Paralives: Melino City Review – Districts, Landmarks, Lots, and the Donation System
Paralives players continue to share details about the game just days before early access launch. This time, they conducted a full tour of the city of Melino — the place where your Parafolk's stories will unfold. Instead of a single faceless space, players will find four unique districts, each with its own atmosphere, architecture, and activities. From the bustling European streets of Old Town to secluded forest mansions — we explore what makes every corner of Melino unique.
Earlier, we thoroughly analyzed the Paralives gameplay trailer, build mode, as well as covered Paramaker and dynamic music. Early access starts on May 25.
Welcome to Melino
The introduction to the city begins at the train station — this is where new residents arrive. And this is no accident. Melino is designed to inspire storytelling from the very first steps. The city is full of life: you can run along forest trails, sit in cozy cafes, explore hidden passages in the town hall building, and simply enjoy the detailed atmosphere.
Source: simscommunity
Important detail: switching between households in Paralives is very simple. Just zoom out the camera to see all the community lot icons, select another house with residents, and click the "Switch to this household" button. Immediately after, you start playing a new story.
Source: simscommunity
A City That Doesn't Feel Empty
Melino may seem small, but its main advantage is incredible density and attention to detail. There are over 70 lots located here, all in a fully open world with no loading screens. Instead of being huge and empty, the city is made compact: narrow streets, lively squares, and detailed architecture inspired by European old towns.
Source: simscommunity
The developers promise that hundreds of Parafolk will be able to live and move around Melino, making the world always feel active and alive.
Available lot types include:
Residential houses (both already occupied and empty)
Source: simscommunity
Completely empty lots for building from scratch
Source: simscommunity
Restaurants, cafes, shops, parks, and other community spaces
Source: simscommunity
The architectural jewels of the city are the town hall with a library, the museum, and the high school, which rise on a hill above Melino. These are not just beautiful buildings — they are social and cultural centers where Parafolk can meet, donate to the museum, and learn about the city's history.
Source: simscommunity
Source: simscommunity
What's Not Yet Available in Paralives Early Access
The developers honestly warn: not all community lots will be fully functional from the very beginning.
Restaurants, cafes, and other social spaces don't yet have full gameplay (for example, you cannot order food or buy coffee).
Workplaces (offices, hospital) at launch will function as "rabbit holes" — Parafolk disappear inside, and the action happens off-screen.
Source: simscommunity
Swimming in the ocean is not yet implemented — Parafolk can only walk along the shore and enjoy the views.
However, some features are already fully functional. Furniture, clothing, and decor stores work perfectly — you can buy outfits and home items directly. And the city is already populated with NPCs, creating the feeling of a living world.
Source: simscommunity
A Full City in Paralives: Tour of the Districts
In Paralives, there are four districts, each with its own unique character: Old Town, Farm, Industrial, and Forest. All are located in an open world, so there will be no loading screens when moving between districts.
Despite their differences, all districts share one common trait — a cozy, lively, and elegant atmosphere that defines Melino's identity.
Old Town — The Heart and Soul of Melino
Old Town is a true gem of Paralives.
Source: simscommunity
Inspired by charming European old towns, this district is filled with squares, winding streets, colorful buildings, and multi‑level architecture that naturally adapts to the terrain. Every corner here feels not artificially planned, but organically grown and lived in.
Source: simscommunity
Houses and apartments are located at different heights and connected by stairs, terraces, bridges, and narrow streets. This district also has the highest concentration of venues and activities, making it ideal for sociable Parafolk.
Source: simscommunity
Culture and Education
The Town Hall and Library are located in one complex.
The High School is on the same square — at 9 AM, all the town's youth fill this area.
Source: simscommunity
The Elementary School is built directly on the rocky cliffs that form part of Melino's coastline.
Source: simscommunity
Next to the school stands a mysterious stone tower — one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
Source: simscommunity
Source: simscommunity
The Museum, located behind the town hall, allows Parafolk to donate found collectible items, gradually filling the exhibits. Unlike the more specific tasks of restoring the Community Center, museum donations are a more flexible system that encourages natural exploration of the world.
Source: simscommunity
The Community Center is one of the most unique places in the district. Unlike the well‑kept historical buildings around it, it looks like a time‑forgotten ruined cathedral. But it is far from abandoned. Melino's residents actively work to restore it through donations. To contribute, you must visit the Community Center and check the books inside — they list the exact collectible items and materials needed at that moment. This system gives Parafolk long‑term goals and encourages exploration of the entire city.
Source: simscommunity
Shops, Restaurants, and Community Spaces
Wishing Well Square — you can toss a coin here.
