Introduction To Palworld Dedicated Server

Palworld drops you into this chaotic, wild open-world survival game where everything revolves around these weird little creatures called Pals. You collect them, fight alongside them, throw them into crafting, stick them on farms, and even make them run your machines. Some of them you ride across mountains or deserts. Others help you dig, build, or just keep you alive when things get messy. It’s not just about catching cute monsters.

It is a full-on mix of survival mechanics, base building, and co-op chaos. And yeah, it gets pretty intense once you start playing with others.

But here’s the thing: if you care about multiplayer, you need to Set up a Palworld Dedicated Server. The game supports up to 32 players, but trying to host from someone’s PC? Laggy. Unstable. Once the host logs off, the world shuts down. That’s where dedicated servers come in. They keep the world running no matter what. No downtime, no host crashes, no random disconnects when things get busy.

And you get full control. PvP settings, creature spawn rates, server mods, everything. You can turn it into a brutal MMO-style warzone or a chill community build server. Your call. That’s what makes it feel like a proper online game, not just a co-op session. Same deal as you’d get running a Rust server or managing a modded Minecraft realm. Except this one’s full of angry penguins and laser-shooting dragons.

If you want the Palworld multiplayer to actually matter, set up a dedicated server. Nothing else comes close.

What is Palworld and How Does Its Dedicated Server Work?

Palworld is a survival game built around creatures (called Pal) collecting, but it’s not soft. You’ve got weather systems, hunger, raids, factions, crafting, and a bunch of chaos happening all the time. It’s like someone mashed Pokémon with ARK: Survival Evolved, threw in factory automation, and flipped the online multiplayer switch.

The Pals aren’t just cute sidekicks. They’re essential. You assign them jobs. Some fight, some farm, and some just carry your equipment while you loot another outpost. The more you rely on them, the deeper the systems get.

A dedicated server in Palworld is exactly what it sounds like. It runs the game world on its own, without depending on anyone’s PC.  That means the world stays online all the time. No host required, no random shutdowns. So instead of someone hosting from their own PC where everything stops the second they log off, the world keeps running. Players can join and leave whenever. Nothing resets or disappears.

This setup is the backbone of any real multiplayer ecosystem. It gives you better stability, higher player caps, and way less lag. But more importantly, it lets you shape your world. You’re not stuck with the default rules. You can crank up enemy difficulty, lock down PvP, boost resource spawns, and install mods. Whatever fits how you want the game to play. It’s not just multiplayer. It’s your multiplayer.

This kind of setup isn’t just for convenience. It’s what makes Palworld feel more like a true MMO. Persistent progression. Real stakes. Social dynamics that keep evolving even when you’re not online. If you’ve played games like ARK: Survival Evolved, Conan Exiles, or hosted Minecraft Realms, you already get it. The server is the game. Everything else is just loading screens.

Advantages over peer-to-peer (P2P) hosting

Peer-to-peer hosting connects players directly to each other’s machines without a central server, meaning one player’s device acts as the host while others join their session. It’s different from a dedicated server, which runs separately and stays online no matter what.

When you’re deciding between a dedicated server or just using peer-to-peer hosting in Palworld, a few things stand out fast. Dedicated servers offer a stronger, more flexible setup that actually holds up when things get busy. Here’s why they’re the better choice:

Stability and uptime

The server runs separately from anyone’s PC, so it stays online no matter who joins or leaves. You don’t lose progress just because the host disconnected. The world keeps running and the Uptime and Reliability is great. That’s what makes it work for long-term play.

Higher player capacity

Dedicated servers can handle up to 32 players without tanking performance. Big groups can play together without lag spikes, disconnects, or slowdowns that usually show up in peer-to-peer games.

Full control over game settings

If you’re hosting the server, you decide how it works. Change the player cap, turn PvP on or off, adjust how fast stuff spawns, give mod permissions—whatever fits how your group wants to play. You make the rules.

Improved network performance and reduced lag

Since everything runs through one central server instead of bouncing between players, you get less lag and better response times. The whole thing just feels smoother and more reliable, especially when a lot’s going on at once.

