Fix Palworld ‘Could Not Retrieve Server Information

If you’re playing Palworld and see the error “Could Not Retrieve Server Information,” it usually means your game client can’t reach the dedicated server’s listing or handshake. This guide walks you through the most common fixes, from checking your internet connection to adjusting firewall settings, so you can get back to catching Pals.

What You’ll Need

• Access to your router’s admin page (for port forwarding)
• Admin rights on your PC (for firewall changes)
• The server’s IP address and port (if connecting to a dedicated server)

Step-by-Step

1. Restart the game and Steam. Exit Palworld completely, then restart Steam. Sometimes a temporary glitch in the client’s connection to Steam’s server list causes this error.
2. Check your internet connection. Open a web browser and try loading a site. If that fails, restart your router or modem. A stable connection is required to fetch server information.
3. Verify game files. In Steam, right-click Palworld, go to Properties > Installed Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files. This fixes corrupted files that might block server communication.
4. Disable VPN or proxy. If you’re using a VPN, turn it off temporarily. VPNs can interfere with the game’s ability to reach server listing services. If you must use a VPN, try a different server location.
5. Adjust firewall settings. Open Windows Defender Firewall (or your third-party firewall) and ensure Palworld is allowed on both Private and Public networks. If you’re not sure, remove the existing Palworld rules and let Windows re-prompt when you launch the game.
6. Port forwarding (for hosted servers). If you’re hosting a dedicated server, you need to forward ports 8211 (UDP) and 27015 (UDP) to your server’s local IP. Log into your router, find Port Forwarding, and create rules for those ports. Also, make sure the server’s firewall allows those ports.
7. Try a different server. If you’re joining a community server, try joining a different one. If that works, the problem is with the original server’s configuration or it’s offline.
8. Use the IP directly. In the game’s Join Multiplayer screen, select “Join a dedicated server” and enter the server’s IP address and port manually (e.g., 192.168.1.10:8211). This bypasses the server list and can fix listing issues.
9. Update your game. Make sure Palworld is updated to the latest version. Outdated clients often fail to retrieve server info.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to restart after firewall changes. Always restart Palworld after modifying firewall or network settings.
• Using the wrong IP address. For a dedicated server on your LAN, use the local IP (like 192.168.1.10). For external servers, use the public IP or domain.
• Port forwarding to the wrong device. Ensure the forwarded ports point to the computer running the server, not your own PC.
• Not checking the server’s status. The server might be down for maintenance. Check the server’s website or Discord before troubleshooting your own network.

Tips

• Use a wired connection. If possible, connect your PC to the router via Ethernet to reduce packet loss.
• Disable IPv6 temporarily. Some routers have issues with IPv6 and Palworld. Disable IPv6 in your network adapter settings and see if that helps.
• Run the game as administrator. Right-click Palworld and select “Run as administrator” to ensure it has full network access.
• Clear Steam’s download cache. Go to Steam Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache. This can resolve minor network glitches.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after trying all steps:

• Check the server’s logs. If you’re hosting, look at the server console for errors like “Failed to bind” or “Port already in use.”
• Try a different network. Connect your PC to a mobile hotspot. If it works, the issue is with your home network/router.
• Reinstall the game. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall Palworld. This ensures no leftover corrupted files.
• Contact the server admin. If joining a community server, the admin may have blocked your IP or the server may be full.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this error appear even on official servers?

Official servers can be overloaded or temporarily down. Wait a few minutes and try again. Also, ensure your game is updated to match the server version.

Do I need to open ports if I only join servers?

No, port forwarding is only needed if you host a server. Joining requires only outbound connections, which are usually allowed by default.

What ports does Palworld use?

Palworld uses UDP port 8211 for game traffic and UDP 27015 for Steam query. Forward both if hosting.

Can a slow internet connection cause this?

Yes, a slow or unstable connection can time out when fetching server info. Try a speed test and restart your router.

Is there a way to bypass the server list?

Yes, you can manually enter the server’s IP and port in the “Join dedicated server” field. This often works when the list fails.

Will this error affect my saved game?

No, this error is about server connection, not your local save data. Your progress is safe.

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