diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
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--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 A free NeoForge 1.21.1 modpack on Cobblemon 1.8: one large island with soft-gated, Palworld/ARK-style progression, plus a companion mod for the mechanics no addon covers. The plan is in [docs/roadmap.md](docs/roadmap.md); decisions taken so far are in [docs/design.md](docs/design.md).
 
-**Status:** Phase 1 (island map), waiting for Adrian's review of the island size and layout.
+**Status:** Phases 0–4 approved (2026-10-31); Phase 5 (field moves and party passives) in progress. Checks per phase: `docs/checklists/`.
 
 ## What's in the pack
 
diff --git a/docs/checklists/phase-4.md b/docs/checklists/phase-4.md
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--- a/docs/checklists/phase-4.md
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@@ -53,4 +53,6 @@ In game:
 
 ## Ask Adrian: approve Phase 4 before Phase 5
 
+**Approved 2026-10-31** ("Approve, start Phase 5").
+
 The roadmap's done-when holds (every ore tier in exactly one zone, veins regrow after restart and unload, every Pokémon-sourced recipe input has a source), and base jobs and power are in, gated. Remaining placeholders: the skill stages and the Power Block gate (`docs/balance.md`).