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How to Set Up a Palworld Dedicated Server

A Palworld dedicated server gives your group a persistent world that stays online whether or not any player is actively connected. Bases keep producing, Pals keep working, and friends can drop in whenever they have time. This guide covers everything from hardware requirements to crossplay configuration so you can get your server running quickly.

Why a Dedicated Server?​

Palworld supports co-op through invite codes, but that approach has limitations. The host must be online for anyone to play, performance depends on the host's hardware, and the world shuts down the moment the host disconnects. A dedicated server removes all of these constraints. It runs independently, handles more players, and keeps your world alive around the clock.

System Requirements​

Palworld's dedicated server is more resource-hungry than many other survival games. Plan accordingly.

Minimum (1-8 Players)​

  • CPU: 4 cores at 3.0 GHz or higher
  • RAM: 16 GB (the server alone uses 8-12 GB under load)
  • Storage: 40 GB on SSD
  • Network: 10 Mbps upload minimum
  • OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) or 64-bit Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, or similar)
  • CPU: 4-6 cores at 3.5 GHz or higher
  • RAM: 32 GB
  • Storage: 40 GB on NVMe SSD
  • Network: 25 Mbps upload or higher

The high RAM requirement is not optional. Palworld loads significant world data into memory, and servers that drop below available RAM will experience severe lag or crash outright.

Port Configuration​

Palworld requires two ports to be open and forwarded:

  • Port 8211 (UDP): Main game server port
  • Port 27015 (TCP/UDP): Steam query port for server browser visibility

Forward both ports through your router and create inbound firewall rules for them on the server machine.

Installation via SteamCMD​

Step 1: Install SteamCMD​

Download and install SteamCMD from the official Valve developer site. This is a command-line tool for downloading and updating game server files.

Step 2: Download Server Files​

Run these commands in the SteamCMD console:

login anonymous
app_update 2394010 validate
quit

App ID 2394010 is the Palworld Dedicated Server. No game ownership is required on the account running SteamCMD.

Step 3: Configure Server Settings​

Navigate to the server installation directory. Copy DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini to Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini (Linux) or Pal/Saved/Config/WindowsServer/PalWorldSettings.ini (Windows). This is your active configuration file.

Key settings to configure:

ServerName=Your Server Name
ServerDescription=Your server description
AdminPassword=YourAdminPassword
ServerPassword=YourPlayerPassword
ServerPlayerMaxNum=16
PublicIP=your.public.ip.address
PublicPort=8211
RCONEnabled=true
RCONPort=25575

Set a strong AdminPassword for in-game server management. The ServerPassword is what players enter to join, so share it only with your group.

Step 4: Enable Crossplay (Optional)​

Since the March 2025 crossplay update, Palworld supports cross-platform play between Steam, Xbox, PS5, and Mac. To enable it on your dedicated server, add the -crossplay flag to your startup command and set the appropriate option in your server configuration.

Note that crossplay must be enabled at the server level. Players cannot join a non-crossplay server from a different platform.

Step 5: Launch the Server​

On Windows, run PalServer.exe with your desired launch arguments:

PalServer.exe -port=8211 -players=16 -useperfthreads -NoAsyncLoadingThread -UseMultithreadForDS

On Linux:

./PalServer.sh -port=8211 -players=16 -useperfthreads -NoAsyncLoadingThread -UseMultithreadForDS

The -useperfthreads and threading flags help optimize CPU utilization across multiple cores.

Essential Server Administration​

RCON Access​

With RCON enabled, you can manage the server remotely. Connect with any RCON client using the port and admin password you configured. Key commands include:

  • /Save -- Force a world save
  • /Broadcast message -- Send a message to all players
  • /KickPlayer steamid -- Remove a player from the server
  • /BanPlayer steamid -- Permanently ban a player
  • /Shutdown seconds message -- Graceful shutdown with warning

Backup Strategy​

Palworld save data is stored in the Pal/Saved/SaveGames directory. Back up this entire folder regularly. At minimum, schedule daily automated backups. Before any server update or configuration change, create a manual backup first.

Save corruption is rare but devastating. A solid backup routine is the single most important maintenance task for any dedicated server.

Scheduled Restarts​

Palworld servers benefit significantly from regular restarts. Memory usage increases over time, particularly on servers with many active bases and Pals. Schedule restarts every 4-6 hours for high-population servers or at least once daily for smaller groups. Use the RCON shutdown command with a warning message so players can save and prepare.

Updating the Server​

Palworld patches can arrive frequently. Keep your server current by running the SteamCMD update command:

login anonymous
app_update 2394010 validate
quit

Always stop the server before updating and create a backup of your save data. Version mismatches between client and server will prevent players from connecting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues​

Players cannot connect: Verify port forwarding for both 8211 (UDP) and 27015 (TCP/UDP). Check that your firewall allows inbound connections on both ports. Confirm the server password is being entered correctly.

Server crashes on startup: This almost always indicates insufficient RAM. Verify that 16 GB or more is available to the server process. On shared machines, check that other applications are not consuming the memory the server needs.

Lag and rubberbanding: Usually caused by insufficient RAM, high player counts relative to hardware, or overbuilt bases.

Whether you go the self-hosted route or opt for managed hosting, a dedicated Palworld server unlocks the game's full potential for your group. Your Pals will keep working, your bases will keep producing, and the Palpagos Islands will always be ready when you are.