Enhanced security and protection

Dedicated Palworld servers usually usually come with real security features. We’re talking DDoS protection, firewalls, regular backups, the works. These help block attacks and stop data from getting wiped. Hosting providers also throw in malware scanners and access controls so random people can’t mess with your server. Compared to running it from home or relying on peer-to-peer, it’s just way safer.

Scalability and easy upgrades

As your world gets busier, you’ll need more power. Dedicated servers make that easy. Most hosts let you upgrade CPU, RAM, storage, or bandwidth fast, sometimes instantly. No downtime, no stress. Start small, then level up as your player base grows or you start running bigger events. The performance holds steady, even when things get hectic.

Convenient server management tools

You don’t have to be a server admin wizard to run one. Most hosting platforms give you a simple control panel with everything laid out. Start or stop the server with one click, check logs, manage admins with SteamID, track performance, and set up automatic backups. It saves time and headaches, so you can focus on actually playing the game.

If you’re serious about building a consistent multiplayer world in Palworld, a dedicated server isn’t optional. It’s the only way to keep things stable, flexible, and actually worth logging into every day.

Use cases:

Dedicated servers in Palworld make a huge difference for multiplayer. They give players what they actually need: stability, flexibility, and control. Here’s where they really shine:

• If you’re running a private world, a dedicated server keeps it locked down. No random players popping in. No connection dies when someone logs out. Just your group, your rules, always online.
• Clans and organized teams use them for a reason. When you’re running raids, PvP tournaments, or scheduled events, you can’t have a server flaking out mid-match. You need uptime that doesn’t quit and performance that holds steady when things get chaotic.
• Want to adjust how the game works? Dedicated servers let you mess with PvP settings, tweak resource spawn rates, or fine-tune how fast stuff respawns. That kind of control matters when you’re trying to keep things fair or push a certain playstyle.
• Modded servers are a whole other beast. You can add new items, creatures, building systems, or whatever your group wants to try. This is where Palworld starts to feel like something totally custom.
• And because the server’s not tied to someone’s personal PC, mods actually run well. Less crashing, fewer weird bugs, and  no one has to wait around for someone else to boot up the game.

Dedicated servers make multiplayer in Palworld feel solid. Doesn’t matter if it’s casual friends hanging out or a hardcore group chasing rankings. If you care about how the game runs, this is the way to do it.

Prerequisites and System Requirements for Setting Up a Palworld Dedicated Server

To run a Palworld dedicated server smoothly and reliably, the server has to meet a few basic requirements across the Operating System, hardware, and network.

Supported Platforms

You can host a Palworld server on either Windows or Linux, as long as it’s a 64-bit system. Windows 10 works. So does Ubuntu or AlmaLinux if you’re going the Linux route. You’ll need Steam or SteamCMD to install and manage it. You can run it through the regular Steam client, or get more hands-on with SteamCMD commands. There’s also a Docker image if you want to keep things tidy and scriptable.

Recommended Hardware Specs

• CPU: Bare minimum is a quad-core. But realistically, you want something newer with decent single-core performance. Think 4 cores or more, ideally clocked above 3.5GHz. That helps a lot when the server’s juggling players and AI Pals at the same time.
• RAM: 8GB might work if you’re just testing with a couple of friends. But don’t rely on it. You’ll run into crashes if things get busy. If you’re aiming for something stable for 10–30 players, go with 16GB. If you’re modding heavily or hosting a big world, 32GB is a safer bet.
• Storage: You need at least 40GB of SSD space. Not just for the game files, but to make sure the world loads fast and saves don’t lag. NVMe is even better. Just don’t run it off a spinning HDD unless you want pain.
• Network Setup: You need a solid connection with decent upload speed. Doesn’t have to be enterprise-level, but it has to hold steady. Port forwarding is non-negotiable. Make sure port 8211, both TCP and UDP, is open on your router. If you skip this step, nobody’s connecting from outside your LAN.
• Use a static public IP. If your IP keeps changing, players won’t be able to find your server unless you keep updating them with the new address. Not worth the hassle.