Source: simscommunity
Bloom — a charming flower shop. Headlines — the local barbershop. The Story Nook — two bars.
Source: simscommunity
Market Antiques — an antique shop with a vintage atmosphere. L'Armoire — a clothing boutique inspired by European fashion. The Cellar Door — a luxury restaurant for fancy nights out. La Tavola di Nonna — a cozy Italian restaurant by the beach. Créme — a café next to it. Premium Gym 24/7 — a 24‑hour fitness center.
Source: simscommunity
On the opposite side of the district is Susan's General Store — the Vargas family's shop, selling farming supplies, seeds, and eco‑friendly products.
Source: simscommunity
The district also includes the train station, which serves not only as a transport hub but also as a beautiful public space with benches, tables, vending machines, and rest areas where Parafolk can socialize.
Source: simscommunity
One of the most unique landmarks is the waterfront house with its own lighthouse. And throughout the district, there are lookout points with interactive telescopes.
Source: simscommunity
Source: simscommunity
Farm — Peace and Open Spaces
The Farm district is the quietest and most peaceful in all of Melino. Located far from the dense historical streets, it focuses on wide open spaces, nature, and a much slower pace of life. Unlike the rest of the city, the landscape here is significantly flatter, making it one of the most convenient places to build large houses or farm lots without needing to heavily modify the terrain.
Source: simscommunity
Currently, the Farm district consists mainly of empty residential lots intended for players who want to build their own countryside homes and farms. Only one family lives here for now. Some lots are already decorated with fields, pastures, and cows to enhance the agricultural aesthetic.
Source: simscommunity
Despite its simplicity, the district has a few public spaces. Opposite the farm area is a small public picnic and relaxation zone surrounded by trees, with benches, tables, vending machines, bike racks, and public restrooms. On certain days, street sports events and social gatherings take place here. This area also serves as the starting point for a large nature trail leading to the Forest district.
Industrial — Modern Urban Life
Unlike the winding streets and historical architecture of Old Town, the Industrial district embodies a much more modern and utilitarian identity. Brick apartment buildings, office buildings, paved roads, containers, and elevated railway tracks dominate the skyline, creating one of the most urban areas in Paralives.
Source: simscommunity
Most "rabbit hole" careers are located here: many Parafolk will spend their workdays in the offices and administrative buildings scattered throughout the district. To support the working atmosphere, there is a small fast‑food restaurant, Chez Maurice.
Source: simscommunity
One of the most important buildings in the district is the hospital — a modern facility where Parafolk can recover from illnesses or even adopt a child. This cements the district's role as a more practical, service‑oriented zone of the city.
Source: simscommunity
The elevated railway tracks play an important role in the district's visual identity. Some sections run directly over streets and buildings, adding verticality and creating a slightly gritty industrial charm. Nearby is an old abandoned railway platform and a service area surrounded by containers and concrete structures, making the district feel even more authentic.
Source: simscommunity
Despite the industrial aesthetic, there are small social spaces here: compact green areas with benches, as well as a small public park by the coast where events such as yoga classes are sometimes held. The Industrial district also connects to the cemetery, located between this district and Old Town.
Source: simscommunity
Forest — Luxury and Seclusion
The Forest district is the most secluded and the most luxurious of all. Built on a densely pine‑covered hill with winding roads, rocks, and footpaths, this district feels deliberately detached from the busier part of the city. It is quieter, more private, and noticeably more expensive.
Source: simscommunity
At the top of the district is one of the most picturesque public areas — the forest lookout, connected to the footpaths. This elevated spot serves both as a resting place and a social hub: there are picnic tables, vending machines, rest areas, public restrooms, and telescopes. Parafolk can interact with each other, check other residents' daily requests, or simply enjoy some of the best panoramic views of Melino. There is also a zipline that connects this area to the town hall side.
Source: simscommunity
Beyond the lookout, the Forest district becomes predominantly residential. Here you will find Melino's most luxurious homes: from elegant traditional mansions to more modern architectural solutions hidden among the trees.
Source: simscommunity
Many of these houses are situated on elevated ground and surrounded by dense forest, giving them a strong sense of privacy and some of the best views in the city.
Source: simscommunity
Melino is not just a collection of backdrops, but a thoughtfully designed, living city where each district has its own character, its own activities, and its own residents. From bustling European streets with cafes and antique shops to quiet farmlands, an urban industrial center, and secluded forest mansions — there is a place for every story.
Even considering that not all features will be available on early access launch day, the foundation is impressive. Over 70 lots in an open world, a thoughtful system for restoring the city through donations, and the unique atmosphere of each district make Melino one of the most ambitious cities in life simulation games in recent years.
Paralives early access starts on May 25. There's very little time left.
