Palworld Server Guide: Setup, Settings, Updates

This guide explains how to set up a dedicated Palworld server, adjust its settings, and keep it updated. You will learn the difference between the in-game co-op mode and a dedicated server, how to configure the .ini files, and how to apply updates without losing your world data.

Background: Why Run a Dedicated Server?

Palworld launched in early access in January 2024 and quickly became known for its mix of creature collecting, survival crafting, and base building. While the base game supports up to four players in co-op, a dedicated server allows many more players to join, and it keeps the world running even when the host is offline. This is essential for communities, roleplay servers, or anyone who wants persistent progress.

Dedicated servers also give the owner full control over game rules. You can tweak experience rates, egg hatching time, pal capture difficulty, and many other parameters. The official server software is free and can be run on Windows or Linux, either on your own hardware or through a hosting provider.

How to Set Up a Palworld Server

The setup process differs slightly between Windows and Linux, but the core steps are the same.

Windows Setup

1. Install SteamCMD (a command-line tool for downloading Steam games) from the official Valve page.
2. Open a command prompt in the SteamCMD folder and run steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit. This downloads the server files.
3. Navigate to the folder where SteamCMD saved the files (usually steamapps/common/PalServer).
4. Run PalServer.exe to start the server. The first launch generates the necessary configuration files.

Linux Setup

1. Install SteamCMD using your distribution’s package manager (e.g., sudo apt install steamcmd on Debian/Ubuntu).
2. Run steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit.
3. Navigate to the server directory and run ./PalServer.sh.

Both methods will create a Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer or WindowsServer folder containing the configuration files.

Key Server Settings and Configuration

The main configuration file is PalWorldSettings.ini, located in the Pal/Saved/Config/<Platform>Server folder. This file contains dozens of options, but the most important ones are:

• Difficulty: Sets the overall game difficulty (e.g., Casual, Normal, Hard).
• DayTimeSpeedRate and NightTimeSpeedRate: Controls how fast day and night cycles pass.
• ExpRate: Multiplier for experience gained from all sources.
• PalCaptureRate: Multiplier for the chance of successfully capturing a Pal.
• PalSpawnNumRate: Multiplier for the number of Pals that spawn in the world.
• PalEggHatchingRate: Multiplier for egg hatching speed.
• GuildPlayerMaxNum: Maximum number of players in a guild (default is 20).
• ServerPlayerMaxNum: Maximum number of players on the server (default is 32).
• ServerName and ServerDescription: Shown in the server browser.
• AdminPassword: Required for in-game admin commands.

To edit these, open the file with a text editor, change the values, and save. You must restart the server for changes to take effect.

How to Update Your Palworld Server

Updates are released frequently during early access, so keeping your server current is crucial. The update process is similar to the initial installation.

1. Stop the server process.
2. Run the same SteamCMD command you used for installation: steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit. This will download any new files.
3. Restart the server.

Your world save data is stored in Pal/Saved/SaveGames and will not be overwritten by updates. However, it is always wise to back up this folder before applying a major update, especially if you have a long-running world.

If you use a hosting provider, they typically handle updates automatically, but you may have to trigger them manually from their control panel.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Several issues are common among new server owners.

• Server not appearing in the browser: This is often due to firewall settings. Ensure UDP ports 8211 (game) and 27015 (query) are open, and that your router is forwarding them if you are hosting from home.
• Connection timeout: Check that the server is actually running and that you are using the correct IP address and port. For a local test, use 127.0.0.1:8211.
• World resets or missing characters: This usually happens when the server is not shut down gracefully. Always use the Save command in the console or the in-game admin menu before stopping the server.
• High memory usage: Palworld servers can use several gigabytes of RAM, especially with many players. If the server crashes, consider reducing ServerPlayerMaxNum or upgrading your hardware.

Choosing Between Self-Hosting and a Hosting Provider

Self-hosting gives you full control and costs only your electricity and internet bandwidth. However, it requires a decent CPU, at least 16GB of RAM, and a stable upload speed. If you have a good connection and are comfortable with the command line, self-hosting is a viable option.

Hosting providers offer convenience: they handle updates, backups, and DDoS protection. They also provide a web panel for editing settings. The downside is the monthly cost, which varies by provider and player slots. For a small group of friends, self-hosting is often sufficient. For a public server with dozens of players, a provider is usually more reliable.

Safety and Backup Best Practices

Regular backups are the most important safety measure. Copy the SaveGames folder to a different drive or cloud storage at least once a day if your server is active. You can automate this with a simple script.

Also, set a strong AdminPassword and never share it publicly. Admin commands can delete worlds or ban players. If you open your server to the public, consider using a whitelist or a password to keep out griefers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a Palworld server on a Raspberry Pi?

No. The server requires a 64-bit operating system and at least 4GB of RAM, but even then it will be very slow. The minimum recommended hardware is a modern quad-core CPU and 16GB of RAM.

How do I change the server name and description?

Edit PalWorldSettings.ini and change the ServerName and ServerDescription values. Restart the server for changes to appear in the browser.

Why is my server not showing up in the community server list?

This can be due to port forwarding issues, firewall rules, or the server not being fully started. Check that the server console shows “Server started” and that ports 8211 and 27015 are open.

Can I transfer my single-player world to a dedicated server?

Yes, but it is not straightforward. You need to copy your save files from the single-player location to the server’s SaveGames folder, and the world GUID must match. Many players find it easier to start fresh on a server.

How often does the server need updating?

Updates are released whenever the developers push a new patch. There is no set schedule. Check the official Palworld news or the Steam page for announcements.

What is the difference between a dedicated server and a co-op game?

In co-op, one player hosts the game, and the world only runs when that player is online. A dedicated server runs 24/7, allowing players to join at any time and progress independently.

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