A dedicated Palworld server gives your whole group one persistent world that stays up whether or not the host is online. It also unlocks the full server settings, so you can tune capture rates, day length, difficulty and the player cap. Here is the clean way to do it.
If you would rather not manage SteamCMD and config files by hand, a Vastrox Palworld plan handles the install and updates for you.
Requirements
- A 64-bit Windows or Linux machine
- About 16 GB of RAM for a full lobby (Palworld is memory hungry; 8 GB is the floor for a small group)
- SteamCMD installed
- Ports open: 8211/UDP (game) and optionally 27015/UDP (query)
Step 1: Install the server with SteamCMD
SteamCMD is the command-line tool that downloads dedicated servers. The Palworld server app ID is 2394010:
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 2394010 validate +quit
On Windows, run the same command from your SteamCMD folder. This pulls the latest server build into the install directory.
Step 2: Start it once to generate configs
Launch the server binary (PalServer.sh on Linux, PalServer.exe on Windows). The first launch creates the settings file at:
Pal/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/PalWorldSettings.ini
Stop the server before editing, so your changes are not overwritten on shutdown.
Step 3: Edit PalWorldSettings.ini
This is where you shape the world. The options people change most:
ServerNameandServerDescriptionServerPlayerMaxNum(default 32)AdminPasswordandServerPasswordDeathPenalty(how much you drop when you die)ExpRate,PalCaptureRate,DayTimeSpeedRatefor pacing
Change values inside the single OptionSettings=(...) line, keep the formatting intact, and save.
Always set an
AdminPassword. Without one, anyone who finds the RCON port can run admin commands on your world.
Step 4: Open the ports
Forward 8211/UDP to the server machine. Behind a home router that means a port-forward rule plus a firewall allow. On a managed server the port is already open.
Step 5: Connect
In Palworld, choose Join Multiplayer (Dedicated Server) and enter your-ip:8211. Save it to favorites so you do not retype it.
Keeping it healthy
- Back up the save folder (
Pal/Saved/SaveGames) before every update, because patches can change save formats. - Restart on a schedule. Palworld leaks memory over long uptimes; a nightly restart keeps performance steady.
- Update promptly after a game patch, or players on the new version cannot join.
FAQ
How much RAM does a Palworld server need?
Plan on roughly 8 GB for a few players and 16 GB for a full 32-player world. Memory, not CPU, is usually the limit.
Why can players not see my server?
Almost always a closed UDP port 8211 or a version mismatch after a patch. Check both.
Can I move my single-player world to a dedicated server?
Yes, but it takes manual save copying and is version sensitive. Always test on a copy first.
Want it online now? Deploy a Palworld server and invite your friends in minutes.