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11 Overview
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33 Hobbies in Paralives are gameplay activities that Parafolk can engage in during Live Mode. These activities influence a character's emotions and contribute to skill development. Some hobbies require objects purchased or placed in Build Mode (such as a piano or an easel), while others cost nothing and can be performed anywhere (such as jogging). Hobbies are a core part of daily life for Parafolk and serve as one of the primary ways characters spend their free time, improve their abilities, and interact with other characters.
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55 Musical Activities
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77 Musical hobbies allow Parafolk to create and enjoy music. Two instruments have been confirmed as available at the Early Access launch: the piano and the guitar. Players can select which specific piece of music their Parafolk plays on the piano, giving some creative control over the experience.
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99 ActivityDescriptionRequirementsPianoParafolk sit at a piano and play music. Players can choose which piece to play. Playing piano develops musical skill over time.Piano object (placed in Build Mode)GuitarParafolk can play the guitar as a musical instrument. Like piano, guitar playing contributes to skill development.Guitar objectDancingParafolk can dance, either solo or with others. Dance animations have been showcased during development. This shows various movement styles.NoneListening to musicParafolk can listen to music from other Parafolk playing instruments or from a radio. This is a passive activity that affects mood.Radio object or another Parafolk playing music
1010 Creative Pursuits
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1212 Creative hobbies give Parafolk an outlet for artistic expression. Painting is the primary creative activity confirmed for the game.
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1414 ActivityDescriptionRequirementsPaintingParafolk stand at an easel and paint on a canvas. Players can select which type of painting they want their Parafolk to create. Painting is currently available to adult Parafolk. The painting animation shows deliberate, focused brush strokes.Easel object (placed in Build Mode)
1515 Physical Activities
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1717 Physical hobbies help Parafolk stay active and develop fitness-related skills. The gym is a public venue in town where Parafolk can exercise, and hiking trails in the mountain area provide outdoor physical activity options.
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1919 ActivityDescriptionRequirementsGym exercisesParafolk can use gym equipment to work out. Skill level affects animation quality: low-skill Parafolk struggle visibly through push-ups with poor form, while higher-skill characters move with confidence and fluidity.Gym equipment (Premium Gym venue or home equipment)YogaParafolk can practice yoga as a form of physical activity that helps with relaxation and fitness.None confirmedJoggingParafolk can go jogging around the open world town. This is a free activity that does not require any special equipment or venue.NoneHikingParafolk can hike mountain trails in the town's natural areas, providing outdoor physical exercise.Mountain trail area in town
2020 Other Activities
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2222 A variety of additional hobbies round out the daily routines of Parafolk. These cover entertainment, technology, and domestic activities.
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2525 ActivityDescriptionRequirementsCookingParafolk can cook meals at home. The Early Access launch includes a basic cooking system. Cooking can also be a group activity where multiple Parafolk cook together.Kitchen objects (stove, counter)Watching televisionParafolk can sit and watch TV as a leisure activity, affecting their mood and entertainment need.Television objectUsing a computerParafolk can use a computer for various activities, providing entertainment and potentially supporting other gameplay systems.Computer objectReadingParafolk have access to newspapers and other reading material, which can serve as a leisure or informational activity.Newspaper or book objectPlaying video gamesParafolk can play video games as a form of entertainment within the game world.Computer or gaming console objectCollectiblesItems that spawn randomly around town can be gathered by Parafolk. Collected items can be kept or donated to the museum.None (items spawn in the open world)
2626 Multi-Select and Socializing
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2828 One of the distinctive features of the hobby system in Paralives is the multi-select capability. Players can highlight multiple Parafolk and assign them to perform an activity together as a group. This enables socializing while doing hobbies, so characters can build relationships and satisfy social needs while simultaneously engaging in a shared activity. For example, multiple Parafolk can cook together in the kitchen or exercise together at the gym.
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3030 This system makes shared activities a central gameplay element rather than a secondary option. Instead of choosing between socializing and performing a hobby, Parafolk can do both at the same time, which reflects how real-world activities often double as social occasions.
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3232 Skill Development
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3434 Many hobbies contribute to skill development. As Parafolk repeatedly perform activities, they level up the associated skill. Skills fall into larger groups called Knowledge, and these proficiencies can help Parafolk qualify for careers and unlock new interactions. The quality of animations also improves as skill levels increase: a Parafolk with low fitness skill will struggle through exercises with poor form, while an experienced character performs the same movements with ease and confidence.
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3636 Planned Additions
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3838 The studio has been explicit about which hobbies ship at the May 25, 2026 Early Access launch and which arrive as free updates during the two-year Early Access window. The hobbies listed earlier in this article (musical instruments, dancing, painting, gym and yoga, jogging, hiking, cooking, television, computer use, reading, video games, and collectibles) all ship Day 1. The activities below are scoped for later updates rather than launch.
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4040 Planned ActivityStatusNotesSwimmingPlanned post-launchConfirmed as a free update during the Early Access period rather than at Day 1 launch. Will tie into pools added by the post-launch Build Mode pool tools.GardeningPlanned post-launchConfirmed as a free update during the Early Access period. Will introduce seed purchasing and lot-based planting, neither of which is part of the Day 1 build.FishingPlanned post-launchConfirmed as a free update during the Early Access period. Will add fishing as an outdoor activity in the open world town once the system ships.
4141 Pets-related hobbies (dog walking, horse riding) are also scoped post-launch and will arrive alongside the broader pets system. See Roadmap and Planned Features for the full schedule of post-launch additions during Early Access.
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4343 Beyond these confirmed post-launch additions, the studio has stated that more hobbies will be added over time as the game develops. The modding system also gives the community tools to create and share custom activities, further expanding what Parafolk can do in their daily lives.