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Hobbies
April 27, 2026 at 04:40 PM
Cleaned punctuation and AI-style phrasing (2026-04-27)
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.
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.
Activity | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Piano | Parafolk 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) |
Guitar | Parafolk can play the guitar as a musical instrument. Like piano, guitar playing contributes to skill development. | Guitar object |
Dancing | Parafolk can dance, either solo or with others. Dance animations have been showcased during development. This shows various movement styles. | None |
Listening to music | Parafolk 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 |
Creative hobbies give Parafolk an outlet for artistic expression. Painting is the primary creative activity confirmed for the game.
Activity | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Painting | Parafolk 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) |
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.
Activity | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Gym exercises | Parafolk 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) |
Yoga | Parafolk can practice yoga as a form of physical activity that helps with relaxation and fitness. | None confirmed |
Jogging | Parafolk can go jogging around the open world town. This is a free activity that does not require any special equipment or venue. | None |
Hiking | Parafolk can hike mountain trails in the town's natural areas, providing outdoor physical exercise. | Mountain trail area in town |
A variety of additional hobbies round out the daily routines of Parafolk. These cover entertainment, technology, and domestic activities.
Activity | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Cooking | Parafolk 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 television | Parafolk can sit and watch TV as a leisure activity, affecting their mood and entertainment need. | Television object |
Using a computer | Parafolk can use a computer for various activities, providing entertainment and potentially supporting other gameplay systems. | Computer object |
Reading | Parafolk have access to newspapers and other reading material, which can serve as a leisure or informational activity. | Newspaper or book object |
Playing video games | Parafolk can play video games as a form of entertainment within the game world. | Computer or gaming console object |
Collectibles | Items 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) |
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.
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.
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.
The developers have confirmed that additional hobbies will be added during the Early Access period and beyond. The following activities are planned for future updates:
Planned Activity | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Swimming | Confirmed for Early Access launch | Part of the base Live Mode feature set. |
Gardening | Confirmed for Early Access launch | Players can purchase seeds and plant them on their lot. |
Fishing | Confirmed for Early Access launch | An outdoor activity available in the open world town. |
As the game develops through its Early Access period, the list of available hobbies is expected to grow. The modding system also provides the community with tools to create and share custom activities, further expanding what Parafolk can do in their daily lives.
