Palworld is set to receive its Side by Side update during the Northern Hemisphere winter of 2026, according to developer Pocketpair. The release window points to December 2026 through March 2027, covering summer and early fall in Brazil. No exact release date or detailed list of new features has been announced yet.
The announcement included an image featuring three mysterious, hidden figures. Pocketpair has asked players to wait for further updates without confirming which creatures, features, or gameplay mechanics will be included.
Sekhmet Tops Palworld Popularity Poll
Pocketpair has also revealed the results of a popularity poll featuring 280 Pals and characters from Palworld. Sekhmet ranked first among Pals, followed by Solene and Chillet.
The poll was divided into two categories: Pals and non-Pal characters. Zoe took first place in the character category, followed by Auri and Saya.
The results were published alongside the Side by Side announcement. Pocketpair has not confirmed whether the rankings will influence the content of the upcoming update.
Pocketpair Explains Its Approach to Adding New Pals
John "Bucky" Buckley, who oversees publishing and communications at Pocketpair, recently discussed the studio's approach to developing new content. In comments to the press, he explained that the team does not plan to add 100 new Pals all at once in the next update.
Instead, the studio aims to create creatures with distinct traits and recognizable identities that make them memorable during gameplay. This approach provides context for the development of Side by Side, although Pocketpair has not revealed how many new Pals the update will introduce.
The promotional image shows three concealed figures, but their species and roles remain unknown. No specific changes to survival, exploration, or progression systems have been announced.
No Underwater Biome Planned
The possibility of an underwater biome has also come up in previous comments from Buckley. The Pocketpair communications lead has ruled out introducing this type of area, without providing a timeline for any potential change in plans.
Until more details are revealed, there is no confirmation that Side by Side will add new map regions or underwater exploration features.
When Does the Palworld Side by Side Update Release?
Pocketpair has confirmed that Side by Side is scheduled for winter 2026 in the Northern Hemisphere. For players in Brazil, the approximate release window runs from December 2026 to March 2027.
The developer has not announced an exact release date, a complete list of new features, or the number of creatures being added. Further details will depend on future official announcements.
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