Update Palworld Server Without Losing World

Updating your Palworld dedicated server usually means replacing the server files, which can wipe your world if you don’t handle the save data correctly. This guide walks you through a safe update process that preserves your world, players, and progress. You’ll need access to your server’s file system (via FTP, SSH, or a hosting panel) and a way to back up files.

What You’ll Need

• Access to your server’s file system (FTP client like FileZilla, SSH, or your hosting provider’s file manager).
• Enough free disk space to store a backup (usually a few GB).
• The server must be stopped before you begin.
• Your Palworld server installation path (e.g., /home/steam/palworld or C:\palworld-server).

Step-by-Step

1. Stop the server. Use your hosting panel’s stop button, or run sudo systemctl stop palworld (Linux) or press Ctrl+C in the server console (Windows). Make sure the process is fully exited before continuing.
2. Back up your world data. Navigate to your server folder and locate the Saved directory. On most setups it’s at Pal/Saved/. Copy the entire Saved folder to a safe location outside the server directory (e.g., your local PC or a separate backup drive). This folder contains your world, player data, and settings. If you’re using a hosting panel, use its backup feature if available.
3. Download the latest server update. For SteamCMD, run: steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit. If you’re using a hosting panel, click the “Update” or “Install” button in the panel. This will overwrite the server files but should leave your Saved folder untouched.
4. Verify the update completed successfully. Check the console output for “Success! App ‘2394010’ fully installed” or similar. If you used a panel, confirm the update status shows as completed.
5. Restore your world backup (if needed). In most cases, the update does not delete the Saved folder. However, if you notice the world is missing or reset, stop the server again and copy your backup Saved folder back into the Pal/Saved/ directory, replacing any existing files.
6. Start the server. Launch the server normally. Wait for it to load and confirm that your world appears with the correct player data and progress.
7. Test the server. Join the game and verify that your character, bases, and world state are intact. Also check that the server version matches the client version (the game will prompt you to update if not).

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the backup. Even if updates usually preserve saves, a failed update or accidental deletion can happen. Always back up.
• Updating while the server is running. This can cause file locks and corrupted data. Always stop the server first.
• Backing up the wrong folder. Some guides mention Pal/Saved/, but if you use a custom save path, make sure you back up the correct one. Check your PalWorldSettings.ini for the OptionSettings path if unsure.
• Not validating files. If you use SteamCMD without validate, some files might not update correctly, leading to crashes. Always include validate.
• Overwriting the new Saved folder with an old backup without checking. If the update changed the save format, an old backup might cause issues. It’s better to let the update create a fresh save and then copy your world data into it, but usually the folder is compatible.

Tips

• Automate backups. Set up a cron job (Linux) or scheduled task (Windows) to copy the Saved folder daily. This ensures you have a recent backup even if you forget.
• Keep multiple backups. Keep at least the last two or three backups in case the latest one is corrupted.
• Check the update notes. Before updating, read the patch notes for any mention of save migration or incompatibility. If a save wipe is required, you’ll know in advance.
• Test on a separate instance. If you have the resources, update a test server first to ensure your world loads correctly before updating the live server.
• Use the correct app ID. The Palworld dedicated server app ID is 2394010. Using the wrong ID will download the wrong files.

Troubleshooting

Server won’t start after update. Check the server logs for errors. If the logs mention missing files, run the update again with validate. If the logs mention a save incompatibility, you may need to restore your backup and wait for a hotfix.

World is empty or reset. Stop the server, verify that your Saved folder is present and contains SaveGames and Config subfolders. If it’s missing, restore from your backup. If it’s there but the world is still empty, the update may have changed the save format—check the patch notes and consider rolling back.

Players can’t join. Ensure the server version matches the client version. If players see a version mismatch, they need to update the game. Also check that your server’s firewall and port forwarding are still correct after the update.

Backup won’t restore. Make sure you copied the entire Saved folder, not just the SaveGames subfolder. Also ensure you have write permissions to the target directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating the server delete my world?

No, if you follow the steps above. The update process only replaces executable and game files; your save data in Pal/Saved/ is not touched. However, always back up to be safe.

Where is the world save file located?

On a dedicated server, the world save is typically in Pal/Saved/SaveGames/0/ inside the server folder. The exact path may vary if you configured a custom save directory.

Can I update without stopping the server?

It’s not recommended. Stopping the server ensures no files are in use and prevents corruption. Most hosting panels require the server to be stopped before updating.

Do I need to update the client too?

Yes, the game client and server must be on the same version. After updating the server, players will need to update the game to match.

What if I don’t have a backup and my world is gone?

If you didn’t back up, the world may be lost. Check if your hosting provider has automatic backups or a snapshot feature. If not, you may need to start a new world.

Can I use the same backup for a different server?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the save path and possibly the server settings. Copy the Saved folder to the new server’s Pal/Saved/ directory and ensure the server uses the same world name.

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