Palworld: Side by Side is update 1.1, not a new game, and Pocketpair says it launches in Winter 2026. Pocketpair announced it on October 20, 2026, and Bucky, the head of publishing and communications, later clarified: “Palworld Side by Side is v1.1 by the way.” As of October 26, 2026, the studio has not revealed an exact date, a feature list, new Pals or supported platforms. Bucky also said “1.1 isn’t a massive update,” although he believes players will be “pretty happy with it.”
Summary: Palworld Side by Side Update 1.1
- What it is: update 1.1, not a new game.
- Release window: Winter 2026.
- Announced: October 20, 2026.
- Size: Bucky says it is not a massive update.
- Latest version now: v1.0.5, released September 15, 2026.
- Not confirmed: exact date, features, new Pals, mechanics and platforms.
Is Side by Side a New Game or an Update?
Many players read the announcement as a new game. The name sounds like a sequel or a spin-off, and the reveal came with little detail. However, Pocketpair’s Bucky (John Buckley) cleared it up on social media. He wrote that “Palworld Side by Side is v1.1 by the way,” and he added that he thought this was “pretty clear” but “quite a few people thought it was a new game announcement.”
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Update 1.1 for the existing game |
| Not | A sequel or a standalone game |
| Announced | October 20, 2026 |
| Release window | Winter 2026 |
| Statement | “1.1 isn’t a massive update” |
Therefore, you will not need to buy anything new. The update arrives inside the game you already own, as far as the announcements say. The studio has not described pricing or platform details, so check Pocketpair’s channels for any change.
Release Date and Winter 2026 Window
Pocketpair says the update is “set to release in Winter 2026.” That is the only timing detail the studio has shared. It has not named a month, a day or a time.
Some outlets estimate a date. One writer guesses December to early 2027, but that is the author’s guess, not an announcement. As a result, I will not give you a date. Instead, here is what you can do:
- Follow Pocketpair’s official channels. The studio says more information is coming soon.
- Check your platform’s store page before you plan time off to play.
- Ignore dated leaks. Nobody outside the studio has confirmed a date.
Also, remember that “winter” can mean different things in different regions. As of the latest update, wait for the exact date from Pocketpair.
What Pocketpair Has Confirmed About Update 1.1
The confirmed list is short. It covers the name, the version number, the window and one comment about size.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Side by Side |
| Version | 1.1 |
| Window | Winter 2026 |
| Size | “Not a massive update,” per Bucky |
| Reaction | Bucky expects players to be “pretty happy” |
| More info | “Coming soon,” per the announcement |
Bucky also said “we’re not quite ready to start teasing it just yet.” So the studio has chosen to hold back details for now. In addition, the announcement told fans to “stay tuned for further updates on what this new content will bring.”
New Pals, Features and Mechanics: What Is Unconfirmed
Your keywords ask about new Pals and mechanics. Pocketpair has not announced any. The studio has revealed the name and nothing else about the content.
Here is the status of the main questions.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Pals | Not announced |
| New mechanics | Not announced |
| New areas or bosses | Not announced |
| Platforms | Not stated in the announcement |
| Exact date | Not announced |
Bucky said Pocketpair developers “try to add Pals in a meaningful way.” One outlet reads that as a sign the update will not include a big batch of new Pals. However, that is the author’s reading, not an announcement. So treat both “many new Pals” and “no new Pals” as unconfirmed.
Some writers also suggest the name hints at playing alongside Pals or other players. That idea comes from the authors, and Pocketpair has not said it. Because the name could mean anything, wait for the first teaser.
Where Palworld Stands Right Now
The current version helps you understand how big a 1.1 update could be. According to one outlet, the latest version is v1.0.5, released on September 15, 2026. It fixed low-resolution textures and map filters. The same outlet calls Side by Side the first major update since the 1.0 launch in July 2026, but I found that in one source only.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current version | v1.0.5 |
| Release date | September 15, 2026 |
| Recent fixes | Low-resolution textures, map filters |
| Next version | 1.1, Side by Side |
The v1.0.5 patch was a small fix release. Therefore, a 1.1 update that is “not massive” would still add more than a typical patch, although the studio has not said how much.
If you like creature-collecting survival games, our Athanasia walkthrough guide covers another new release.
The October 20 Popularity Poll
Pocketpair announced Side by Side on the same day as its 2026 Global Popularity Poll results. The studio says the poll received more votes than last year. These are the winners.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Top Pal | Sekhmet |
| Second Pal | Solenne |
| Third Pal | Chillet |
| Top character | Zoe |
| Second character | Auri |
| Third character | Saya |
The poll does not tell you anything about update 1.1’s content. Still, it shows which Pals and characters the community loves most, so it is useful context. Do not assume the winners will get new content in the update.
How to Prepare for Update 1.1
You cannot prepare for specific features, but you can protect your progress. These steps are general advice, not official guidance.
- Update to v1.0.5 or later so you start from the latest stable version.
- Back up your save before any major update.
- Keep your Palbox organized. A big update sometimes changes menus.
- Watch for a teaser. Bucky says the studio is not ready to tease yet.
- Avoid spending on rumors. The studio has announced no paid content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating Side by Side as a new game. It is update 1.1.
- Trusting a release date. Pocketpair has confirmed only “Winter 2026.”
- Expecting a huge update. Bucky says it is not massive.
- Believing new Pal leaks. The studio has announced none.
- Assuming platforms. The announcement does not list them.
- Ignoring official channels. Pocketpair will announce details there first.
Conclusion
Palworld Side by Side Update 1.1 is an update, not a new game, and it launches in Winter 2026. The studio has not confirmed a date, features, new Pals or platforms, and Bucky says it is not a massive update. Everything here is accurate as of October 26, 2026, and Pocketpair may reveal more at any time.
FAQs
Is Palworld Side by Side a new game?
No. Pocketpair’s Bucky said it is v1.1, an update.
When is the Side by Side release date?
Winter 2026. Pocketpair has not given an exact date.
What new Pals are in Side by Side?
The studio has not announced any.
What features does update 1.1 add?
Not announced. Bucky says it is not a massive update.
What is the current Palworld version?
v1.0.5, released September 15, 2026, according to one outlet.
Which platforms get Side by Side?
The announcement does not say.
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