Preparing Your Environment

Before you start hosting a Palworld dedicated server, you need to figure out how you’re actually going to run it. Your setup depends on how comfortable you are with managing servers, and how stable you want the experience to be.

• Self-Hosting on Your Own PC: Running the server locally is the fastest and cheapest way to start. You control everything, no middleman. But your PC has to stay on 24/7. Your internet needs to be stable. You’ll probably need to open router ports. It’s fine for testing or small groups, but not great for uptime or big sessions. Weak hardware or flaky Wi-Fi will cause problems.
• Renting a VPS or Dedicated Game Server: This is better if you want something stable. A VPS gives you dedicated CPU, RAM, and bandwidth. It’s more reliable than your home setup. You still install and manage the server, but once it’s up, it stays up. Great for long-term Palworld hosting, especially with mods or active players.

Using Game Hosting Providers with Game Panels: Don’t want to deal with setup? Use a provider. ARZ host, Hostinger Game Panel, Host Havoc, DatHost, GTXGaming, they offer Palworld hosting with browser-based controls. You get DDoS protection, auto-updates, backups, and mod support, all without touching code. Pay monthly, click a few buttons, and you’re live.

Installing Steam and SteamCMD

You’ll need one of two tools to install the Palworld server. Both are from Valve, and they’re used to pull the game server files from Steam’s backend. Which one you use depends on how you’re hosting.

• Steam Client: If you’re on Windows and already have Steam installed, you can use it to download and manage the Palworld server through the normal interface. This is easier for beginners and works fine on personal PCs. It’s point-and-click. Just install it like any other Steam game.

SteamCMD: This one’s for command line users. SteamCMD is a lightweight terminal tool that lets you install and update game servers without a GUI. You’ll want this if you’re running a headless Linux server, or if you’re automating anything. Most VPS setups use this. It’s fast and reliable, but you’ll need to type out some commands.

Set Up SteamCMD on Windows

• Download SteamCMD from Valve’s official page.
• Extract the folder and run steamcmd.exe. It’ll update itself for the first time.
• When it loads, type: login anonymous
• Set your install location:
  
  force_install_dir C:\Palworld-Server
  
• Download the server files:
  
  app_update 2394010 validate
  
• Type quit when it’s done.

Set Up SteamCMD on Linux

• Update everything first:
  
  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade –
  
• Add 32-bit support and install SteamCMD:
  
  sudo dpkg –add-architecture i386  
  

sudo apt install lib32gcc-s1 software-properties-common steamcmd -y  

• Start SteamCMD by just typing steamcmd
• Log in anonymously
• Set your install dir and pull the server files (same commands as above)
• Use screen or tmux if you want to keep the server running after closing your SSH session.

Running on macOS

Palworld doesn’t natively support macOS for server hosting. If you’re on Mac, your best bet is using virtualization software or CrossOver to create a Windows-like environment. Once that’s up, follow the Windows steps inside the virtual machine.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide of Palworld Dedicated Server

Setting up your Palworld dedicated server isn’t complicated, but it does require a few technical steps done in the right order. This section walks you through everything from installing the game files to configuring your network and launching the server. Follow each part carefully to make sure your server is stable, secure, and ready for players to connect.

1. Installing Palworld and the Dedicated Server

Start by launching Palworld once: Before doing anything with the server, go ahead and open the game through your Steam account and let it run. You don’t need to actually play; just launching it once is enough. This makes sure all the required game files are in place.Now install the dedicated server: There are two ways to do this, depending on what you’re using. If you’re on Windows and have Steam installed with a GUI, here’s the easy route:

If you’re using Steam (Windows):

• Open Steam and log in
• In your Library, set the filter to show Tools
• Search for Palworld Dedicated Server
• Click Install

That’ll download everything you need for hosting on Windows.

