally changes the Palworld experience, prompting an official recommendation that returning players consider starting over, even though doing so is entirely optional.
Approximate global launch time for Palworld 1.0
In a post on the official Palworld Discord, Pocketpair communications director and publishing manager John “Bucky” Buckley clarified that the team is targeting an approximate launch time of 12:30 p.m. JST on July 10, while emphasizing that the timing is not final.
“Estimate time, this is NOT 100% the exact launch time.”
If the schedule remains unchanged, the update should become available at approximately 8:30 p.m. PT and 11:30 p.m. ET on July 9, 4:30 a.m. BST on July 10, and 1:30 p.m. AEST on July 10.
Existing saves will work, but Pocketpair says a fresh start offers the best experience
Pocketpair confirmed that players do not need to wipe their existing save data before updating to Version 1.0. However, the studio is encouraging fans to begin a new character because of the extensive gameplay revisions included in the full release.
In another Discord message, Buckley explained:
“Players can continue their existing saves if they wish, as we want to respect the time and effort you have put in.”
He added:
“However, due to the large number of changes to the game, including overhauls to mechanics and new content, we believe that starting a new character will give you the best experience of Palworld! We will leave that choice up to you, Pal Tamers!”
Pocketpair has repeatedly emphasized that Version 1.0 introduces major progression changes, expanded content, and redesigned gameplay systems that are best experienced from the beginning.
Version 1.0 marks a major milestone for Palworld
Since its Early Access debut in January 2024, Palworld has become one of Steam’s biggest success stories, attracting millions of players while expanding to additional platforms, including PlayStation 5. The game also led to the creation of Palworld Entertainment, a joint venture with Sony established to grow the franchise beyond the game itself.
Its rise has not been without controversy. Following comparisons between the game’s collectible Pals and Pokémon, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Pocketpair. The legal dispute remains ongoing, with a court decision expected later this year, though the game continues to receive major content updates.
As anticipation builds for July 10, Buckley has teased that players can expect 27 pages of patch notes, underscoring just how extensive the full release will be. With Version 1.0 set to introduce sweeping gameplay changes and substantial new content, Pocketpair appears to be positioning the update as a fresh beginning for both new and returning players.
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows |
|---|---|
| Developer | Pocketpair |
