If you thought the wild ride of Palworld was over, think again. Pocket Pair’s viral survival adventure—often dubbed “Pokémon with guns”—is gearing up for its biggest evolution yet. After two years of early access chaos, hilarious bugs, and explosive updates, the developers have confirmed that Palworld will finally leave early access and launch as Version 1.0 in January 2026.

And no, this isn’t just a minor patch or a polish update. Poised to be the game’s most daring update yet, the full release delivers new adventures, refined gameplay systems, and long-sought answers about the enigmatic World Tree.

So, what exactly can fans expect on the road to 1.0? Let’s break it down.

The Countdown to 2026: Pocket Pair’s Game Plan

Pocket Pair made the official announcement on September 16, 2025, through their social media channels and a video from Communications Director “Bucky.” He explained that the team’s main goal for the coming months is refinement, and not rushing.

According to Bucky, the studio wants to fix the game’s “quirks and jank” before calling it complete. That means 2025 will be a quieter year in terms of flashy updates, but an important one for laying the groundwork for a smoother, richer final release.

Fans can still expect a smaller winter update in late 2025, but the major energy will go toward optimization, balancing, and final touches before launch day.

A Glimpse at Palworld’s Early Access Journey

When Palworld launched in early access back in January 2024, no one expected it to blow up as it did. Within weeks, it had millions of players crafting, capturing, and occasionally committing questionable acts involving adorable Pals.

Since then, the game has rolled out five major updates, each one transforming it into something bigger:

1. Version 0.2 brought raids—epic co-op boss fights that gave multiplayer real purpose.
2. Version 0.3 added Sakurajima Island, expanding the world with new Pals and fresh scenery.
3. Version 0.4 delivered Faber, a massive new region filled with mystery and danger.
4. Version 0.5 finally unlocked crossplay, bridging PC and console players together.
5. Version 0.6: Tides of Terraria introduced the Terraria collaboration, proving Pocket Pair’s willingness to experiment.

Each update wasn’t just about content, but also about turning the meme-worthy chaos into a more complete survival adventure.

The Secret of the World Tree: Palworld’s Endgame Awaits

If you’ve explored every inch of Palworld’s map, you’ve probably spotted that colossal World Tree sitting on a lonely island up north. It’s huge, glowing, and completely inaccessible—until now.

Pocket Pair has confirmed that the World Tree will finally be accessible in Palworld 1.0, serving as a key location for the game’s ending scenario. According to Bucky, the developers have planned the story’s conclusion for a while, and this tree will play a major role in it.

Players will be able to uncover what lies at its roots—both literally and narratively. And considering how the studio has handled expansions like Faber, it’s safe to expect new bosses, lore drops, and maybe even new factions tied to this mysterious island.

The 1.0 update is also rumored to introduce a “massive amount of content”, though the exact features remain under wraps. Teasers suggest the addition of new regions, Pals, and game mechanics that will redefine how players interact with the world.

Pocket Pair’s Bigger Picture Beyond Palworld

Interestingly, Pocket Pair isn’t just focused on Palworld anymore. Earlier this year, they launched Pocket Pair Publishing, a new initiative to support other indie developers. Using Palworld’s massive success as a financial springboard, they’re funding experimental projects across the globe.

That means while one team is polishing Palworld for its full release, others within Pocket Pair are quietly building the next generation of creative, offbeat titles. So yes, the studio’s quirky spirit is here to stay.

How to Get Your Palworld Voucher Steam in the Philippines

Now, let’s talk about something every fan in the Philippines needs to know—where to buy Palworld voucher Steam in the Philippines safely and at a good price. One of the most recommended spots to purchase is GPDS Game Shop — a long-time top up trusted seller since 2018. We’re known for our fast 1–5 minute delivery, SSL-encrypted checkout, daily discounted gaming vouchers, and reliable customer support.

You can get your Palworld - Voucher Steam without sharing any personal account details. Just select your item, pay through your preferred method, and receive the code instantly on your receipt.

We also accept a wide range of payments, including QRPh, e-wallets like GCash, ShopeePay, Maya, and GrabPay, plus bank virtual accounts, including UnionBank, RCBC, and BPI. For those who prefer in-person payments, retail outlets like LBC are also supported.

What Comes Next Before the Full Launch

Pocket Pair has confirmed that 2025 won’t be content-heavy, but that doesn’t mean fans will be left hanging. The dev team still plans to release smaller patches and tease bits of 1.0 content through social media updates.

Players can expect:

1. More bug fixes and performance improvements
2. Teasers of the World Tree area
3. Smaller seasonal events
4. Minor new Pal additions

This slower phase is all about quality control. It’s the calm before the storm—a period of refinement before the massive 2026 update drops and reshapes the game’s world forever.

A New Era for Palworld Awaits

The next few months may be quiet, but behind the scenes, Pocket Pair is preparing something monumental. By early 2026, Palworld 1.0 will finally arrive, complete with its long-awaited ending, refined systems, and plenty of surprises still under wraps.

If you’re planning to jump in or return, get your Palworld voucher Steam cheaply now through GPDS Game Shop. Because once the gates to the World Tree open, the world of Palworld will never be the same again.

FAQs About Palworld 1.0 Release

When will Palworld 1.0 officially release?

Pocket Pair has announced that the full Palworld 1.0 release is set for January 2026.

Will the game remain available on Steam and Xbox?

Yes. Palworld will continue to be available on Steam and Xbox Game Preview, with the full version launching simultaneously on both platforms.

What new content will 1.0 include?

While details remain secret, the World Tree will finally be accessible, and the main story’s ending will unfold there. Expect new creatures, bosses, and possibly an expanded island.

Will there be more updates before 1.0?

Yes, but they’ll be smaller. The 2025 winter update will add limited new features while the developers focus on stability and polish.

Does Palworld have in-game purchases or NFTs?

No. The developers have confirmed that Palworld does not include crypto, NFTs, or microtransactions. The entire game experience is available with a single purchase.