When is the Paralives release date? This upcoming life sim has been likened to The Sims, and it’s easy to see why. With cute outfits, tons of items, an extensive character creator, build mode, and extra features we wish were in The Sims, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Paralives is an ambitious project, but we already know a fair bit about what’s heading to this simulation game. What started as a Patreon project by lone developer Alex Massé in 2019 has developed into a full-blown life sim game. Though the studio relies on community pledges to keep the indie game in development, the official website is great at keeping the community updated with progress and what to expect next.
Paralives Release Date
Paralives is set to launch into early access on Monday, December 8, 2025. This initial release will be for PC and Mac users, with no current plans for a console version.
In a Patreon announcement, Alex Massé shared that the goal for early access is to offer an enjoyable foundational experience that can evolve over time. He noted that while the launch build might appear light on content, this approach allows them to gather player feedback crucial for future development phases.
Massé anticipates Paralives will remain in early access for approximately two years before its 1.0 release, though this timeline is subject to change. The early access version will still include all fundamental life simulation features, such as a comprehensive character creator, a versatile build mode, extensive customization tools, and essential social mechanics. The detailed Paralives roadmap outlines all the ongoing work by Massé and his team.
Paralives Gameplay and Modes
The early access release trailer for Paralives, which premiered at the PC Gaming Show 2025, showcased gameplay that, while not striving for hyper-realism like InZOI, appears significantly smoother and more natural. Interactions and daily activities in Paralives seem to unfold with a fluidity that many social simulation game fans will appreciate.
Character Creator (Paramaker)
A comprehensive overview of the character creator, known as the Paramaker, was revealed two years ago, with many new outfits added since. Within the Paramaker, players can personalize their Parafolk’s clothing, body, and identity, allowing for adjustments from mole placement to tattoos. Options include skin color, hair, makeup, and facial hair, with intuitive sliders for fine-tuning body proportions.
The Paramaker is nearing completion, with future updates planned to introduce more clothing items, hairstyles, as well as babies and pets.
Build Mode
A key desire in any life simulation game is the ability to design and construct unique homes, and Paralives promises to deliver. Developers have previously offered an 11-minute deep dive into house building and consistently share updates on new furniture and architectural possibilities, ranging from cozy loft designs to elaborate gardens.
Players will be able to acquire land plots and immediately dive into the build mode to construct walls and rooms, choose flooring, and adjust the various levels of their homes.
Live Mode
This mode is where Parafolk come to life, interacting with objects and each other as they navigate their daily routines according to player designs. The core interaction system is functional, but developers are still enhancing animation systems, followed by the implementation of skills, needs, relationships, schools, and more.
Early glimpses have shown basic Parafolk interactions, including options to hug, shake hands, kiss, or converse in their unique language, Parli. Clips have also showcased Parafolk playing the piano and practicing the guitar, along with various home activities like using phones, dancing, and sitting.
Autonomy System
It has been confirmed that Parafolk possess a degree of autonomy, allowing them to independently manage basic needs such as using the toilet, eating, or attending work. We’ve even seen brief animations of Parafolk performing home repairs and cleaning.
Should a character’s essential needs go unmet, they will eventually perish. With access to necessary resources, Parafolk can operate fully autonomously, though an option to disable this feature will be available for players who prefer closer oversight of their characters’ needs.
Paralives Modding
Much like the popular modding scene for The Sims, modding functionality has been confirmed for Paralives. Developers report that the core modding systems are operational, and Paralives will feature in-game modding capabilities available right from release. This will empower players to create and share their unique creations with the wider community.
That concludes our update on Paralives and its anticipated release. If you’re eager for more, explore our guides on other great games similar to The Sims and the best life simulation games available on PC.