Pocketpair: Palworld Side by Side Is Version 1.1, Not a New Game
Pocketpair's John Buckley says the Side by Side announcement was an update reveal, with version 1.1 due in Winter 2026.
Pocketpair's head of publishing and communications, John Buckley, has clarified that Palworld Side by Side is the game's version 1.1 update rather than a new game or a spinoff. The update is set to release in Winter 2026, according to gamesradar.com.
Buckley described version 1.1 as something short of a massive update, but said players will likely be happy with it. He also said Pocketpair is not yet ready to start teasing what the update will contain.
The clarification follows confusion over the Side by Side name. Earlier this week, Palworld announced Side by Side with key art, leading some to think it was a new game announcement.
Pocketpair has not shared a specific release date for version 1.1 beyond the Winter 2026 window, and details of its content remain under wraps.
Quick answers
Is Palworld Side by Side a new game?
No. Pocketpair's John Buckley said Side by Side is Palworld's version 1.1 update, not a new game or spinoff.
When does Palworld version 1.1 release?
Palworld Side by Side is set to release in Winter 2026.
What content is in the Palworld 1.1 update?
Pocketpair has not said. Buckley said the studio is not ready to start teasing the update's content.