If you’re using SteamCMD (Linux or a server without a GUI):

• Fire up SteamCMD
• At the prompt, run:

steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit  

That pulls down the latest version of the dedicated server using an anonymous login and then closes SteamCMD when it’s done.

Where the files land:

By default, here’s where you’ll find your Palworld server files after install:

• On Windows:
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\PalServer
• On Linux:
• ~/Steam/steamapps/common/PalServer

Starting the server:

Open your terminal or command prompt and move into the folder where the server’s installed:

• Windows:

cd “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\PalServer”

• Linux:

cd ~/Steam/steamapps/common/PalServer

Then launch it:

• Windows: PalServer.exe
• Linux: ./PalServer.sh

This boots up the console and starts your Palworld dedicated server. Give it a moment, it’ll get everything ready for hosting your world.

2. Generating Initial Server Configuration

Before you can start tweaking settings, you’ll need the server to create its default config files. Just launch the server once and let it run for a couple of minutes. That’s enough for it to initialize and auto-generate everything it needs.

Where the configuration files live:

Inside your server’s install directory, you’ll see two key files pop up:

• DefaultPalworldSettings.ini: This one’s just a template. It holds the standard default settings the game comes with.
  
• PalworldSettings.ini: This is the actual config file the server uses when it runs. At first, it’ll be mostly empty or very basic, so you’ll need to edit this one to set up your preferred rules, options, and tweaks.
  

3.  Configuring Server Settings

Get your config file ready:

To safely set up your Palworld server, open both DefaultPalworldSettings.ini and PalworldSettings.ini in a text editor. You can use something simple like Notepad on Windows or nano if you’re on Linux.

Copy over the default settings:

Look at the DefaultPalworldSettings.ini file and scroll down to line 4—skip the header. Copy everything from there and paste it into PalworldSettings.ini. This gives you a clean, complete set of settings to start from, so you’re not building the config from scratch.

Key configurable parameters in PalworldSettings.ini:

Parameter	Description	Example/Default
ServerName	Name players will see for your server	My Palworld Server
MaxPlayers	How many people can connect at once	32
PVP enabled/disabled	Toggle PvP mode on or off	True or False
ServerPort	Port your server listens on	8211
AdminPassword	Password for admin access	YourSecurePassword
MaxWorkers	Sets number of AI workers or background threads	16
ResourceSpawnRates	Adjust how often stuff like trees, ores, etc. spawn	Custom numeric values

4. Editing tips:

• On Windows, just open the file in something simple like Notepad or Notepad++. Avoid using Word or any rich-text editor, since they can mess with the file formatting.
• On Linux, stick to terminal editors like nano or vim. For example:

nano PalworldSettings.ini

• Always save a backup before you start editing. That way, if something breaks, you can just revert to the original without digging yourself into a mess.

5. Save changes and restart the server:

After making changes:

• Save the file
• Stop your server if it’s already running
• Then restart it using either PalServer.exe or ./PalServer.sh, depending on your Operating System

Your new settings will load when the server boots up again. That’s all you need to start tweaking your Palworld experience.

Network Configuration for Accessibility

If you want your Palworld server to be reachable from outside your home network, your setup needs to be airtight. That means forwarding the right ports, opening up the firewall just enough, and making sure your server’s actually reachable from the outside. This stuff isn’t hard, but you do have to get it right or nobody’s getting in.

1. Setting Up Port Forwarding on Your Router

If you want people outside your network to join your Palworld server, you’ll need to forward port 8211 (both TCP and UDP) to the computer running the server. Here’s how to do that:

• First, find your router’s IP address. It’s usually printed on the router somewhere, or you can check your network settings.
• Open a browser and type that IP into the address bar to access the router’s admin page.
• Log in with your router username and password (again, usually printed on the router or in its manual).
• Look for a section called Port Forwarding or Virtual Servers.

Now set up a new forwarding rule :

• Service Name: Call it something like “Palworld Server” or whatever you want
• Protocol: Choose TCP/UDP (or just “All” if that’s an option)
• External Port: 8211
• Internal Port: 8211
• Internal IP: This is your server’s local IP address. On Windows, run ipconfig in Command Prompt. On Linux, use ifconfig or ip a

Once that’s done, save the changes. Some routers might need a reboot to apply the new settings.

