Palworld Dev Shares Approximate 1.0 Release Time, Suggests Data Wipe for Best Experience

The highly anticipated 1.0 update for Palworld arrives this week on July 10, and developer Pocketpair has provided a more precise launch window while advising existing players on whether to wipe their save data.

Pocketpair can't give an exact release time, but aims to launch the updated version around midday Japan time on July 10, specifically targeting 12:30 PM JST. "Estimate time, this is NOT 100% the exact launch time," clarified John "Bucky" Buckley, communications director and publishing manager at Pocketpair, in a Discord post.

Based on that target, the update will go live at 8:30 PM PT on July 9, 11:30 PM ET on July 9, and 4:30 AM BST on July 10.

Regarding save data, Bucky told existing players they don't need to wipe their data for 1.0, "but you should." He explained, "Players can continue their existing saves if they wish, as we want to respect the time and effort you have put in. However, due to the large number of changes to the game, including overhauls to mechanics and new content, we believe that starting a new character will give you the best experience of Palworld! We will leave that choice up to you, Pal Tamers!"

Palworld's Early Access journey has been a rollercoaster since its $30 Steam launch and Game Pass debut on Xbox and PC in early 2024, breaking sales and concurrent player records. Pocketpair boss Takuro Mizobe noted the launch was so massive that the studio struggled to manage the huge profits. Pocketpair swiftly capitalized on the success, signing a deal with Sony to form Palworld Entertainment, tasked with expanding the IP, and later launching the game on PS5.

Following Palworld's huge launch, comparisons to Pokémon emerged, with some accusing Pocketpair of "ripping off" Pokémon designs. Instead of a copyright lawsuit, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company pursued a patent route, seeking 5 million yen (approx. $30,000) each plus late payment damages, plus an injunction against Palworld. A judgement is expected later this year.

For Palworld 1.0, Bucky teased 27 pages of changes and additions in the patch notes. This is set to be a massive update.