Palworld Announces Side by Side Update for Winter 2026

Pocketpair will release Side by Side, a major update for its survival game Palworld, in Winter 2026, the Japanese developer announced on October 20, 2026. The announcement introduces the game's next planned content update while offering few details about its features, alongside the results of the 2026 Palworld Global Popularity Poll.

According to the announcement covered by GamesRadar, Pocketpair has not yet outlined the update's full contents. Its initial promotional image shows three obscured Pals, leaving their identities and potential roles in the upcoming release unconfirmed.

Pocketpair said further information about the update would follow, but did not provide a specific launch date or a detailed feature list.

The announcement also coincides with growing interest in how Pocketpair plans to expand Palworld following its early access period. The studio has previously emphasized a selective approach to introducing new creatures rather than increasing their numbers without distinctive features.

John Buckley, known as Bucky, who leads publishing and communications, has discussed the studio's approach to future content in recent media appearances. He said the team does not intend to add 100 new Pals in the next update, explaining that each creature should have a memorable characteristic.

The developer has also repeatedly ruled out expectations for an underwater biome, according to GamesRadar's coverage of Buckley's comments. Pocketpair has not confirmed whether Side by Side will introduce new areas, recruitable characters, or additional gameplay systems.

Separately, Pocketpair revealed the winners of its 2026 Palworld Global Popularity Poll, with Sekhmet ranking first among Pals and Zoe taking the top position among human characters, according to Siliconera and Instant Gaming News.

Sekhmet led the 25-character Pal ranking, followed by Sol, Chillet, Dumean, and Eidrolon. Frostallion, Jetragon, Selyne, Bellanoir Libero, and Kapet completed the top 10.

The remaining positions in the Pal ranking were held by Wispaw at 11th, Astralym at 12th, Anubis at 13th, Tarredriss at 14th, Ophydia at 15th, Splatterina at 16th, Wistella at 17th, Eidrolon Ignis at 18th, Depresso at 19th, Bellanoir at 20th, Cattiva at 21st, Quivern at 22nd, Shaolong at 23rd, Lunaris at 24th, and Shadowbeam at 25th.

At the bottom of the Pal poll, Kelsea Ignis received 48 votes, Pierdon Cryst received 47, Gorirat Terra and Univolt Cryst each received 30, and Surfent Terra received 29, according to Siliconera.

Zoe won the human-character poll with 133,221 votes, ahead of Auri with 114,226 and Saya with 85,957. Zenara placed fourth, followed by Lily in fifth and the player's avatar in sixth.

The remaining human-character positions were Wannabe DepressoIslander in seventh, Black Marketeer in eighth, Victor in ninth, Bjorn in 10th, Harold in 11th, Pal Merchant in 12th, Dr. Brawn in 13th, Marcus in 14th, Negotiator in 15th, and Axel in 16th. Pocketpair also released official infographics presenting the results of both polls.

GamingBolt reported that Side by Side is expected to be Palworld's first major update following its departure from early access. The outlet speculated that the update could receive a reveal at The Game Awards 2026 on December 10, potentially alongside a same-day release, but Pocketpair has not confirmed that schedule.

Palworld is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC, according to the published reports. The Side by Side update is scheduled for Winter 2026, with further details still pending.