Pocketpair confirmed the full release date for Palworld. Your saved creatures and bases will carry over to version 1.0. This shift ends a two-year testing period that saw the game sell over 10 million copies.
January 16 marks the official launch
January 16, 2025, is the day Palworld leaves Early Access. The Japanese developer Pocketpair confirmed this hard deadline for players on PC and Xbox Series X/S. This date ends a two-year testing period that saw the game sell over 10 million copies, the French Wikipedia entry notes[4]. Millions of users will see their servers switch to the final build on that morning.
The update removes the Early Access tag and adjusts the price point simultaneously. Developers often tease a full release, but this shift is not a marketing stunt. It is a technical lock-in where old builds become incompatible with new features. If you ignore the update, your base built in Early Access remains standing, yet you cannot access the new world mechanics or online stability improvements.
Pocketpair's publishing lead stated that the full version was 'still in the oven' before promising a partial release soon. That promise has now been fulfilled with a concrete date. The wait for the complete experience ends now, and the studio cracks the oven open for everyone.
Your saved creatures survive the update
Your base and your Pals stay exactly where you left them. Pocketpair confirmed that existing save files will carry over to the full version without a wipe. You do not need to export your data or start a new character. The transition happens automatically when you log into the same account on January 16.
A player who spent months building a fortress in Early Access will find it standing on day one. The studio assured fans that their investment of time remains intact during the shift. This applies to every creature caught and every structure erected before the release. The only risk comes from ignoring the update entirely, which locks players out of new content.
Cross-platform transfers remain unsupported for now, so moving saves between PC and console is not possible. The French Wikipedia entry notes that Palworld has sold more than 10 million copies, the French Wikipedia entry notes[4]. That massive user base means millions of people are waiting to see if their progress survives. The developer's stance is clear: your world persists while the game evolves around it.
New features arrive while your base stays
New creatures and biomes land on your existing world. The update adds fresh content without erasing the hours you spent building your base. Veterans who played during the Early Access period keep their progress intact. You log in to find your Pals waiting exactly where you left them.
Developers often preserve data during major transitions, but rules vary by game. Always verify patch notes before you assume your save is safe. This specific release confirms that your investment of time and money remains secure. A base built in Early Access stands firm against the new mechanics. IGN reports the full version arrives with these protections already in place.
Check your game client for the update on January 16. The wait for the complete experience ends now.
