Paralives beginner's guide (2026)

New player? Start with the three modes — Paramaker (create Parafolk), Build Mode (home), and Live Mode (daily life in Melino).

🎯 Three pillars

Paramaker is character creation. Build Mode pauses time while you edit your lot. Live Mode is real-time life — needs, work, skills, relationships. You can swap build and live freely; use pause and speed controls (1× / 5× / 10×) to manage time.

⏰ First day checklist

• Make Parafolk — pick Vibe, Talent, and Social Perk intentionally; see the Paramaker guide.
• Home — starter lot or small build to keep bills manageable.
• Job — phone listings or “Hiring” signs around town; income stabilizes bills fast.
• Needs — food, sleep, bathroom, hygiene, social, fun, environment.
• Wants — knock out easy ones before sleep when possible.
• Meet someone — café or park starts the Together Bar.

💰 Paradimes

Careers are the main income source (career guide). Cooking at home saves money and levels Cooking. Avoid overspending on a huge house before your job catches up — you can expand later in Build Mode without extra purchase fees for the land you already own/rent rules permitting.

🧠 Core needs

• Hunger — cook or buy food.
• Energy — beds for full rest; sofas for naps.
• Hygiene / Bladder — washroom routines.
• Social & Fun — talk, hobbies, venues.
• Environment — décor and cleanliness.

🎯 Wants & Aspirations

Wants refresh after sleep — small goals with rewards. Aspirations are longer story goals (home, family, mastery) that shape how you spend time. Pick an Aspiration that matches how you want to play.

🤖 Autonomy

Autonomy helps Parafolk handle basics on their own. Toggle it based on whether you like hands-on control or a calmer pace.

🏪 Quick town tips

Visit shops in Oldtown — example spots from EA marketing: Bloom (plants), The Story Nook (café hangout), Market Antiques (furniture). Parks and plazas are free social spaces — great for Wants and relationships.

💡 Short tips

• Keep food at home; cooking trains Cooking.
• Smaller starter homes = fewer bill surprises.
• Match Talent to career for smoother promotions.
• Use cheats like 8ball if you want a relaxed economy.
• Check the roadmap for what is coming next.