Overview
The town in Paralives contains a variety of named businesses, shops, and landmarks that Parafolk can visit during Live Mode. The town is estimated to contain approximately 50 to 70 total lots, split between residential properties and public spaces including parks, shops, and workplaces. All locations exist within a seamless open world with no loading screens, meaning Parafolk can walk between venues freely.
Several venues offer purchasable items and services. Parafolk can buy premade food to go from restaurants and cafes, purchase plants, furniture, and clothing, get haircuts, and exercise at the gym. The developers have confirmed that additional businesses will be added or expanded in updates following the Early Access launch.
Venue Directory
The following table lists all confirmed named venues as of the current development cycle. Descriptions are based on official developer posts, wiki documentation, and gameplay footage.
Venue | Type | District | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Bloom | Plant Shop | Town | A flower and plant shop where Parafolk can purchase plants. Bloom offers a free plant every day, making it a worthwhile daily stop for gardening enthusiasts. |
Chez Maurice | Restaurant | Town | A breakfast and lunch restaurant. Parafolk can purchase premade food to go. The French name is consistent with the town's Quebec-inspired cultural identity. |
Creme | Cafe | Town | A cafe where Parafolk can buy beverages and food items for consumption on-site or to go. |
Edwards & Co. Factory | Landmark (Abandoned) | Industrial | An abandoned industrial factory that serves as a visual landmark in the Industrial District. The factory represents the town's manufacturing past. |
Headlines | Hair Salon | Town | A hair salon providing grooming services for Parafolk. |
L'Armoire | Clothing Boutique | Old Town | A clothing store in the Old Town plaza. Parafolk can purchase outfits directly from mannequins and change into new clothing immediately. Items are priced in Paradimes. |
Market Antiques | Furniture Store | Town Plaza | A furniture and antiques store located in the town plaza, next to L'Armoire. It uses a darker color palette to create a pleasing contrast with its neighbor. |
Premium Gym | Fitness Center | Town | A gym where Parafolk can exercise. Visiting the gym supports fitness-related skill development. |
The Story Nook | Bookstore Cafe | Town | A cafe that also sells books. Parafolk can purchase beverages and food items here. The venue combines the atmosphere of a bookshop with the functionality of a cafe. |
Landmarks
In addition to commercial venues, the town features several landmarks that contribute to its lore and world-building.
The Lighthouse
The lighthouse has been described by the developers as "an important landmark" in the town. It is situated along the coastline and serves as a prominent visual feature of the town's skyline. The lighthouse contributes to the maritime character of the settlement and is consistent with the town's backstory as a historical trading post and port community.
The Castle
Located in the Old Town district, the castle is a small fortified structure that was built when the city was first established many centuries ago. It is one of the oldest structures in the town and serves as a historical centerpiece for the Old Town district. The castle's architecture reflects the European-inspired, 17th-century aesthetic that defines the surrounding neighborhood.
L'Armoire Shopping System
L'Armoire introduced a unique shopping mechanic to Paralives. According to developer Lea, "All the other stores in the plaza have items for purchase or gifts available every day. This store needed its own system to encourage visitors to explore the city's many public spaces." The store features mannequins displaying complete outfits. Parafolk can browse these displays and purchase clothing directly from the mannequins, changing into their new outfit immediately upon purchase.
Developer Alejandro confirmed that "The mannequin item will be available in the item catalog to use in any build. You will be able to dress it with your current outfit by interacting with it." This means players can place mannequins in their own homes or custom builds, not just in the L'Armoire store. The store stocks a variety of styles including casual wear, summer dresses, pinafores, and formal attire such as tuxedos and wedding dresses. A demonstrated purchase cost 50 Paradimes.
Custom Shop Music
The soundtrack team composed custom music for five different business lots in the town. Each venue received a musical theme designed to match its atmosphere. The antiques shop, for example, features a waltzy melody that the composer created by imagining the owners as an older couple. The flower shop has zen and meditative music incorporating nature sounds. A classy clothing shop plays smooth Muzak and Bossa Nova-style tracks. These bespoke soundtracks help distinguish each venue and contribute to the town's lived-in feel.
Additional Businesses
Beyond the confirmed named venues, other places of business have been hinted at or spotted in the background of gameplay videos. These include what appears to be a pharmacy and an Italian restaurant, though neither has been formally named or confirmed. The developers have stated that some businesses will be added or expanded in updates after the Early Access launch, so the venue roster is expected to grow over time.
Transportation
Parafolk can travel between venues using the town's public bus system. The PL130 bus line charges 3 Paradimes per trip, providing an affordable way to move across the town without walking. The bus system connects the various districts, making it practical to visit venues in different parts of the settlement.