2. Set Up Your Firewall to Let Players In

On Windows:

• Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
• Add two new inbound rules—one for TCP and one for UDP—both on port 8211
• Also, make sure the Palworld server app (like PalServer.exe) is allowed through the firewall

On Linux (using UFW):

• Open your terminal and run:

sudo ufw allow 8211/tcp  

sudo ufw allow 8211/udp  

• Then double-check that UFW is active:

sudo ufw enable

3. Precautions When Configuring Firewalls

Do not block SSH:

If you’re managing your Palworld server on a Linux machine over SSH, do not touch port 22. That’s the default port SSH uses, and if you block it, you’ll lock yourself out. Always double-check that port 22 is still open before enabling or updating firewall rules.

Avoid opening unnecessary ports:

Only open the ports the server actually needs. In Palworld’s case, that’s 8211 for both TCP and UDP. No reason to leave extra ports exposed—it just increases the chances of someone messing with your server.

4. Testing Connectivity

Local check:

• First, test from the machine itself or another one on your local network. Use either the loopback address:

127.0.0.1:8211

• Or your server’s internal IP, like:

192.168.x.x:8211

Remote check:

• Now test from a completely different network using your public IP address. Just search “what’s my IP” in a browser from the server, and plug that into:

<Your Public IP>:8211

You can use an online port checker or something like Telnet to see if 8211 is open. If everything’s set up right, you’ll be able to confirm your server is reachable from outside. Once this works, players should be able to connect from anywhere without issues.

Launching and Managing Your Palworld Server

Whether you’re hosting for friends or running a public server, this part is all about getting Palworld up and running smoothly. You’ll start the server, tweak settings if needed, monitor performance, and learn how to restart or shut things down without breaking anything.

1. Starting the Server

To get your server running, go to the Palworld install directory.

• On Windows, just double-click PalServer.exe or run it from a terminal.
• On Linux, open a terminal in the server directory and run: ./PalServer.sh

Once it starts, you’ll see a live log feed showing what the server is doing—player joins, world activity, errors, etc.

2. Optional Command-Line Flags

You can customize how the server runs by adding flags when launching it. These let you change settings on the fly, without editing config files.

• -port 8300 sets a custom port.
• -players 24 changes the max number of players allowed.
• -useperfthreads improves performance by using multiple threads (useful for larger servers or better hardware).

Example:

PalServer.exe -port 8300 -players 24 -useperfthreads

The same thing works on Linux:

./PalServer.sh -port 8300 -players 24 -useperfthreads

3. Watching Server Logs

Keep the terminal or console open while the server is running. That’s where you’ll see real-time updates about what’s happening. It helps you catch issues early, such as connection problems, errors, and performance warnings.

If you’re planning to run the server long-term, consider logging that output to a file or using a script that monitors logs for problems and sends alerts.

4. Restarting and Shutting Down Safely

To restart, do this:

• Press Ctrl + C in the terminal (or use an in-game admin shutdown command, if available).
• Wait for the server to close and save.
• Relaunch it with your usual command or flags.

To shut down:

Same thing, use Ctrl + C or the in-game command if supported. Avoid killing the process through Task Manager or kill -9 unless it’s absolutely stuck. Forced shutdowns can corrupt data or lose player progress.

If you’re using screen or tmux on Linux to keep the server running in the background:

• Use Ctrl + A + D to detach safely.
• Reattach later to check on the server.
• Always shut it down properly from inside the session.

Connecting to Your Dedicated Server

To join your Palworld Dedicated Server, players just launch Palworld, go to the main menu, and hit Join Multiplayer Game. That’s where they’ll plug in the server details in this format:

IP address:port, for example, 123.45.67.89:8211 if it’s an online server, or 127.0.0.1:8211 if they’re on the same machine (LAN/local).

