Palworld Teases New Update Alongside 2026 Global Popularity Poll Results

Palworld has posted the results for the recent global popularity poll, which let fans of the game vote for their favorite Pals and characters that can be met during their journeys through the Palpagos Islands.

But that isn't the only thing that was revealed in this dev post. Palworld has also revealed a first teaser for a new update set to go live during Winter 2026, called Side by Side. Nothing much has been said yet, but we do have an image with some interesting silhouettes. We've included all of the information you'll need in the breakdown below, including the poll results as a bonus.

Palworld Reveals Teaser for New Side By Side Update

Palworld has confirmed that a new update is set to release in Winter 2026, titles Side by Side. This will be the first content update following the 1.0 launch, and while details are slim, fans are already speculating about what might be includued.

The only information other than the name and release window is the image above, which showcases 3 very familiar silhouettes for popular in-game NPCs - Zoe, Auri, and Saya. This would suggest that these characters will be intertwined with the new update somehow, though this is not yet confirmed.

The update could involve literally anything, such as new cosmetics themed around these characters or new interactions with them. The 'Side by Side' name could possibly be a hint in itself. Perhaps we will be able to go on missions or adventure with these NPCs, side by side - hm?

All 2026 Palworld Global Popularity Poll Results

Palworld has once again completed the annual global popularity poll, compiling an official ranking of the most popular in-game NPCs and Pals, as decided by votes from the community. A complete summary of the rankings has been included below.

Palworld - Most Popular Characters Poll Results

Top 10

1. Zoe
2. Auri
3. Saya
4. Zenara
5. Lily
6. Player
7. Wannabe Depresso Islander
8. Black Marketer
9. Victor
10. Bjorn

Remainder Votes

1. Harold
2. Pal Merchant
3. Dr. Brawn
4. Marcus
5. Negotiator
6. Axel

Palworld - Most Popular Pals Poll Results (Top 50)

Top 10

1. Sekhmet
2. Solenne
3. Chillet
4. Dupin
5. Eidrolon
6. Frostallion
7. Jetragon
8. Selyne
9. Bellanoir Libero
10. Katress

Remainder Votes

1. Wispaw
2. Astralym
3. Anubis
4. Tarantriss
5. Ophydia
6. Splatterina
7. Wistella
8. Eidrolon Ignis
9. Depresso
10. Bellanoir
11. Cattiva
12. Quivern
13. Shaolong
14. Lunaris
15. Shadowbeak
16. Orserk
17. Panthalus
18. Leafan
19. Frostallion Noct
20. Lyleen
21. Chillet Ignis
22. Dualith
23. Mimog
24. Xenolord
25. Majex
26. Gloopie
27. Lyleen Noct
28. Neptilius
29. Herbil
30. Hartalis
31. Lamball
32. Lapure
33. Blazamut
34. Flaracle
35. Foxsparks
36. Lovander
37. Daedream
38. Petallia
39. Aegidron
40. Venusa