With Paralives, a new life simulation is set to launch in spring 2026. We have gathered all the key information and features you need to know.
Paralives aims to rethink the life simulation genre and does many things differently from its competitors. The indie life sim from Canadian developer Paralives Studio will enter Early Access in 2026, promising an open world, modular building mechanics and a highly flexible character creator. We have summed up all the essential details on the release window, planned content and upcoming features for you.
Paralives Release: When Does the Game Launch?
Paralives was originally scheduled to release on December 8, 2025. Shortly before that date, the development team postponed the launch to May 25, 2026. According to developer Alex Massé, the delay was caused by issues in Live Mode and a world that still felt too empty. The goal is to ensure a strong Early Access start and give players a positive first experience with the life simulation right away.
The team also announced plans to improve the onboarding experience for new players and to share more insights through streams and videos in the months leading up to release.
Which Platforms Will Paralives Release On?
Paralives launches in Early Access on Steam for PC and Mac in May 2026. The minimum requirements include an Intel Core i5, 12 GB of RAM and either a GTX 1060 or RX 6600 XT. Mac players will need a device with an Apple chip (M2 or M3). A console version has not been announced so far.
What’s Included in Paralives Early Access?
At launch, Paralives will already feature a solid and extensive foundation. The content is divided into three main areas: Live Mode, Build Mode and the character editor, known as the Paramaker.
Live Mode: Real Life in an Open City
In Paralives, you control the so-called Parafolks in an open world with no loading screens. The city features shops, restaurants, parks and museums. You can build relationships, work jobs, start families and take part in group events. At launch, the following features are planned, among others:
- Open world with a day and night cycle
- Jobs with career progression (via so-called “rabbit holes”)
- Personality traits, emotions, wishes and needs
- Social interactions and group activities
- Aging, having children and death
- Character autonomy
- Cooking, household chores, bills and house fires
- Museums with collectible objects
- Shops for shopping
- Modding tools to expand the game
Build Mode: Grid-Free House Building
Paralives’ Build Mode stands out thanks to its high level of flexibility. You can place walls freely, including curved walls or walls at any angle, resize objects as you like and choose colors without restrictions. The following features will be available at launch:
- Free building without a grid
- Walls in any shape, including curved walls
- Multi-story buildings with split-level platforms
- Scaling, stacking and freely placing objects
- Roofs, stairs, fences and a full color wheel
Paramaker: Deep and Flexible Character Creation
In the Paramaker, you create your households with a high level of detail. Height, facial features, tattoos and even asymmetrical traits can be customized freely. The clothing system also allows you to mix and layer individual pieces. The following features will be available in Early Access:
- Body and face customization with sliders
- Color wheels for clothing and features
- Tattoos with freely adjustable placement
- Genetics system for inheritance
- Multiple outfits per character
- Asymmetrical details (for example, different eye colors)
Which Features Will Be Added Later During Early Access?
Paralives will be expanded continuously after launch, free of charge. While there is no fixed roadmap, the following features are already confirmed:
- Weather effects and seasons
- Pets (dogs, cats, horses)
- Vehicles (cars, bicycles, boats, houseboats)
- Pools and swimming
- Calendar system and event planning (parties, weddings)
- Family trees and story progression for NPCs
- Gardening and fishing
- City editor to modify the game world
- Additional personality traits, wishes, emotions and jobs
How Is the World of Paralives Structured?
The city in Paralives is fully explorable and designed to feel alive. You will encounter NPCs, visit shops, dine at restaurants or explore museums. Different districts with distinct architecture add variety. One standout feature is that NPCs evolve over time, including story progression, which will be expanded later during Early Access.
How Long Will Paralives Stay in Early Access?
According to statements from the developers on the official website, Paralives is expected to remain in Early Access for around two years. During this period, new content will be released regularly, including major systems such as weather and pets. The full release is therefore unlikely to arrive before 2028.