If they’re on the same Wi-Fi as you, they’ll use your local IP.  If they’re connecting over the internet, they’ll need your public IP. The port stays the same; 8211 is the default for Palworld.

How Players Join:

1. Open Palworld
2. Click Join Multiplayer Game
3. Type the IP and port at the bottom
4. Click Connect
5. Pick or create a character and hop in

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

• Wrong IP or Port: Double-check that the address players are using is right.  If your IP changed recently or someone typed it wrong, that’s probably it.
• Firewall Settings: The server needs port 8211 open for both TCP and UDP. On Windows, check Defender. On Linux, look at UFW or whatever firewall you’re using. And make sure your router is forwarding that port to the server’s local IP.
• Server Might Be Down: Double-check the server’s running. Might sound obvious, but it happens. Make sure PalServer.exe (Windows) or PalServer.sh (Linux) didn’t crash or freeze. Restart it if needed.
• Test it yourself first. On the host machine, try joining with 127.0.0.1:8211. Then grab another device on your network and connect using your local IP. That helps you rule out most of the common issues fast.. If it works locally but fails for people outside, it’s almost always a firewall or port forwarding problem.

Getting these things right helps your friends (and anyone else you invite) connect smoothly, so you can just focus on playing.

Conclusion

Setting up your own Palworld server means you’re in charge. You decide how the game feels, whether it’s laid-back co-op, competitive fights, or something entirely your own. You can tweak the rules, mess around with mods, and fine-tune everything so it fits the way your group plays.

Once it’s all running clean, it just works. No lag, no weird glitches. Just smooth gameplay and way more time actually playing with your friends. Having your own space also makes it easier to build a real community. You can organize events, bring in new players, and create moments that stick.

If you’ve figured something out or have a setup that works well, share it. Whether it’s on Discord, Reddit, or wherever the Palworld crowd is talking, your tips could really help someone who’s just getting started.

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FAQs

Can I run a Palworld server on Linux?

Yeah, no problem. Palworld dedicated servers work fine on 64-bit Linux setups like Ubuntu or AlmaLinux. Most people use SteamCMD to install and manage it, which is solid if you’re running a headless VPS or something without a desktop. Easy to script, easy to automate. Just make sure the machine meets the basic hardware requirements, or the server’s gonna choke.

What is the max number of players on a dedicated server?

Palworld caps out at 32 players per server right now. That’s the limit. If you’re going to push it that far, you’ll want at least 16 GB of RAM and a decent CPU. Especially if the world’s got a lot going on like Pals, bases, PvP, all that. Multiplayer chaos stacks up quickly.

Do I need a separate game copy for the dedicated server?

Yes. You’re not running the game itself; you’re running the server version that comes through Steam’s tools. Either grab it through the Steam client on Windows or use SteamCMD if you’re on Linux. It’s completely separate from the game install and doesn’t require logging into the game or launching it manually.

How to secure my server from unauthorized access?

Start by setting an AdminPassword in your PalworldSettings.ini file. That stops random people from taking admin control. Also, make sure your firewall only allows traffic on port 8211 (TCP and UDP). Don’t open anything else unless you need to. If you’re on Linux, use UFW. If you’re on Windows, lock it down through Defender. And please don’t run your server as root. You already know better. Keep your server software up to date, and if it’s exposed to the internet, maybe use IP whitelisting or just don’t advertise it.

How often should I update the server software?

Check for updates anytime Palworld pushes a new patch. That’s usually when bugs get fixed and new stuff gets added, but more importantly, it keeps your multiplayer server from acting weird or crashing. Use SteamCMD or the Steam client to update, depending on how you installed it. Best to update during off-hours when nobody’s online. Save the world first. Always. Don’t be the guy who loses everyone’s progress because you restarted without a backup.

Read More:

• What Is The Difference Between Managed And Unmanaged VPS?
• What Can I Host on a VPS?
• Who Needs VPS Hosting?
• What are the Advantages of using VPS Hosting?
• Why Should I Choose VPS Hosting Over Dedicated Hosting?